Walker Bowl IX

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Walker Bowl IX

Florida Hurricanes 12-4 .vs. Columbus War Dogs 14-2

This year a first time champion will be crowned in the USFL. Neither the Florida Hurricanes nor the Columbus War Dogs have ever been to the Walker Bowl. Florida was the number 1 ranked team in the NC and they came out just where they should. The War Dogs were the 3^rd seed in the AC even though they had a 14-2 record.

The War Dogs are 2-0 lifetime versus the ‘Canes. Their last meeting was in the 2009 season in Columbus. It was a relatively high scoring affair. Columbus won 37-31. This time there should not be as many points scored. The War Dogs are 3^rd in the league in scoring defense and 2^nd in yards allowed. The interesting matchup in this game is when the Hurricanes have the ball. The War Dogs have the number 1 defense against the pass and Florida is a pass first team. The Hurricanes are 5^th in the league in passing yards but 19^th rushing yards. The Hurricanes are 4^th in the league in points scored and continued their offensive ways in the post season averaging 40 points a game in their two playoff victories. The War Dogs only allowed 17 points to the Denver Death who were 3^rd in the league in scoring offense.

The War Dogs do have a good offense. They were 5^th in the league in scoring and quarterback Daunte Culpepper had an outstanding 113.2 quarterback rating while leading a balanced attack. They may throw the ball early and often. The Hurricanes were 3^rd in the league against the rush but an embarrassing 24^th against the pass.

Florida has some injuries on defense. Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland and free safety Rashean Mathis will be out. Leading sacker Ryan Denney is still playing with a torn thumb ligament and is probable. The War Dogs are banged up on the offensive side. Center Hank Fraley, fullback Buddy Walsh, and long snapper Broderick Ruzzin were injured in the AC championship game and will be out. They do get back their second leading rusher, Bernie Irwin, and their second leading receiver in Ronald Daniels.

This should be a great game but the War Dogs will win. They should be able to Hurricanes weak pass defense and keep Hurricane quarterback David Carr in check.