Since taking over in 2009 at Marshall, Doc Holliday is 4-0 straight-up in bowl games. He previously worked 22 bowls as an assistant coach. Meaning, he knows how to prepare a squad for a postseason encounter, as opposed to recent C-State staffs. The Rams have covered in just two of their past seven bowl outings, and existing coach Mike Bobo is 0-2 outright.

NEW MEXICO BOWL(Albuquerque, N.M.): Colorado State didn't evolve into the buzzsaw that many football observers predicted. But the Rams were still a top 10 offense in total yardage and average a respectable 34 points per game. They were one of the biggest no-shows of the bowl season last year, and should be determined to avoid a repeat performance against Marshall on Saturday. The Herd have been effective on the defensive side, but against weaker competition and they should lack the firepower to keep pace in this one.

NEW MEXICO BOWL (Albuquerque, NM) -- This is a great matchup between terrific offensive attacks. Ball security will be the biggest X-factor in this game. It would behoove the Thundering Herd to lean more on their ground game as Colorado State can be had in that capacity. That?ll be what keeps this one very close. Grab the points with Marshall.

NEW MEXICO BOWL (Albuquerque, NM) -- Marshall comes into the New Mexico Bowl in poor form, having dropped four of its last five games. I don't think the Thundering Herd, despite their quality defense, can keep pace with Colorado State's impressive trio: QB Nick Stevens (29 TDs), RB Dalyn Dawkins (6.2 yards per carry) and WR Michael Gallup (1,345 yards, 7 TDs). In my simulations, the Rams are covering 61 percent of the time. Lay the points.