MOBILE, Ala. (AP) – Ben Roethlisberger’s immediate concern is beating Louisville. His football future must wait.

Miami of Ohio’s quarterback is sure to be a first-round NFL draft pick if he skips his senior season, but he’s not ready to make a decision just yet.

First, he wants to find a way to lead the 14th-ranked RedHawks (12-1) over the Cardinals (9-3) in Thursday night’s GMAC Bowl.

“I’ve been able to use it as motivation just to come out and play hard,” Roethlisberger said. “My teammates have kept me really grounded.

“The thing that keeps me thinking about football is how much fun I’m having with these guys.”

Roethlisberger and the RedHawks have built the nation’s longest winning streak since losing their season opener to Iowa.

They earned the Mid-American Conference championship and their first bowl berth since 1986.

In the process, Roethlisberger distinguished himself as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, up there with Heisman Trophy winner Jason White and Mississippi’s Eli Manning.

In fact, Roethlisberger has thrown for more yards this season (4,110) than either of those two.

He’s been superb lately, throwing for 15 touchdowns and just one interception in the past four games, including a 440-yard, four-TD performance against Bowling Green in the MAC title game.

The GMAC Bowl could feature plenty of touchdowns. The RedHawks are fifth in the nation in scoring, averaging 42.5 points.

Led by quarterback Stefan LeFors and a sturdy running game, Louisville averages 35 points. LeFors led Conference USA in total offense and ranks second in yards passing and efficiency.

Leading rusher Eric Shelton returns after missing the past three games with a neck injury.

The Cardinals have racked up 1,305 yards and 109 points in their last two games, against Houston and Cincinnati.

“Every time there’s all the buildup about a big offensive shootout, the final score ends up being 6-3,” Roethlisberger said. “So you can’t forget about the defenses of these two teams.”

This game isn’t known for defensive battles, though. Current Jacksonville Jaguars starting QB Byron Leftwich led Marshall to wins in the past two GMAC Bowls, including a 64-61, double-overtime win over East Carolina two years ago that was the highest scoring bowl game ever.

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said the key will be getting pressure on Roethlisberger, a strategy most teams tried this season.

“If we can take him out of his rhythm as far as the timing of his throws … then we’ll have a lot better (chance) of coming up with some plays,” Petrino said.

Stopping Louisville will require a somewhat different strategy. The Cardinals are averaging 5.69 yards per rush, best in the country, and freshman Michael Bush has gained 262 yards in the last two games.

Louisville, a two-touchdown underdog, is making its sixth consecutive postseason appearance but has won just once during that stretch.

“This is all new to (Miami), so if there’s any advantage I hope that’s it,” Petrino said.

A win would tie the school record for consecutive wins, set from 1972-74.

“We’re not by any means satisfied with this season – 12-2 doesn’t sound as good as 13-1,” Roethlisberger said. “Our goal is to get this win and come out and play Miami football one last time.”

AP-ES-12-17-03 1616EST