Saturday's Bowl Action
By Sportsbook.ag
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (7-5) vs. GEORGIA BULLDOGS (9-3)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Georgia -6.5, Total: 42
Surging Georgia brings a four-game win streak (3-1 ATS) to Jacksonville for Saturday's Tax Slayer Bowl to face a slumping Penn State club with three straight defeats (SU and ATS).
The Bulldogs haven’t scored 30 points in a game since early October, but have held opponents to a mere 12.2 PPG over the past six contests. In this same time period, the once-fierce Nittany Lions defense has surrendered 29.0 PPG.
Georgia lost top RB Nick Chubb (knee) midseason, head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer were fired in December, and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt took the DC job with Alabama to replace Kirby Smart who is the new head coach in Athens. But Smart is staying on with the Tide through their hopeful two-game title run, which leaves WR coach Bryan McClendon as the interim head coach for Saturday. Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg has a weak 53% completion rate this year, but has pumped out 15 TD and only 3 INT over the past nine games.
Both schools have favorable betting trends, as the Bulldogs (5-7 ATS) are 27-12 ATS in non-conference away games since 1992 and its opponent is 0-6 ATS away from home after the first month of the season since 2014. But the Nittany Lions (4-8 ATS) are 12-8 ATS after an ATS loss and fall in the category of underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points with a win pct. of 51% to 60% going 37-13 ATS (74%) in the past 10 seasons after ATS defeats in three of the previous four games.
Penn State's offense has been subpar all season with only 23.7 PPG (101st in FBS) on 344 total YPG (106th in nation), and those numbers are much worse away from home (17.6 PPG on 328 total YPG) where the team is just 1-4 SU (0-5 ATS). The team is balanced offensively with 33 rushes per game and 30 pass attempts per contest, but gains only 135 YPG (4.1 YPC) on the ground and 209 YPG and 6.9 YPA through the air.
With the dismissal of offensive coordinator John Donovan, quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne will run the offense, and will try to prevent QB Christian Hackenberg (53% completions, 2,386 pass yds, 6.9 YPA, 16 TD, 5 INT) from adding to the 38 sacks taken. The junior has topped 300 passing yards just once all season (315 at Maryland), but Hackenberg was phenomenal in his bowl appearance last year when he torched Boston College for 371 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT in an overtime victory. WR Chris Godwin had 140 receiving yards and touchdown in that win over B.C., and he is the midst of a great sophomore season with 968 receiving yards and five touchdowns. All four of Godwin's 100-yard efforts have come during the past six games, and he recorded a career-high 11 receptions in the regular-season finale at Michigan State.
The ground game is capably handled by freshman RB Saquon Barkley, who has 1,007 rushing yards (6.1 YPC) and 7 TD in only 10 games this season. In the past six contests, Barkley has amassed 760 total yards (127 YPG) and four touchdowns.
The Nittany Lions defense has been great this season with 21.7 PPG and 325 total YPG allowed, but it has been burned for 35.3 PPG and 392 total YPG in the past three games, and has surrendered 34.6 PPG and 409 total YPG away from home. The passing defense has been very effective with 174 YPG allowed (11th in FBS) on a mere 6.0 YPA, and the front seven has held opponents to 151 rushing YPG on a paltry 3.9 YPC. Penn State also has a hefty 44 sacks (T-2nd in nation) has also recorded 22 takeaways this season, but is playing a team that has not turned the ball over in either of its past two road games.
Georgia's offense averages 26.5 PPG and 381 total YPG this season, and these numbers are much lower in the past three games (18.7 PPG and 319 total YPG). The team chooses to run the football 60% of the time for 194 YPG on 5.2 YPC, while the passing offense is still respectable with 187 YPG on 7.4 YPA and 62% completions.
Junior QB Greyson Lambert (64% completions, 1,844 pass yds, 7.8 YPA, 11 TD, 2 INT) has been a bit inconsistent this year with a sub-50% completion rate in three of four games from Oct. 1 to Nov. 7, but he has been on the mark in the past three contests (46-of-67, 69%). Senior WR Malcolm Mitchell (751 rec yds, 4 TD) is the only standout receiver on this team, but he has failed to reach 75 yards during a six-game scoreless drought. The rushing attack continues to be handled nicely by sophomore RB Sony Michel (1,076 rush yds, 5.4 YPC, 7 TD) who has racked up four games of 130+ rushing yards in the past seven contests. Michel is also coming off a season-high 187 total yards (149 rush, 38 rec) at Georgia Tech.
