Fight Hunger Bowl capsule
UNR (12-1) VS. Boston College (7-5)
■ WHEN: 6 p.m. today
■ WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco
■ TV: ESPN (Mark Jones, play-by-play; Bob Davie and Rod Gilmore, analysts)
■ LINE: UNR -8; total 55
■ RECORDS VS. BOWL TEAMS: UNR 3-1, Boston College 2-5
■ NCAA SCHEDULE STRENGTH: UNR 103rd, Boston College 65th
■ BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RANKINGS: UNR 15th, Boston College unranked
■ OFFICIATING CREW: From the Big 12
■ COACHES: UNR, Chris Ault (1-6 in bowls); Boston College, Frank Spaziani (1-1 in bowls)
■ WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: This game features one of the nation's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks (UNR's Colin Kaepernick) and the NCAA's leading tackler (Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly). It's also the next-to-last bowl of the season. And after the NFL playoffs end for the day, this one should be a nice nightcap.
■ KEY STATS: BC comes in on a five-game winning streak and has the nation's No. 1 rush defense (80.2 ypg). UNR has the nation's No. 3 rush offense (305.9 ypg).
■ X-FACTOR: How healthy is BC running back Montel Harris? The Eagles aren't good enough to beat UNR unless they're running the ball effectively. While Andre Williams has done an outstanding job filling in for Harris, the Eagles need their best back to be in his best condition.
■ UNR WILL WIN IF: UNR has a great shot to win if it takes an early lead. BC has a suspect passing game, and UNR should be playing in front of a partisan crowd. If the Wolf Pack pull ahead and force BC into passing situations, they should be in good shape.
■ BOSTON COLLEGE WILL WIN IF: The Eagles need their rushing attack to control the clock and keep Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua on the sideline. BC freshman quarterback Chase Rettig has a bright future, but he's probably not far enough along to win this game on his own. He needs to lean heavily on his running backs.
■ PREDICTION: UNR 24, Boston College 17
STEVE MEGARGEE/RIVALS.COM
