Bowl: New Mexico
Toasting Town: Albuquerque
Vintage: 2006

Downside: getting toasted by Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upside: spending the holidays at home.

Arizona: The Wildcats went 7-5 in Rich Rodriguez’ first season, but were impressive against a tough schedule. They upset USC and Oklahoma State at home. They lost by a field goal to Oregon State and took Stanford to overtime on the road.

Nevada: The Wolfpack lost four of five to close the season, after a 6-1 start, though that stretch included one-score losses to San Diego State and Boise State.

Players to Watch: Running backs. Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey and Nevada’s Stefphon Jefferson were the nation’s two leaders in rushing yards per game. Arizona and Nevada rank 77th and 112th respectively in yards allowed per carry.

Recreational Prediction: Arizona (-8.5). Matt Scott should be healthy. Ka’Deem Carey is a force of nature. The Wildcats will score too many points for Nevada to keep up.

[Photo via Presswire]