The Bulldogs have an outstanding defense that holds teams to 16.9 PPG and 298 total YPG, and those numbers have improved to 12.3 PPG and 276 total YPG in the past three games. They have the nation's top passing defense (146 YPG allowed), as opposing quarterbacks gain just 5.8 YPA. The run-stop unit is also solid in giving up 152 YPG on 4.0 YPC. Turnovers have also been huge, as the Bulldogs have collected 21 takeaways this season, and Penn State has turned the football over a dozen times during the past five games.
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (6-6) vs. ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (7-5)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Arkansas -12.5, Total: 55.5
Two schools peaking at the right time will collide Saturday in the Liberty Bowl when Kansas State, winners of three straight, plays a heavily-favored Arkansas squad that is 5-1 in the past six contests.
While these are both traditionally run-heavy programs, both passing offenses have averaged more than 200 YPG in the past four contests. This trend could continue on Saturday, as both schools have horrible passing defenses this season allowing more than 280 YPG and 8 YPA.
The Wildcats (6-5-1 ATS) have scored 35.7 PPG during their win streak, but might not be able to stop the Razorbacks (7-5 ATS), who beat defenses both through the air with QB Brandon Allen (260 pass YPG, 29 TD) and on the ground with RB Alex Collins (116 rush YPG, 17 TD).
Positive and negative betting trends are prevalent for each team on Saturday, as Kansas State is 8-1 ATS after a week off in the past three seasons, but underdogs of 10.5 to 21 points with a winning percentage between 45% and 55% are just 4-28 ATS (13%) since 1992 when coming off an extremely close conference win (3 points or less).
Arkansas is 10-2 ATS in the past two seasons after forcing zero or one turnovers, but an average offensive team (+/- 0.6 yards per play) after allowing 225 or less total yards are only 29-65 ATS (31%) since 1992 when facing a poor offense (outgained by 0.6 to 1.2 YPP).
Kansas State's offense is starting to show some life with 35.7 PPG and 351 total YPG over the past three weeks, which brings its season numbers to 30.5 PPG and 341 total YPG. Running the football is what KSU prefers, as it rushes the football on 61% of its plays, leading to 163 YPG on 3.9 YPC. The passing game needs work though, as the team completes only 47% of its throws for 177 YPG and 6.6 YPA.
Junior QB Joe Hubener has really struggled this year with a 48% completion rate for 1,837 passing yards (6.7 YPA), 9 TD and 9 INT. Although his team beat West Virginia in the regular-season finale, Hubener finished that game 6-of-19 for 85 yards, 0 TD and 2 INT, while rushing for just 15 yards on 12 carries. But he has produced some nice rushing outputs this season, gaining at least 88 yards on four different occasions, and scoring at least twice on the ground in four different contests.
The team's No. 1 rusher is junior RB Charles Jones (656 rush yds, 4.8 YPC, 5 TD), who has had at least 13 carries in six straight games, which he has turned into 476 yards on 5.1 YPC and a pair of scores. No Wildcats player has reached 500 receiving yards this season, with junior WR Deante Burton leading the squad with 477 yards (14.0 avg) and 4 TD. Burton hadn't reached 70 yards in any game this season before exploding for 135 yards on five grabs (27.0 avg) and a touchdown on Dec. 5 versus West Virginia.
Despite being on the field for only 27:03 per game, the Wildcats defense has still been torched for 30.3 PPG and 443 total YPG this season with neither the front seven (159 rushing YPG on 4.3 YPC), nor the secondary (283 passing YPG on 8.0 YPA) consistently stopping anybody. Of the unit's mere seven forced turnovers over the past seven games, four of those came versus Iowa State. KSU should not expect many Razorbacks miscues, as they have committed only five turnovers in the past eight weeks combined.
