SUNDAY
Florida International (6-6) vs. Toledo (8-4), 8:30 p.m., ESPN
Line: Toledo by 1 1/2.
Series Record: Tied 1-1.
Last Meeting: 2009, Toledo 41, FIU 31.
What’s at Stake:
FIU is in its first bowl, an impressive accomplishment for a program three years removed from the end of a 23-game losing streak. Toledo narrowly missed qualifying for the Mid-American Conference title game and will try to build momentum for next season. There’s also the matter of bragging rights between the MAC and the Sun Belt Conference. The leagues are matched up in three bowls this season. Troy already scored one for the Sun Belt with a win over Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl.
Key Matchup
FIU’s T.Y. Hilton against Toledo’s Eric Page. These two receivers are both dangerous not only as pass catchers but as kick returners. Page has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this season.
Players to watch
FIU: RB Darriet Perry has rushed for 707 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He set the school record for TDs rushing in a season.
Toledo: QB Terrance Owens has been impressive filling in for Austin Dantin, who hurt his shoulder in late October. Owens has completed 60 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns with two interceptions.
Facts & Figures
Toledo is playing in this bowl for the fourth time, although it was called the Motor City Bowl for the previous three visits. Toledo won in 2001 and lost in 2002 and 2004. … FIU won six games this season after winning a total of nine from 2006-09. … This is Toledo’s first bowl since 2005. … Page has caught 94 passes this season for the Rockets. … FIU offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield was previously a quarterbacks coach at Toledo. … The Rockets have forced 33 turnovers this season. … Toledo’s 7-1 mark in conference play equaled its best since going 7-0-1 in 1995.
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