GASPARILLA BOWL (St. Petersburg, Fla.) -- Welcome to the rare bowl where the total has dropped, even if by just a half-point. The public, mindful of how many postseason games evolve into shootouts, tends to bump up the number. Not so here. One factor for the low figure is the absence of FIU’s premier WR, Thomas Owens. However, the Golden Panthers closed in his absence with 104 points in its final two outings, one against bowl participant Western Kentucky, so they still will score — especially from the red zone. FIU ranks second nationally in scoring efficiency from inside the 20. The Owls should amass points, too, in view of FIU’s No. 93 ranking in pass defense. Temple games have gone Over in five straight, FIU’s in four consecutively. Subscribers to trends need no more than that to make the obvious call.

GASPARILLA BOWL (St. Petersburg, Fla.) -- When Frank Nutile took over QB duties for Temple, the offense started clicking and almost looked as fluid as last season. When the offense started scoring, the totals started flying Over, as in Over their last five games. FIU QB Alex McGough is from Tampa and he's a senior. It's his last game and I expect him to play well just like he has in his last six games, when he's thrown 12 TD passes against only two picks. FIU's last four games have gone Over. This one should go Over as well.

GASPARILLA BOWL (St. Pete, Fla.) -- The Temple Owls have started playing better offensively down the stretch. Their defense has also been the direct beneficiary of this and will look to keep it rolling against a red-hot FIU squad. The Golden Panthers' offense is too dynamic and multifaceted to keep down for an entire game.