Arkansas holds the football for 34:08 per game this year, leading to 35.2 PPG and 457 total YPG. The Hogs choose to run on 57% of their plays, but they also throw for 264 YPG on 9.1 YPA.
Senior QB Brandon Allen (65% completions, 3,125 pass yds, 9.1 YPA, 29 TD, 7 INT) has performed so well because he gets the ball out quickly, as evidenced by his mere 12 sacks taken in 344 dropbacks. He also has a great offensive line that has helped him throw for more than 400 yards on three different occasions. Since the start of November, Allen has tossed 14 touchdowns and only two picks. Junior WR Drew Morgan (751 rec yds, 10 TD) should be fully healed from his shoulder injury and looks for his fourth game of 110+ receiving yards this season.
Junior RB Alex Collins continues to propel the ground game with 1,392 yards (5.6 YPC) and 17 touchdowns this year. He has rushed for over 100 yards nine times this season with six of those coming versus SEC opponents.
Despite Collins' contributions to the gaudy time of possession for the offense, the Arkansas defense is still surrendering 27.7 PPG on 404 total YPG (6.1 yards per play). However, the unit stood tall in the regular-season finale versus Missouri with three points allowed on 88 rushing yards (3.5 YPC) and 83 passing yards (3.1 YPA). While the run-stop unit gives up only 120 YPG on 3.8 YPC this season, the passing defense has been much more generous with 284 passing YPG on 8.3 YPA. Although the unit has forced multiple turnovers six times this season, it has also failed to produce a single turnover in four separate contests.
TCU HORNED FROGS (10-2) vs. OREGON DUCKS (9-3)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Oregon -7, Total: 73.5
Two of the most potent offenses in the nation will try to outscore each other in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio when No. 11 TCU takes on a No. 15 Oregon team with six straight wins (5-1 ATS). The Frogs will be severely short-handed, as they will not have the services of either star QB Trevone Boykin (suspension) or top WR Josh Doctson (wrist).
Despite Boykin missing nearly two games this season, the Horned Frogs still averaged 41.7 PPG (8th in FBS) for the season, while the Ducks scored 43.2 PPG (6th in nation) with QB Vernon Adams Jr. hobbled. With Boykin's suspension coming after his arrest early Thursday morning for felony assault on a police offer, either senior QB Bram Kohlhausen or freshman QB Foster Sawyer will start under center.
Both teams also have explosive rushers well over 1,000 yards in TCU RB Aaron Green (1,171 rush yds) and Oregon RB Royce Freeman (1,706 rush yds). There are more betting trends favoring the Ducks in this matchup, such as their perfect 7-0 ATS record after two straight double-digit Pac-12 wins in the past two seasons, and their 13-3 ATS mark versus winning teams in this same timeframe.
But the Horned Frogs are 14-5 ATS versus good passing teams (58%+ completion pct.) in the past three years, and a perfect 7-0 ATS after having at least one week off in this same timeframe.
In addition to Boykin and Doctson not playing, TCU will likely be missing WR Ty Slanina (collarbone), but both DT Aaron Curry and C Joey Hunt have been upgraded to probable from undisclosed injuries. Oregon's only significant injury is S Juwaan Williams (foot), who is questionable for Saturday.
TCU's offense has mustered only 26.7 PPG and 393 total YPG in the past three games, which is a far cry from the 41.7 PPG and 564 total YPG it has averaged this season, or even the 38.8 PPG on 569 total YPG it has produced on the road (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS).
Senior QB Bram Kohlhausen (27-of-43, 369 yds, 8.6 YPA, 3 TD, 1 INT) is the likely starter for Saturday ahead of freshman QB Foster Sawyer (10-of-26, 155 yds, 6.0 YPA, 2 TD, 3 INT). The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Kohlhausen played pretty well at Oklahoma in his last appearance, when he completed 5-of-11 throws for 122 yards (11.1 YPA), 2 TD and 0 INT with most of that coming on an 86-yard touchdown pass to WR KaVontae Turpin.
