TONIGHT’S GAME

GMAC Bowl

Bowling Green vs. Memphis

Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.

Time: 5 p.m. PST TV: ESPN.

Records: Bowling Green 8-3, Memphis 8-3.

Key stats: Bowling Green is fourth in the nation in total offense (501.6 ypg) but 67th in total defense (389.9 ypg). Memphis is 10th in total offense (464.6 ypg) but 84th in total defense (405.0 ypg).

About Bowling Green: Sophomore quarterback Omar Jacobs is in his first season as the starter, but he has been phenomenal (330.6 ypg, 36 TDs, just three interceptions). Wide receivers Cole Magner and Charles Sharon have combined for 129 receptions and 19 touchdowns. Center Gene Mruczowski is one of the best in the nation. The defense isn’t much: In its four games against teams that finished with winning records, the Falcons allowed 39.5 points. Bowling Green has outscored foes 163-27 in the first quarter.

About Memphis: Tailback DeAngelo Williams is third in the nation in rushing (166.2 ypg, 21 TDs). He had four 200-yard games this season and averaged 221.8 ypg in his final for regular-season games. QB Danny Wimprine is inconsistent (18 TDs, 13 interceptions), and the Tigers are better off when the passing game is able to serve as a complement to Williams. WR Tavares Gideon could have a big game against Bowling Green’s shaky secondary. Memphis has allowed just five sacks. The Tigers’ 3-3-5 defensive set has been torched regularly through the air, and that can’t be a comforting thought to Tigers fans tonight. Memphis must get consistent pressure on Jacobs or he will light them up.

The buzz: You like defense? Well, hide your eyes. There should be points aplenty in this one. Williams is one of the nation’s most underappreciated players, and Jacobs is going to be a great one by the time he’s finished.

The line: Bowling Green by 4.

–Orlando Sentinel