Where: Memphis, Tenn.
When: 3 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Series record: Kentucky leads 1-0
Last meeting: 1993, Kentucky 6-3
What’s at stake: Kentucky is attempting to win a bowl game for the third consecutive season for the first time in school history. East Carolina, which won the Conference USA championship for its first league title since 1976, is appearing in its third straight bowl and fifth since 2000. The Pirates are trying to win for the third time against major conference foes, having knocked off Virginia Tech and West Virginia to open the season.
Key matchup: East Carolina has intercepted at least one pass in 26 of the last 27 games and ranked fourth in the country with 21 picks this season, including a season-high five in the Conference USA title game against Tulsa. After throwing no interceptions in the first three games, Kentucky QB Mike Hartline threw seven in the next four, temporarily losing his job.
Players to watch: East Carolina — DE C.J. Wilson, an all-Conference USA pass-rushing specialist, ranks 12th in the country among active players in sacks per game and has racked up 10 of his 21 1/2 career sacks this season. Kentucky — CB Trevard Lindley, first-team all-SEC, has racked up 156 tackles, nine interceptions and a program record 34 pass breakouts in his three-year career.
Facts and figures: Kentucky is appearing in its first Liberty Bowl. . . . In the past two seasons, the SEC team has beaten the Conference USA champion in the Liberty Bowl . . . Kentucky is appearing in its third straight bowl game for only the second time. Bear Bryant led the team to three bowls — and two wins — from 1950 to 1952. . . . The Pirates have won six out of 15 games against BCS opponents in the Skip Holtz era. The Associated Press