With WR Josh Doctson (1,327 rec yds, 14 TD) sidelined, the freshman Turpin will try to add to his 584 receiving yards and 8 TD this season. The other main pass catcher is 6-foot-1 senior WR Kolby Listenbee (598 rec yds, 20.6 avg, 5 TD), who gained 98 yards at Oklahoma and also had a pair of 100-yard efforts this year.
On the ground, senior RB Aaron Green (1,171 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 10 TD) has racked up 120+ yards on five occasions, but after scoring eight times in his first six games, Jones has found the end zone only twice in his past six contests.
The Horned Frogs defense has given up 26.1 PPG on 397 total YPG this season, but those numbers are much worse away from home with 35.7 PPG on 464 YPG. Neither the run-stop unit (183 rush YPG and 4.3 YPC allowed) nor the secondary (214 pass YPG and 6.3 YPA allowed) has been consistently strong this year.
Before the unit produced five takeaways in the win over Baylor, it had forced only eight turnovers in the previous nine games combined. That's good news for a Ducks offense that has only six giveaways in its past six contests.
Like TCU, Oregon's potent offense (43.2 PPG on 548 total YPG) has not been nearly as fierce away from home (38.8 PPG on 470 YPG). Oregon runs the football 63% of the time for 288 rushing YPG on a whopping 6.1 YPC. But the team is more than capable of taking to the air with 260 passing YPG on 9.2 YPA and a 64% completion rate.
Senior QB Vernon Adams Jr. (65% completions, 2,446 pass yds, 10.2 YPA, 25 TD, 6 INT) has not lost a game since September, and has thrown for 21 TD and only 4 INT during his team's six-game win streak. In the past three contests, he has completed 83%, 80% and 74% of his throws.
Junior WR Bralon Addison (775 rec yds, 10 TD) is the No. 1 target and has caught 13 passes for 211 yards and 4 TD in the past two games. The rushing attack is in great shape with sophomore RB Royce Freeman (1,706 rush yds, 6.6 YPC, 14 TD), who has gained at least 100 yards on the ground for eight straight games, and has totaled a hefty 415 yards (314 rush, 101 rec) over the past two contests.
It's a good thing the offense has been so effective, because the Ducks defense has been torched for 36.7 PPG on 480 total YPG this season. Being on the field for an average of 33:44 in 2015 has contributed to the massive 179 rushing YPG (4.8 YPC) and 301 passing YPG (7.1 YPA) the unit has allowed.
Oregon has forced a solid 21 turnovers this year too, and hopes TCU continues its turnover ways with 11 giveaways in its past four games.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS (7-5) vs. ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (6-6)
Sportsbook.ag Line: West Virginia -1.5, Total: 64
Arizona State will try to avoid a losing season on Saturday night when it hosts West Virginia in the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field, which is located just 11 miles from the Tempe campus.
The Sun Devils had preseason expectations to play in a greater January bowl, but have allowed 32.7 PPG this season, and a hefty 559 total YPG over the past three contests. The Mountaineers have surrendered 34.0 PPG and 452 total YPG away from home, where they are 1-4 (SU and ATS). But in the past three games, they have held opponents to 10.0 PPG and 270 total YPG. ASU prefers to throw the football (289 YPG), while WVU has great balance (235 rush YPG, 228 pass YPG).
There are plenty of reasons for bettors to choose either side on Saturday night, as the Sun Devils are 10-1 ATS since 1992 off a road cover where the team lost as an underdog, and their opponent falls under the category of teams coming off an ATS loss to an opponent with 3+ straight ATS wins going 19-50 ATS (28%) when the line is +3 to -3.
The Mountaineers are 8-4 ATS under head coach Dana Holgorsen versus poor passing defenses (250+ YPG allowed) and their Saturday opponent is 10-22 ATS on the road versus good rushing teams (4.75+ YPC) since 1992.
Both teams will be a tad short-handed for this matchup, as WVU will not have three players due to academics (WR Jovon Durante, DE Eric Kinsey and CB Daryl Worley), while DL Yodny Cajuste (foot) is questionable. ASU has two players out due to disciplinary reasons (DL Deonte Reynolds and DB Jayme Otomewo) while two others are questionable in TE Grant Martinez (knee) and LB Nick Ralston (undisclosed).
