A 9-4 Frank Solich led Ohio team faces off against the 6-6 Marshall Thundering Randy Mosses in a bowl game today. It’s called the Little Caesars Bowl.

Jeebus.

Pass the crazy bread if you’re super hyped about this game. But, if you’re like me and you looked at the damage Guitar Hero and an Xbox 360 Elite exacted on your checking account, you need some money making action, and this is the earliest bowl game of the day.

Where: Detroit, MI Ford Field

When: December 26, 12:00 Central on ESPN

Line History: Opened at 3.5 but down to 3 across the board. Total is 49.

Trips Rights’ Blind Line: I made Marshall a 2.5 point favorite provided running back Darius Marshall was playing. He’s playing.

The Computer’s Pick: Huck’s computer really likes Ohio on yards per play basis and thinks the line is right on a power basis. I think Huck’s Computer is a MAC homer because it was manufactured in Flint, Michigan.

Conference Strength: Conference USA gets the nod. SMU boatracing WAC powerhouse Nevada makes me even more confident here.http://fadinglasvegas.fantake.com/2009/12/26/bowl-preview-8-meineke-car-care-bowl/marsh

When Marshall has the ball.
For most of the year, everything the Herd did started and ended with stud running back Darius Marshall. If you haven’t seen him play this year you’re in for a treat. The kid is a terrific athlete that runs hard on every down. The problem for Marshall, player and team, was that Darius has been dinged for most of the year, but he should be close to 100% for this ballgame. The good news for Marshall backers is that his backups, Martin Ward and Terrell Edwards-Maye ran it pretty well in the team’s last two conference games when Darius Marshall was out. Junior QB Brian Anderson has played pretty well on the season averaging nearly 7 yards per attempt, but a 14 TD 13 Interception type season has done little to take the pressure off of the Herd Rushing attack. Senior TE Cody Slate had 50 receptions on the year and before his injury he was flanked on the outside by a pair of freshman wideouts who shouldn’t be playing like freshmen anymore. Freshman receiver Antavious Wilson, who sounds fast, leads the team with 57 receptions.

The Ohio Bobcats give up just 3.9 yards per rush, but at a closer glance, they seem to have struggled with solid rushing attacks both in and out of conference. I’d be surprised if Ohio held the Herd to under their 4 yards per carry average because the Herd play a significantly tougher schedule and their big horse should be healthy while their stable of running backs have gotten valuable playing time and should be ready to step in. The key to this side of the ball is how efficiently QB Brian Anderson plays. If he can complete passes on all the third and manageables he’s presented with, keeping the chains moving, the Herd have an excellent chance for the upset.

When Ohio has the ball. Everything runs through dual threat QB Theo Scott. He’s got a good group of backs and receivers to throw to out of the spread attack. Marshall sees the spread passing attack week in and week out in CUSA but they’re giving up over 7 yards per attempt on the year. Theo Scott is going to have success against the Herd secondary, and while he’s not going to present anything Marshall hasn’t seen every Saturday in conference, nothing the Herd defense has done in the past indicates they’ll be able to stop the Bobcats.

Intangibles: I have to give the slightest edge to Ohio because they’re playing in the same facility that hosted their MAC championship game. That typed, I don’t know who’ll be more or less excited to here in this game.

Prediction: I lean slightly to Ohio minus the 3 here, but I like the game to go over the 48.5. Call it 31 to 27 Ohio.

The bet. Ohio minus 3 for one half unit. Over 48.5 for two units.

Good luck on your action.