Papajohns.com Bowl Preview

Papajohns.com Bowl
NC State vs Rutgers
Monday, December 29, 3:00
on ESPN
Legion Field - Birmingham, Alabama

Why you should watch:

• Both teams are playing very well lately
  
• It's the only game on this afternoon
  
• What else are you going to do after work?
• Enjoy happy hour with a little college football
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• You might still be at work when this kicks off....that sucks
  
• To our West Coast readers....you might be at work for the entire game....that really sucks
• Neither of these teams were any good at the beginning of the year
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
NC State:

• 6-6 (4-4)
  
• 6th bowl game in the last 10 years (4-1); 1st since 2005
  
• Won 4 straight games
  
• 2-3 away from home this season (won their last 2)
  

Rutgers:

• 7-5 (5-2)
  
• 4th straight bowl game (2-1)
  
• Won 6 straight games
  
• 2-3 away from home this season (won their last 2)
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
NC State:

• Offensively they are not a strong team. Middle of the road in every major category.
  
• Defensively they are not a strong team. Middle of the road in every major category.
  
• QB Russell Wilson (freshman) has thrown for 16 touchdowns and ONLY 1 interception all season. He is also a running threat with 342 yards on the ground this year.
• LB Nate Irving leads the team in interceptions with 4. He also has 1 sack and 3 passes defensed.
  

Rutgers:

• Offensively they are a passing team. They average 266 yards per game through the air.
  
• Defensively they are good at stopping the pass, allowing only 185 yards per game.
  
• QB Mike Teel makes this offense go. He struggled early in the season but has 1,737 yards and 20 touchdowns in the last 5 games.
  
• WR Kenny Britt has 81 catches for 1,252 yards. He has scored 7 touchdowns.
  

Who Wins:

Rutgers....Both teams are playing very good right now and this should be an interesting game. Wilson gives NC State a chance to win since he doesn't turn the ball over but Rutgers doesn't need turnovers to win. They have only picked off 7 passes all year so a quarterback who doesn't throw picks shouldn't hinder them at all. Teel might throw for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in his final game.