Friday, December 31, 2010

2011 Progressive Gator Bowl Preview

January 1, 2011 1:30 PM ET
Stadium: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Payout: $2,750,000
Played: 1946-present
Once known as: N/A
Broadcasters: Mike Patrick, Craig James
Sideline Reporter: Todd Harris
Storyline: Dan Mullen just got a big pay raise, $2.65 million a year, at Mississippi State to prevent him from being courted by other programs. Meanwhile, rumors abound that Rich Rodriguez will be fired if he loses the Gator Bowl as his buyout drops by $1.5 million with the first day of 2011. Mississippi State has been resurgent with an 8-4 record. The Bulldogs went 4-8 in 2008 and 5-7 in 2009. Mississippi State’s offense is average, but its defense is 27th in the country. The battle between the Bulldogs defense and Michigan’s offense should determine the outcome of this game. The Wolverines have the 6th most productive offense in the nation, but have been horrible on defense. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback this season. He rushed for 1,643 yards. If he can break loose, Michigan has a chance to win. The Bulldogs look to get their first bowl win since 2007. The Wolverines look to win to save Rodriguez’s job. This will be the Bulldogs first Big Ten opponent in thirty years.
All-time Series: 0-0
Line: Mississippi State by 4.5

Mississippi StateMichigan
Overall Record8-4Overall Record7-5
Conference Record4-4Conference Record3-5
Bowl Record7-6Bowl Record19-20
Last Bowl Win2007 LibertyLast Bowl Win2008 Capital One

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