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St. Petersburg Bowl At A Glance

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2008

SOUTH FLORIDA (7-5, 2-5 BIG EAST) VS. MEMPHIS (6-6, 4-4 C-USA)

AT STAKE

A USF win would help lessen some of the disappointment from this season that began with the school's first preseason AP Top 25 ranking and ended with a sixth-place finish in the Big East. A Memphis win would be huge for the Tigers and would end their four-year winless streak against BCS opponents.

KEEP ON EYE ON

USF - The Bulls offense hopes to break out after ending the regular season by scoring 20 or fewer points in five consecutive games. Memphis' defense, which ranks 66th nationally allowing 26 points per game, could be the perfect antidote for USF's offense.

MEMPHIS - Behind RB Curtis Steele, the Tigers are averaging 239 yards rushing the last five games, compared to 181 yards rushing in their first seven games. If the Tigers can establish a consistent running game, they could give the Bulls trouble.

KEY STAT

The Tigers are playing their fourth bowl game in a dome since 2003 - they are 2-1. This will be USF's third game in the program's 12 years in a dome. USF defeated Syracuse both times at the Carrier Dome in 2005 and 2007.

INJURY UPDATE

USF - K Justin Teachey (quad), FS Danny Verpaele (foot), LB Brouce Mompremier (head) and RG Matt Huners (ineligible) are out.

MEMPHIS - TE Brett Russell (ineligible) is out.

KEY MATCHUP

USF has not exceeded 200 yards rushing as a team since defeating Syracuse on Oct. 18, but it hopes to expose a porous Memphis defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry and has allowed four backs to top 100 yards this season.

PREDICTION

USF 28, Memphis 21

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