Tonight's game

GMAC Bowl

Louisville (7-5) vs. Marshall (10-2)

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Mobile, Ala.

TV: ESPN2

Line: Marshall by 2 1/2

About Louisville: QB Dave Ragone is excellent, but the line in front of him is mediocre and none of the receivers is a standout. Ragone's task will be made easier tonight if RBs Henry Miller and T.J. Patterson run effectively. The Cardinals' defense has been solid.

About Marshall: QB Byron Leftwich (365.4 ypg, 26 TDs) has an excellent receiving trio in Darius Watts, Denero Marriott and Josh Davis (a combined 217 catches and 23 TDs). The defense is solid against the pass, but one reason for that is it's mighty easy to run on the Thundering Herd (182.2 ypg).

The key: If the Cardinals can run the ball effectively, it would take a ton of pressure off Ragone. Louisville's defense is good, but Marshall is going to score some points.

The buzz: This isn't necessarily a marquee matchup of teams, but it is a marquee matchup of quarterbacks. Leftwich is a lock to go in the first round of the NFL draft, and Ragone should go early as well.

The pick: Louisville, 28-24.