West Virginia's offense hasn't faltered much this season with 33.2 PPG on 463 total YPG. The club prefers to keep the ball on the ground, as 61% of their plays are hand-offs, and the ball usually goes to junior RB Wendell Smallwood (1,447 rush yds, 6.4 YPC, 9 TD). He has amassed eight 110-yard rushing efforts this season, with five of those games resulting in at least 140 yards.
The team is better off when junior QB Skyler Howard (55% completions, 2,613 pass yds, 7.4 YPA, 21 TD, 12 INT) doesn't drop back much, as the team is 0-4 when Howard attempts at least 35 passes and 6-0 when he throws less than 30 times. Howard is also a capable ball carrier with 479 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and junior RB Rushel Shell (677 rush yds, 4.5 YPC, 8 TD) provides some serious power with his 5-foot-10, 221-pound frame.
The Mountaineers defense has been up-and-down this season, surrendering 34.0 PPG on 452 total YPG on the road, but limiting its last three opponents to 10.0 PPG on 270 total YPG. The unit is giving up 164 rushing YPG on 4.0 YPC, while it allows 223 passing YPG on 6.8 YPA. However, the WVU defense ranks second in the nation with 23 interceptions and has limited opposing quarterbacks to a paltry 51% completion rate.
The unit has forced a total of 31 turnovers this season, including 14 in the past four games, but will be hard-pressed to force mistakes from the Sun Devils, who have committed only 10 turnovers in the past eight contests.
Arizona State's offense averaged a healthy 34.0 PPG and 474 total YPG this season, but offensive coordinator Mike Norvell departed to become the next Memphis head coach. That leaves offensive line coach Chris Thomsen as the play-caller for Saturday. On the year, the Sun Devils are greatly balanced with 42 rushes per game and 40 passes per contest. While they are much more effective through the air with 289 YPG on 7.2 YPA, the ground game chews up a solid 185 YPG on 4.4 YPC.
Top RB Demario Richard (1,050 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 7 TD) is finishing strong with four 100-yard rushing games in the past five contests, while No. 1 WR Devin Lucien (57 rec, 930 yds, 7 TD) has racked up 17 catches for 391 yards and 4 TD in his past two games.
He and four others have caught at least three touchdown passes from QB Mike Bercovici (60% completions, 3,442 pass yds, 7.2 YPA, 26 TD, 9 INT), who has also run for six scores. The heady senior has thrown for at least 230 yards in 11 straight games and has 7 TD passes and only one interception in his past three contests.
The Sun Devils defense isn't very good, as evidenced by its 32.7 PPG on 446 total YPG, which includes 322 passing YPG on 8.3 YPA. However, the front seven thrives against the run (125 YPG on 3.6 YPC) and has also put major pressure on quarterbacks with 44 sacks and 101 Tackles For Loss.
But this heavy blitzing has also led to big games for opponents, such as California QB Jared Goff's 542 passing yards and five touchdown throws in the regular-season finale. Arizona State has forced eight turnovers in the past three games, but is playing an opponent with only nine giveaways during its past seven contests.
Saturday's Bowl Games
By Covers.com
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Georgia Bulldogs (-6, 42.5)
For the first time since 2000, Georgia will take the field without Mark Richt patrolling the sidelines when the Bulldogs face Penn State in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Jan. 2 in Jacksonville, Fla. Interim head coach Bryan McClendon will direct the Bulldogs in the bowl game before Kirby Smart takes over at his alma mater, after Georgia fired Richt on Nov. 29. Preparations for the Bulldogs’ 19th consecutive bowl appearance have been different for a program accustomed to continuity, as most of the coaching staff is not expected to return for 2016.
The Nittany Lions have struggled offensively the past two seasons, ranking 106th and 114th in the nation in total offense and leading to the firing of offensive coordinator John Donovan. New coordinator Joe Moorhead will not take over until after the bowl game, leaving head coach James Franklin and quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne to build the game plan against a Georgia defense ranked ninth in the country in points allowed per game (16.9). Penn State, which has lost three in a row, will rely on freshman running back Saquon Barkley (1,007 yards rushing, seven touchdowns) and junior quarterback Christian Hackenberg (2,386 yards passing, 16 touchdowns) to generate offense, but the offensive line must play better after allowing 39 sacks in 12 games.
