Liberty Bowl:

Arkansas vs. East Carolina

This game will give East Carolina a chance to record its first 10-win season since 1991, an opportunity they let slip last season after blowing a 16-3 lead against Kentucky to lose the game 25-19. Arkansas looks to add a to their season resume during their first bowl appearance under second year coach Bobby Petrino. Unfortunately, the Pirates will go from QB Case Keenum to Razorback QB Ryan Mallett, who leads the nation's 10th ranked pass offense with 3,425 yards and 29 touchdowns. You can bet that Mallett watched the Conference USA championship game tape and was taking notes at Houston's air attack and Case Keenum bombing away. The Pirates will have their hands full with Mallett, especially with the nation's 110th ranked pass defense. Just assume Mallett will throw for over 300. However, this one could be interesting as East Carolina finds ways to win with its defense (see: Houston; C-USA championship game) and has an offensive that may be timely enough to get the job done. Bad things usually happen when C-USA teams face the SEC, but East Carolina is 1st in the conference and 6th in the nation in turnover margin, so in order to keep this one close and pull out a W, they need to be at least plus 2 in that category. I am going to take Arkansas on this one, as they look to gain some momentum going into 2010 ... 35-27.