Nassau, Bahamas (SportsNetwork.com) - Entering postseason play with identical 7-5 records, the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will take part in the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl a day before Christmas at Thomas Robinson National Stadium. Central Michigan enjoyed a strong 2014 campaign, finishing 5-3 in Mid-American Conference play. This is Central Michigans sixth bowl game appearance in program history, with the latest postseason contest for the Chippewas occurring in the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, which coincidentally was against WKU and resulted in a 24-21 win over the Hilltoppers. Western Kentucky got things started on the right foot in 2014 with a resounding 59-31 victory over Bowling Green. The team finished it off by taking down previously unbeaten Marshall, 67-66, in overtime. This is only the second bowl game for WKU since moving up from the Division I-AA (now FCS) level. The other bowl game was the loss to CMU in 2012. That clash in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in 2012 has served as the only time Central Michigan and Western Kentucky have met on the football field. Although Central Michigan is entering this clash coming off a loss to Western Michigan, 32-20, the Chippewas should be fired up after the success the team was able to sustain this season, especially on the offensive end. Quarterback Cooper Rush was much improved, leading his team to a 25.2 ppg average by throwing for 2,664 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Its been Central Michigans run game, though, that has surprised at 158.7 ypg. Thomas Rawls is at the center of that core groups of backs, averaging 122.6 rushing ypg with 10 touchdowns in just nine games played. Rawls is probable to play in the Bahamas Bowl after dealing with leg issues for a good portion of the season. Either way, Devon Spalding (four touchdowns) and Saylor Lavallii (four touchdowns) will be ready to provide assistance if necessary. Rush was boosted by the return of several top targets this season, including that of senior receiver Titus Davis. Davis missed time in the season due to injury, but still hauled in 54 passes for 843 yards and nine touchdowns in just nine games played. Jesse Kroll provided a nice secondary threat for Rush if Davis was swallowed up by an opposing defense, catching 32 passes for 473 yards and four touchdowns, though he did most of his damage early on in the year. Defensively, the Chippewas came together at certain points during the season, but it wasnt as cohesive and smooth as coach Dan Enos probably would have liked. The Chippewas averaged 23.2 ppg allowed to opponents, which is a respectable number. But 144 points for the opposition this season came off of Central Michigan turnovers, something Enos would naturally like to eliminate moving forward into next season. Linebacker Justin Cherocci led Central Michigan with 107 tackles this season, adding in decent numbers in tackles for loss (seven) and sacks (four). Linemen Joe Ostman (10 tackles for loss, three sacks) and Blake Serpa (11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks) were much more disruptive in opponents backfields over the course of the season. Tony Annese (three interceptions, 10 pass breakups) and Brandon Greer (three interceptions) will try to lock things down against a strong WKU passing game. I want to thank the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl for the invitation to be a part of its inaugural game, Enos said. Playing in our sixth bowl game in the past nine seasons is a great accomplishment for this program. Western Kentucky is a great team and I expect a hard fought game when we face off on Dec. 24. The Chippewas will have their work cut out for them defensively, as they prepare to take on the nations top statistical quarterback in Brandon Doughty of Western Kentucky. Doughty leads the FBS with 4,344 passing yards and 44 touchdowns, which is six more than Oregons Marcus Mariota, who won the Heisman Trophy. Doughty is the main reason the Hilltoppers average 44.0 ppg and 525.2 total offensive ypg. The teams running game hasnt been too shabby either, even following the loss of Antonio Andrews to the NFL. Leon Allen paces the Hilltoppers this season with 1,490 yards and 12 touchdowns out of the backfield for a WKU offense averaging 160.2 rushing ypg. Anthony Wales contributed four touchdowns on the ground during the season as well. Doughty had a strong year passing the football. Jared Dangerfield led the Hilltoppers with 64 receptions and 10 touchdowns, though his 738 receiving yards fell just short of Taywan Taylors 739-yard mark. Willie McNeal and Taylor each hauled in seven touchdown catches, and Antwane Grant caught five. While WKU did a steady job burying teams offensively to the point where the opposition simply couldnt keep pace, the teams defense appeared capable of taking