TODAY

HAWAII BOWL

* Who: East Carolina (7-5, second in Conference USA East)

vs. Boise State (10-2, second in Western Athletic)

* Where, when: Honolulu, 5 p.m. PST, ESPN

* Story line: Boise State, the feel-good story of last season, is making its second trip to Hawaii in a month. The last time, the Broncos lost to Hawaii, ending any hopes of a second BCS bowl appearance. They still have a potent offense that ranked fifth in the nation in scoring with 42.7 points a game and 10th in total offense with 475.7 yards a game. East Carolina was in position to play for the Conference USA title before a loss to 1-8 Marshall. The Pirates play a ball-control game with a running attack that averages 171.3 yards a game and an offense that has only 13 turnovers.

* Top players: Chris Johnson (RB, East Carolina, Sr.), Ian Johnson (RB, Boise State, Jr.), Taylor Tharp (QB, Boise State, Sr.), Jeremy Childs (WR, Boise State, Jr.).

-- Peter Yoon