• Did you know: Ohio and East Carolina had one common opponent this season: Conference USA runner-up Marshall. The Bobcats beat the Thundering Herd 34-31 on Sept. 14 in what was likely Ohio's best win of the season, while the Pirates missed a chance at a Conference USA championship berth with a 59-28 loss to Marshall on Nov. 29.

• Final analysis: The Bobcats have a capable quarterback in senior Tyler Tettleton and may be able to keep pace in a high-scoring affair. They should also be able to bring some defensive pressure, as Ohio tied for 19th nationally with 34 sacks. Still, the combination of Carden and Hardy could prove too much. Both are set to return to campus next year, and a strong showing in St. Petersburg could jumpstart a special 2014 campaign. Ohio has plenty of reasons to avoid packing it in after a poor finish, but the Bobcats don't have the weapons on either side of the ball to match East Carolina.

• The pick: East Carolina 38, Ohio 24