Semper Fidelis Bowl Breakdown

Offense: For the West, success should ride largely on quarterback play, as passers Bart Houston and Jeff Lindquist have missed a number of open targets in practice. It's been most successful behind the play of super-athlete D.J. Foster (more than 3,000 rushing yards, 60 touchdowns in 2011), and could thrive if it can locate wideouts Jaydon Mickens, Deontay Greenberry and Gehrig Dieter in space. Mickens, in particular, is lightning-fast and could be a difference-maker in the game. For the East, signal-callers David Thompson and Wes Lunt have been more consistent, and receivers Bryce Treggs, Jaquay Williams and Justin Ferguson are a tough group to handle. But the real threats are in the backfield: Northwestern commit Malin Jones and Pitt commit Rushel Shell are bona fide weapons and have the speed to burn by defenders early and often.

Defense: The West has talent blanketing the field, with pass-rushers Kenderius Whitehead, DeForest Buckner and Jordan Watkins imposing their will up front. Tee Shepard, V'Angelo Bentley and Bam Bradley have been great in the secondary, and will need to contain the East's downfield threats in order to keep the game close. The East has a gifted linebacking corps, anchored by Scott Starr and James Burgess, and a top-notch secondary, led by Armani Reeves and Will Redmond. And keep an eye on the defensive line: Nebraska-bound Greg McMullen, Alabama-bound Darren Lake and Virginia-bound Courtnye Wynn should apply pressure all game long.

Recruiting: The following five players are expected to commit during the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl.

• DE DeForest Buckner, Punahou (Hawaii) -- A 6-foot-7, 238-pounder, Buckner has been solid all week during training sessions. He'll announce between Oregon, Cal and UCLA, and the Ducks appear to be the frontrunner.

• C Matt Cochran, Buhach Colony (Calif.) -- A big body in the middle, Cochran has been the surprise of camp with his stellar play. He'll choose between Cal and Tennessee.

• WR Gehrig Dieter, Washington (Ind.) -- Hampered by a knee injury from earlier in the season, Dieter is expected to play with the West needing wideout depth. He'll declare between SMU and Kansas, with the former maintaining a slight edge.

• RB Greg Garmon, McDowell (Pa.) -- Garmon has lined up from both the slot and the backfield, and will likely play both throughout the course of the game. His final three consists of Iowa, Arkansas and Miami, with Garmon favoring the Hawkeyes.

• DE Avery Moss, Corona del Sol (Ariz.) -- With terrific size and big hands, Moss could be a real defensive sleeper at the next level. He'll commit to either Nebraska or Purdue, and will likely end up in Lincoln.