BIRMINGHAM BOWL -- Whenever a bowl line drifts above a touchdown, the underdog becomes tempting. Yet it's difficult to imagine a universe in which B.C. challenges, unless it maximizes the element of the unknown. The head coach, offensive coordinator and focal point of the run-oriented offense (RB A.J. Dillon) are gone. Even with the trio, the Eagles covered in only one of their last seven regular-season games. Cincinnati is trending poorly, too, but would be superior if B.C. were at full strength.

BIRMINGHAM BOWL -- At first glance this spread looks large, but B.C.'s defense has been subpar this year. The Bearcats' well-balanced attack will enable them to end on a high note after suffering back-to-back losses to Memphis. Lay the points.