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3 things to know for the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl
Need a brief primer before you attempt to watch all 40 bowl games this season? We’ve got you covered. Here are three things you need to know about the Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl.
POPEYE’S BAHAMAS BOWL
Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (9-3)
Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET
ESPN
– Both teams are newbies to bowl games. The Bahamas Bowl is Old Dominion’s first bowl game in program history, though it’s imperative to note ODU has only been at the FBS level for three seasons. The Monarchs moved up from FCS in 2014 after starting football in 2009.
Eastern Michigan is heading to its second-ever bowl game. And we bet you can’t name the first. The Eagles’ only other bowl appearance was in the 1987 California Bowl. EMU beat San Jose State 30-27. Getting to go to the Bahamas to break bowl droughts isn’t bad at all.
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– Eastern Michigan’s defense is going to have a tough task containing Old Dominion’s run game. The Monarchs have averaged over 5 yards a carry in 2016 and scored 27 rushing touchdowns. Running back Ray Lawry has 1,122 yards and 11 touchdowns while Jeremy Cox has 685 yards (on 119 carries) and 13 touchdowns.
ODU’s pass game isn’t bad either. QB David Washington has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes and thrown 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
Did we mention EMU is ranked No. 87 in the country in total defense?
– If the Eagles can’t stop Old Dominion, quarterback Brogan Roback is going to need a big day. Roback, who has one of the best names in college football, has thrown 16 touchdowns. But he’s averaged 7.34 yards per attempt, almost a yard less than Washington.
Eastern Michigan’s big-play threat is wide receiver Sergio Bailey, who averages over 14 yards a catch and has scored six touchdowns.
[Related: NFL draft prospects to watch in the bowl games]
Mascot prediction: A Monarch vs. an Eagle has a very British vs. colonists connotation, don’t you think? And while we’re grateful the United States gained its independence, a Monarch would have unlimited resources to take care of an Eagle.
Real predictions
Graham Watson: Old Dominion 28, Eastern Michigan 17
Nick Bromberg: Old Dominion 40, Eastern Michigan 38
Sam Cooper: Old Dominion 33, Eastern Michigan 24
Chris Herbert: Old Dominion 31, Eastern Michigan 21
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!