CHAMPS BOWL CAPSULE

No. 25 Florida State (8-4) vs. Notre Dame (8-4), 2:30 p.m.

Line: Florida State by 2.5

Series Record: Florida State leads 4-2.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Both programs are still trying to regain their status among college football's elite. Neither school has played in a national championship game since 1999, nor has the pair met in a bowl game since the 1996 Orange Bowl when the Seminoles beat the Irish 31-26. FSU has won its past three bowl appearances, including last season's Chick-Fil-A Bowl over South Carolina. Notre Dame also won its past two bowl games, including the Sun Bowl last season against Miami.

KEY MATCHUP

FSU's offensive line vs. Notre Dame's defense. The Seminoles' line is battered and four freshmen are expected to start because of injuries. Notre Dame's defense gave up just 15.2 points per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FSU: QB E.J. Manuel. He has completed 183 of 280 passes for 2,417 yards and 16 TDs, while WR Rashad Greene has caught 33 passes for 497 yards and six TDs.

Notre Dame: QB Tommy Rees. He has completed 253 of 384 passes for 2,708 yards and 19 TDs. Leading receiver Michael Floyd has 95 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight TDs. LB Manti Te'o led the team with 115 total tackles and 4.5 sacks.

FACTS & FIGURES

FSU is 24-14-2 in bowl games. Notre Dame is 15-15 all-time. ... The game is sold out for the first time in the bowl's 22-year history. ... FSU is making its third appearance. FSU beat Wisconsin 42-13 in the 2008 bowl and beat PSU in 1990 when it wasthe Blockbuster Bowl and playing in Miami.