Game number four of the bowl season is set for tonight at 8PM on ESPN. Amazingly enough, out of the 77 people in the HH Bowl Pool only one person (MB Camel Jockies) went 3-0 on Saturday. It should surprise no one that Hogs Haven's very own Ken Meringolo is bringing up the rear with a 0-3 record thus far.
Anyways, tonight is the Beef O' Brady's Bowl where the Marshall Thundering Herd (6-6) makes their eighth bowl appearance and first since 2009. Their opponent will be the Florida International Golden Panthers (8-4) who will be making their second consecutive bowl appearance and just the second bowl in school history. The names and records may be unfamiliar (I don't even know what Beef O' Brady's is?) but tonight's game does feature some intriguing pro prospects for the Redskins.
Vinny Curry, DE, 6'3, 260lbs: Simply put, Marshall's Vinny Curry is a man among boys in Conference USA. The Senior has racked up 23 sacks the past two years alone, along with 5 forced fumbles this season. He's a power rusher that utilizes his upper body to destroy offensive lineman. Curry explodes off the line and should be a handful for FIU starting tackle Caylin Hauptmann (2013 draft prospect) tonight. Curry's biggest downside is that he's likely better suited to play in the 4-3, I think he would struggle to play OLB in the 3-4. Regardless, keep an eye on this kid tonight he may be another cog in the defensive line rotation for the Skins. Curry will likely go in the early 3rd round of this April's draft, but could really improve his stock with a stellar performance tonight and in the offseason.
T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, 5'9, 178lbs: FIU's Ty Hilton will be one of the most fun, versatile players you'll watch this bowl season. He's a game changer for the Panthers. Hilton will likely reach 1,000 receiving yards for the year tonight and is currently averaging over 32 yards per kick return and 23 yards per punt return. He does come with a bit of injury history (hamstring), but Hilton will be a dynamic player from day one for any team in the NFL. He could take over full kick and punt return duties for the Skins, as well as contribute to the downfield passing game. Hilton is likely to go in the 4th round of this year's draft, but I wouldn't doubt a team seriously reaching for this playmaker. He's, sort of, a poor man's DeSean Jackson.
Prediction: FIU 23, Marshall 16