Boise State Broncos
Boise State got off to a slow start out of the gate, but rebounded to win the Big West under coach Dirk Kotter and is gearing up for the school's first appearance in a bowl. QB Bart Hendricks finished the season with 2,740 yards and 22 touchdown passes. Hendricks was named the Big West Conference's offensive player of the year, thanks in part to a diversified offensive scheme and the talented receiving trio of Jay Swillie, Lou Fanucchi and Jeb Putzier. Boise State's defense gambled frequently, blitzing members of their line-backing unit and secondary and this resulted in some big plays for enemy offenses. LB Bryan Johnson is the leader, Johnson, a Butkis Award candidate, finished the season with 99 tackles and six sacks. The secondary features standout CB Dempsey Dees, who totaled six interceptions on the year.

Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals and coach John L. Smith are just two seasons removed form a 1-10 season and are headed to a bowl. QB Chris Redman is one of the most highly touted passers in the country and with the help of a few prolific wide receivers he finished the season ranked 12th in the country in passing efficiency. Redman runs a high-powered passing attack that helped the Cardinals to A 7-4 record and ranked 2nd in the Country, averaging 335 yards per game through the air. Though Redman received most of the national spotlight, RB Frank Moreau rushed with a team high 1,289 yards and 17 touchdowns, but more importantly made for a balanced offense. The Cardinal defensive unit was not impressive, giving up 30 points and 392 yards a game on average. The Louisville defense spent a lot of time on the field this season as a result of their inability to slam the door on 3rd downs and the passing scheme favored by coach Smith

Keys to the game
1. Louisville RB Frank Moreau. All season the important role of Moreau has been overlooked, his ability to develop a rhythm running early opens up the entire Louisville offense. Boise State is somewhat talented on defense, but if they'll be spread thin if they have to worry about Redman and Moreau. State will need help from their linebackers to cover the likes of Louisville TE Ibn Green on passing plays. The Broncos will be reluctant to align players close to the LOS because of the threat Redman poses throwing the deep and underneath route. If Moreau can get out of the gate quickly it will give the entire Boise State gamepaln a facelift and make things easy on Redman.

2. Louisville's defensive tackles. The Cardinals have received much criticism for their play up front this season, but they have talent within the unit. DT Mike Gantous is hell-bent on making every play but often loses his cool and can play out of control, forgetting assignments and leaving his gap. Donavan Arp is lined up next to Gantous at the other defensive tackle spot and can suffer the same fate from time to time. The problem is the Cardinal defensive line is usually worn down and cannot provide a rush in the games latter stages, allowing opposing quarterbacks to put up big numbers when it counts most. These two players need to play within themselves and their defense to help out late in the game.

3. Boise State's kickoff and punt coverage. The Bronco's are the underdogs in this game and con ill-afford any mistakes, period, let alone on special teams. Ball State has a dangerous kick returner in Zek Parker, who can score any time he touches the ball. Louisville's punt returner is just as lethal as Parker. Arnold Jackson has incredible speed and the instincts to go with it; if he sees a crease in coverage it could be curtains for Boise State's coverage units.

War Room Edge: Louisville Cardinals
This one is really a no-brainer; Louisville is better at every position on the field. Boise State may score some points on the Cardinals weak defensive unit, but not nearly enough to keep up with the number of points that Redaman will put up. Boise State had a great year and should be proud, but unfortunately a Big West title won't be able to overshadow this blowout, as Louisville will win going away.

Material from The War Room. Visit their web site at http://www.nflwarroom.com