Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, December 31

Florida State
vs
Kentucky
Dec. 31 / 4 p.m. ESPN

The Music City Bowl really looked like an interesting matchup when it was announced almost a full month ago. Old power Florida State vs a relative newcomer to football bowl games in Kentucky. Then news of a scandal involving 36 players broke leading to their suspension for this game and parts of 2008. Time to see what Jimbo Fisher is made of. Sure, Bobby Bowden is still listed as head coach, but it has now been made clear he is simply a figurehead living out the final years in the spotlight down in Tallahassee, with Fisher chosen as the head man beginning by 2009.

QB Drew Weatherford is not one of the suspended players for Florida State, so at least the Seminoles will have their starting man. Weatherford hasn't been accurate of even that efficient this season, but without Xavier Lee he'll have to get the offense going. That might be a tough task against a decent UK secondary. Without much of a running game, FSU is sure to get off the bus throwing. If they can hold their own the defense should be able to keep them somewhat in the game, even if they are depleted.

Kentucky also will come out throwing, with one time Heisman candidate and what many thought would be a first rounder in Andre Woodson. He isn't getting nearly the press he got during Kentucky's hot streak to start the season now that the Wildcats have lost 4 of their last 5 after beating then #1 LSU. Even so, he is an efficient passer who will be able to move the ball against Florida State. A big bowl game for him could do exactly the same as the big game in the Sugar Bowl did for Jamarcus Russell, and Woodson could find himself as the first quarterback taken in the draft (or 2nd behind Matt Ryan). If Woodson can outplay Weatherford (definitely possible) and the defense can win the turnover battle (or even keep it within 1) UK will win another Music City Bowl.

Line: Kentucky -9.0, Total 58.0