Like Penn State, Georgia’s offense has struggled – in particular after Heisman hopeful running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in early October. Junior quarterback Greyson Lambert (1,844 yards passing, 11 touchdowns) battled inconsistency, leading the Bulldogs to rely more on a running game now led by sophomore Sony Michel (1,076 yards rushing, seven touchdowns). The Nittany Lions, paced by defensive end and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Carl Nassib, lead the nation in sacks and are 14th in total defense (324.3 yards per game).
LINE HISTORY: Books opened Georgia as a 7-point fave, but that has moved to -6. The total is up to 42.5 from the opening 41.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the low-60s under mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow toward the south end zone at around six mph.
ABOUT PENN STATE (7-5 SU, 4-8 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Barkley provides some promise at running back, averaging 6.4 yards per carry while averaging 100.7 yards per game, but Hackenberg’s NFL prospects suffered as he completed 53.3 percent of his passes, throwing as many interceptions (three) as touchdowns in the past three games. Nassib led the nation with 15½ sacks and tied for the national lead with 19½ tackles for loss, but the Nittany Lions allowed 35.3 points per game in their final three contests. Middle linebacker Jason Cabinda moved from outside linebacker after a season-ending injury to Nyeem Wartman-White in Week 1 and excelled, leading Penn State in tackles (92).
ABOUT GEORGIA (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS, 3-9 O/U): Lambert will start in the Bulldogs’ second appearance in Jacksonville this season; he did not play in the first game, a 27-3 blowout loss to Florida that many believe sealed Richt’s fate. Michel has been impressive in picking up the rushing load for Chubb, but Georgia’s defense has anchored the Bulldogs’ better play down the stretch. Jake Ganus, Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins combined for 220 tackles and 9½ sacks while forming one of the best linebacker corps in the nation, and the Bulldogs held opponents to 10 points per game in winning their final four games.
TRENDS:
* Nittany Lions are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
* Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS win.
* Over is 4-1 in Nittany Lions last five games overall.
* Under is 6-0 in Bulldogs last six games overall.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (-13, 55.5)
A pair of major-conference schools that are no strangers to bowl games -- Arkansas and Kansas State -- face off in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Jan. 2. The Razorbacks are in their seventh bowl game in the last nine seasons, which includes a victory over the Wildcats in the 2012 Cotton Bowl, while Kansas State is in a bowl game for the sixth straight season. Coaches Bret Bielema and Bill Snyder have plenty of experience in bowl games as well, combining for 10 victories in their 23 bowl appearances as head coaches.
After a 2-4 start to the season, the Razorbacks came roaring back to finish the regular season at 7-5, with the lone loss being a 51-50 shootout to Mississippi State. The Wildcats, on the other hand, had to recover with wins in their last three games just to get to 6-6, with a five-game losing streak putting them in that hole. Arkansas will look to control the clock with its running game, which averages 192.6 yards, while Kansas State's run defense will try to slow down the Razorbacks after holding opponents to 159.4 yards on the ground.
The two coaches in the game, Snyder and Bielema, are more than familiar with each other, having coached together with the Wildcats in 2002 and 2003. Bielema served as Snyder's co-defensive coordinator those years before moving on to Wisconsin. Both have roots with Iowa as well, where Bielema was a player, graduate assistant and linebackers coach prior to joining Snyder's staff, and Snyder spent nine seasons from 1979 to 1988 as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
LINE HISTORY: Books opened Arkansas as a 12-point fave, but that has moved to -13. The total is down to 55.5 from the opening 59.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the high-40s under clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at around six mph.
ABOUT KANSAS STATE (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS, 7-5 O/U): As they head into the Liberty Bowl, the Wildcats are still unsure who will start under center, with Joe Hubener and Kody Cook both remaining options. Hubener has the gaudier stats, throwing for 1,837 yards and nine touchdowns to go with nine interceptions, while Cook, a receiver with 27 catches when he's not at quarterback, had 284 yards passing with three touchdowns and three interceptions. "We practice both of them there every single day," Snyder told reporters. "They take an equal amount of reps, which has been reasonably consistent throughout the latter stages of the season. Nothing changes there."
