Rice is in bad form getting blown out by Marshall 41-14 and by Louisiana Tech 76-31 in two of its last three games. The Owls gave up the last 41 points in their loss to Louisiana Tech, which was their last game. That's not a good way to enter a bowl game.

Rice also was blown out by Mississippi State, 44-7, in its bowl game last season.

Fresno State has played well for the most part since an 0-3 start. The Bulldogs have much to prove with a poor bowl history and being the only under .500 team playing in a bowl game. The Bulldogs played the stronger schedule, have a talent edge and I see them motivated and getting the job done.

It's a plus for the Bulldogs to have played at Aloha Stadium - with the many distractions of being in the islands - during the last two seasons.