some time off. The Hilltoppers allowed opponents to score 39.2 ppg this season and gain over 500 yards of total offense per outing. Nine times this year Western Kentucky surrendered 31 points or more in a game, and four of those opponents scored at least 50 points. Nick Holt registered a team-best 103 tackles this season with seven tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries. Though he led the team in the tackle category, the real brightest stars on WKUs defense were Branden Leston (four interceptions), Bryan Shorter (5.5 sacks) and Wonderful Terry, who had several game-clinching turnovers. The WKU defense allows 229.7 rushing ypg to opponents, so Central Michigan will really be hoping for Rawls to be healthy in this one. It is a tremendous reward and opportunity for our players and coaches who have worked incredibly hard this season, said WKU head coach Jeff Brohm. A bowl game is one of our goals at the beginning of every season, and to be able to realize and achieve that goal is a credit to their attitude and willingness to put in the effort to get better each and every week. Phil McConkey Youth Jersey . Both of Padakins goals came in the second period while Zane Jones added a single in the first period for Calgary (13-6-4). Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger finished with 30 saves for the shutout. Dalvin Tomlinson Womens Jersey .Leicester won 25-21 in a heated European Rugby Champions Cup group match on Sunday.Toulon said on its website on Wednesday that it decided to open an investigation after Leicester complained about the behaviour of prop Martin Castrogiovanni and fullback Delon Armitage. http://www.authenticnygiantspro.com/Phil-simms-giants-jersey/ . The Twins announced Thursday the 28-year-old Albers cleared waivers. He will join the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization. Eli Manning Giants Jersey . GQ Lundqvist quite well.Three rounds, and nearly two months later, will the Kings have the strength to reach the summit of the Empire State to claim the cup?Truer words have never been spoken. Phil Simms Jersey . With Bernard hurt, the second-round pick has emerged.Hill ran for 152 yards during a 27-10 win at New Orleans on Sunday, his second big game. He also ran for 154 yards against Jacksonville earlier this season.1. DENNIS SCHRODER (Hawks): This young man is coming into his own this year off the bench in Atlanta. Explosive and quick, he can score and get into the lane efficiently. Averaging over nine PPG and three assists per game while shooting 52 per cent. Playing more under control and gives their second unit some offensive pop. More of a slasher at this stage yet he doesnt take many poor shots which is why his shooting percentage is sound. As he improves his shooting range, hell be an even tougher cover. Improving player. 2. TRISTAN THOMPSON (Cavs): Nice to see him have a terrific game on Friday night in his return to his hometown Toronto. His season numbers (9 and 6 / 51 per cent) might not wow you but I think this is a really good group for him to play with and as he continues to improve and build the trust of his new coaches and Lebron James, I see his role growing. Wonderful rebounding skills and finishes with force around the rim. Still raw in terms of the post moves but that will come. High energy guy who is a good teammate. I see good things ahead. 3. TYLER ZELLER (Celtics): Has replaced Kelly Olynk in the lineup and has played solid ball of late (9 and 7 / 60 percent in the past 10 games). Runs the floor well and is willing to mix it up. Athletic and takes the ball to the basket hard. Can faace up and make mid-range shot and will go to the offensive boards for you.dddddddddddd. Some nice young post guys that coach Brad Stevens has to work with in Zeller and Olynk. Neither is a finished product but both possess good potential. 4. ENES KANTER (Jazz): Averaging close to 14 PPG and 7 RPG this year, shooting 53 per cent and in the two games Ive seen him in person recently Ive been impressed with the strides hes making. His footwork has improved significantly and hes got a knack for getting his game off in tight quarters. Quicker than he looks - made a few moves that I didnt think he could make in the lane and with decisiveness. Decent face up game. Always looked a bit clumsy and awkward to me and now has some fluidity and purpose to what he does. Whatever he did during the off season - keep doing it. 5. STEVE BLAKE (Blazers): For a guy that averages less than five points a game, you might ask how can this guy impact a good team. Hes averaging close to five assists coming off the bench and hes a tenacious defender and gritty competitor. Last year, Mo Williams did a decent job off the bench for them but I think Blake is a better fit with his selfless/hard-nosed style of play. The Blazers bench has played better this year and his leadership and veteran savvy are a huge key. ' ' '