The Marshall Thundering Herd will take on the FIU Golden Panthers in the 2011 Beef  'O' Brady's Bowl.

The Panthers have something of an advantage since the game takes place in Tampa, FL, and that's a big part of why they'll enter the game as 4.5 favorites, according to OddsShark.

FIU went 8-4 this season behind quarterback Wesley Carroll. Marshall went 6-6, but closed the season with two straight wins to gain bowl eligibility. Normally, their slot is occupied by a Big East team but there were not enough conference squads available to make it.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20 at 8:00 p.m. EST. This is the fourth edition of the St. Petersburg Bowl, and the third time its been sponsored by Beef O' Brady's, purveyors of fine American cuisine.