Sun Bowl Preview Capsule

By foxsports
Published

Miami (8-4, ACC) vs. Washington State (8-4, Pac-12), 2 p.m. ET (CBS)

Line: Washington State by 2

Series Record: First meeting

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Both teams are looking to end long bowl droughts. Washington State is in its second bowl game in three seasons, but it hasn't won one since defeating Texas 28-20 in the 2003 Holiday Bowl. Miami is making its third consecutive bowl appearance, but the Hurricanes haven't won one since defeating Nevada 21-20 in the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl. Miami is 0-5 since then, including a 33-17 loss to Notre Dame in the 2010 Sun Bowl.

KEY MATCHUP

Washington State QB Luke Falk vs. the Miami secondary. Falk leads the No. 1 passing offense in the nation, averaging 397 yards. Washington State also has the No. 1 overall offense in the nation at 476.9 yards per game. Miami is No. 64 in pass defense, allowing 223.8 yards per game, and cornerback Artie Burns leads the ACC with six interceptions. But the Hurricanes will be without safety Jamal Carter, who will not play because of a violation of team rules.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Miami: QB Brad Kaaya is fifth on the school's all-time passing list with 6,217 yards, ahead of Bernie Kosar and Vinny Testaverde. He's one of just three players nationally to throw for at least 3,000 yards with 10 or more TDs and four or fewer interceptions, and he's one of just three QBs in Miami history to record consecutive 3,000-yard seasons.

Washington State: WR Gabe Marks leads the team with 99 catches for 1,125 yards and 14 TDs, while WR Dom Williams has 73 catches for 997 yards and 11 TDs.

FACTS & FIGURES

Miami is tied for fifth in the nation in turnover margin at plus-13, while Washington State is tied at No. 87 at minus-3. ... Both teams are making their second appearance in the Sun Bowl. Washington State beat Purdue 33-27 in 2001. ... Miami is 19-19 all-time in bowl games, and Washington State is 6-5. ... The Cougars lead the nation in red-zone offense (94.3 percent) and fourth-down conversions (25). ... A win would give Miami its ninth nine-win season since 2000. ... Miami's Larry Scott is the interim coach after Al Golden was fired midseason. The Hurricanes have hired former Georgia coach Mark Richt.