ABOUT ARKANSAS (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS, 5-7 O/U): If there's one player the Razorbacks want to get going in the bowl game, it's junior running back Alex Collins, who has been on a roll in the late part of the season. Collins had six 100-yard games in SEC action this year, equalling the school record, and his 17 touchdowns are tied for second-most in Arkansas single-season history. While the Wildcats will be keying on Collins to try to slow down the Razorbacks' ground attack, look for him to get the ball plenty early in the game to try to set up the rest of the Arkansas offense.
TRENDS:
* Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
* Razorbacks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. Big 12.
* Over is 7-3 in Wildcats last 10 games overall.
* Under is 7-0 in Razorbacks last seven Bowl games.
(14) Oregon Ducks vs. (10) TCU Horned Frogs (+7, 73.5)
Two high-octane offenses will be looking to put a bushel of points on the scoreboard when TCU - without suspended senior quarterback Trevone Boykin - faces Oregon in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 at San Antonio. The Horned Frogs average 41.7 points per game and scored 50 or more points on five occasions while Oregon checks in with a 43.2 average and four outings of over 50. The Ducks are shaky on defense - allowing 36.8 per contest - despite ending the regular season with six consecutive victories.
Boykin was suspended two days before the contest after being arrested outside a San Antonio bar and charged with assault on a public servant, a third-degree felony. Boykin, who passed for 3,575 yards and 31 touchdowns, allegedly fought employees of the bar as they attempted to get him to leave and could also face charges of resisting arrest and public intoxication. Either senior Bram Kohlhausen (369 yards, three touchdowns, one interception) or redshirt freshman Foster Sawyer (155 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions) will start in Boykin's place.
Ducks sophomore running back Royce Freeman somehow flies under the national radar despite racking up 1,706 yards and 14 touchdowns. Freeman posted 10 100-yard rushing games this season and needs an even 100 yards to break the school's season-single rushing mark set by LaMichael James in 2011. "He's a guy that I think was very overshadowed, unfortunately, with kind of some early losses," Oregon coach Mark Helfrich told reporters. "He was out of any talk for individual awards and accolades. I know that doesn't mean a ton to him, but it's unfortunate for him."
LINE HISTORY: TCU opened as a 1.5-point fave, but that moved to +7 following the Boykin suspension. The total is now 73.5 after originally opening at 78.
ABOUT OREGON (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS, 8-4 O/U): Senior quarterback Vernon Adams overcame an early season finger injury to pass for 2,446 yards and 25 touchdowns and the offense took off once he was healthy. Junior wideout Bralon Addison caught 58 passes for 775 yards and 10 touchdowns, while big-play sophomore Darren Carrington averaged 20.1 yards per catch and had five touchdowns in six games after returning from an NCAA suspension for failing a drug test prior to last season's College Football Playoff title game. Senior defensive end DeForest Buckner is the star of the defense with 16 tackles for losses (including 9.5 sacks) with senior linebacker Tyson Coleman (10 tackles for losses), senior inside linebacker Joe Walker (team-best 82 tackles) and sophomore strong safety Tyree Robinson (team-high three interceptions) also being key figures.
ABOUT TCU (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Senior receiver Josh Doctson was enjoying the best receiving season in school history - 79 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns - before breaking his left wrist in early November. He was recently ruled out for the contest and his absence takes away more firepower from an offense that also has a strong running back in senior Aaron Green (1,171 yards, 10 touchdowns). The Horned Frogs allow 26.1 points per game and had to patch holes on defense most of the season due to injuries but have a couple of dependable standouts in senior free safety Derrick Kindred (79 tackles, team-best two interceptions) and junior defensive end Josh Carraway (team-leading eight sacks).
TRENDS:
* Ducks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Horned Frogs are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Under is 5-1 in Ducks last six Bowl games.
* Under is 8-0-1 in Horned Frogs last nine Bowl games.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (+1, 64.5)
A pair of prolific offenses square off in the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl when West Virginia travels to Phoenix to take on Arizona State on Jan. 2. Both teams rank in the top 30 nationally in total offense and in the top 50 in scoring, and both boast balanced attacks. Each team has scored 30 points or more in seven of its 12 games and topped 40 points four times.
