GASPARILLA BOWL -- This officially has become a take number on a South Florida team that has become a popular fade. The Bulls started the season with seven straight wins against weak competition before losing their last five by double figures. But Marshall played a similarly weak schedule and getting too much respect in this spread. Raymond James Stadium is the Bulls' regular home, providing a huge advantage. Quarterback Blake Barnett is listed as questionable, but most local media seem to expect the talented dual-threat will play. Take the points.

GASPARILLA BOWL -- The big question is whether South Florida QB Blake Barnett will play Thursday. The practices for this bowl game have been closed and no one is saying anything. Barnett hurt his shoulder toward the end of the season and then banged up his ankle and missed three games down the stretch. South Florida lost its last five games and went 3-7 ATS in their last 10. Marshall hasn't covered in its last three, but all of its key components are playing.

GASPARILLA BOWL -- This will be a fantastic bowl game between Marshall and South Florida. Their game against Virginia Tech aside, this Thundering Herd squad competes hard. Marshall matches up both athletically and schematically on the perimeter against South Florida very well. We'll be talking about how the Herd's defense was able to stymie the Bulls offense after this game. This is a really good secondary that can take the ball away.

GASPARILLA BOWL -- After losing their final five games of the season, look for the Bulls to make amends in a bowl game that's a notch below their true talent.