I would argue that the most important factor of handicapping a bowl game is to figure out the motivation levels of each program. While Coastal Carolina is not a big-name school, it certainly had higher aspirations than the Cure Bowl. Northern Illinois was counted out before the season even kicked off, so it will be fully engaged in this opportunity. Northern Illinois is a team that went 0-6 and they were the SECOND youngest team in CFB this year with 81 freshmen on the roster so the progression of better play throughout the season was expected. The Huskies still went 8-4 with tough losses to Wyoming, Michigan, W Mich and Kent St ALL TEAMS playing in bowls. Coastal Carolina played the #148 schedule - that’s right they are 130 FBS teams so it was a weak schedule. Coastal was in this same bowl Last Year so it has to be less exciting for the players. Lastly, College Bowl Dogs of 10.5 or more are 67% ATS since 2013