BAHAMAS BOWL -- It still strikes me as strange that teams that didn't even win the MAC or Conference USA are rewarded with a trip to the Bahamas, but, hey, more power to them. As for this game, it's a nightmare matchup for Charlotte. The 49ers biggest weakness is their run defense and they're going up against a Buffalo offense that wants to run the ball often, and it's effective at doing so.

BAHAMAS BOWL -- Charlotte surely will be excited about its inaugural bowl appearance. But Buffalo will be equally pumped a year after suffering a 10-point loss to Troy at a postseason site with far less appeal. The matchup for the Bulls is to dream for. They led the MAC in rushing, while the 49ers were among the worst FBS teams against the run. Having played a tougher schedule - Buffalo beat three bowl invitees, Charlotte just one - affords the Bulls another edge.

BAHAMAS BOWL -- This is the first bowl appearance for Charlotte in school history, showing how great a job first-year coach WIll Healy did after making the leap from Austin Peay. While the 49ers are on the upswing, Buffalo has shown very good consistency and sustainability under coach Lance Leipold. RB Jaret Patterson is the straw that stirs the Bulls' drink offensively. On the other side of the ball, they are much better than Charlotte, which should help them get the win.