Gator Bowl

Florida St. (8-3) vs. W. Virginia (8-3)

Where: Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville.

When: 9:30 a.m. TV: NBC.

Key stat: FSU is first nationally in rushing defense (69.0 ypg). WVU is seventh in rushing offense (254.2 ypg).

About FSU: This is the final game for QB Chris Rix, which should make a lot of FSU fans happy. He needs help from his running game, and TBs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker should have running room. . Defensively, it has all started up front with T Travis Johnson. Linebacking crew is active, aggressive and makes plays. Secondary is banged-up, but that’s only a minor concern.

About WVU: The Mountaineers must run effectively to win, putting the onus on TB Kay-Jay Harris to produce. Harris a big guy (6-2/245) who can move, but he has been injury-prone. QB Rasheed Marshall is mobile and could hurt FSU with his legs if he gets flushed from the pocket. But Marshall isn’t that good a passer. WR Chris Henry is a big-timer. WVU’s defense hasn’t held up against good offenses. CB Adam “Pak-man” Jones and LB Adam Lehnortt are the standouts.

The buzz: This is the only bowl game televised by NBC.