South Alabama (6-6, Sun Belt) vs. Air Force (9-3, MWC), 5 p.m. EST (American Sports Network)
Line: Air Force by 13 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Air Force’s 32-member senior class is playing for its second 10-win season in two years. South Alabama is vying for the program’s first bowl victory after losing in the Camellia Bowl two years ago.
KEY MATCHUP
South Alabama’s run defense vs. Air Force’s triple-option attack. The Falcons are annually among the nation’s top rushing teams and were again this season, finishing fourth in the FBS with 322.8 per game. South Alabama was 98th nationally at stopping the run, allowing 212.1 per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Alabama: TE Gerald Everett. He’ll likely be an NFL draft and was a first-team Sun Belt player each of the past two seasons. Everett led the Jaguars with 49 receptions and 717 yards with four touchdowns.
Air Force: Jacobi Owens. The senior running back led a quartet of Falcons players who eclipsed 600 yards rushing this season. Owens finished with 785 yards and three TDs.
FACTS & FIGURES
Air Force is also good at stopping the run, finishing 15th nationally while allowing 118 yards per game. … South Alabama can set a program record with seven wins with a victory. … Air Force has played in a bowl game nine of the past 10 seasons. … Nevada beat Colorado State 28-23 in the inaugural Arizona Bowl last season. … South Alabama’s average of 243.7 yards passing per game is on pace to rank second in school history.
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