West Virginia has recorded 23 interceptions among its 31 turnovers – both ranked second nationally – and has posted two or more takeaways eight times. With one more interception, the Mountaineers would match the school record set in 1948 and tied in 2000. Arizona State had a huge edge in turnover margin its first three years under coach Todd Graham but has 19 takeaways and 19 giveaways this season and has been outscored 68-49 in points off turnovers.
Arizona State leads the nation in sacks per game (3.67) and ranks fourth in tackles for loss (8.9 per game). When the Sun Devils don’t make a big play behind the line of scrimmage, though, they’re prone to giving up big plays. They’ve allowed at least 449 total yards in five straight games including a season-high 680 in a 48-46 loss at California in the regular-season finale.
LINE HISTORY: Books opened Arizona State as a 1.5-point fave but that has moved to +1. The total is down to 64.5 after opening at 66.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS, 3-9 O/U): The Mountaineers boast the dynamic offense coach Dana Holgorsen’s teams have come to be known for with quarterback Skyler Howard leading a balanced attack. Howard has passed for 2,613 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 479 yards and six touchdowns on the ground to complement running back Wendell Smallwood (1,447 rushing yards, 9 TDs). The defense, led by All-Big 12 linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, was torched for more than 600 yards in consecutive games against Baylor and TCU in October but played well down the stretch, holding its last three opponents to an average of 265.7 total yards and keeping all three under 100 yards rushing.
ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Quarterback Mike Bercovici (3,437 yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs) ranks in the top three in school history in most single-season passing categories and does a nice job of spreading the ball around with a trio of receivers with at least 50 receptions and 500 yards, including Devin Lucien (57 receptions, 931 yards, 7 TDs) and D.J. Foster (54 receptions, 544 yards, 3 TDs), who has caught at least one pass in a Pac-12 record 52 consecutive games. The Sun Devils can also move the ball on the ground, though, as Demario Richard (1,056 rushing yards, 7 TDs) has topped 100 yards rushing in seven straight games. If it comes down to the kicking game, the Sun Devils could have the edge with junior kicker Zane Gonzalez, who ranks second in school history for field goals (69) and points (370) and needs just 11 points to surpass Luis Zendejas’ school scoring record.
TRENDS:
* Mountaineers are 1-5 ATS in their last six bowl games.
* Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their last seven bowl games.
* Under is 17-4 in Mountaineers last 21 games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Sun Devils last five Bowl games.
Tax Slayer Bowl
Last six years, SEC teams are 13-7 vs Big 14 teams in bowls, 2-1 in this year's games. Georgia is 2-3 in last five bowls, with losses by 5 or less points; they were fsvored in all five games. Penn State is 2-3 in last five bowls; they were dog in all five- Franklin is 3-1 in bowls, 1-0 here. Penn State lost its last three games after 7-2 start; Lions are 2-5 vs bowl teams this year. Georgia fired its coach after a 9-3 season; they allowed 17 or less points in 8 of 9 wins, are 0-3 when they allow more than 20 points. Dawgs are 2-3 vs teams in bowls- they averaged only 15.8 ppg in their last six games. SEC bowl favorites are 6-1 vs spread this season.
Liberty Bowl
Kansas State lost four of last five bowls; favorites covered last four. Wildcats get to bowl despite losing six games in row, giving up average of 42.7 ppg in mid-part of season, before winning last three games to get to 6-6- they're 2-5 vs bowl teams. Razorbacks won three of last four bowls; Bielema is 3-4 in his bowl games, 1-0 with Hogs. Arkansas won five of its last six games after a 2-4 start that included a home loss to Toledo. SEC teams are 5-2 in bowls this year, 3-2 in this bowl last six years; under is 3-2-1 in last six Liberty Bowls. Last seven years, SEC teams are 10-2 in bowls vs Big X teams.
Alamo Bowl
TCU QB Boykin was arrested/suspended two nights ago after bar fight so they're screwed as far as a QB goes here. Frogs won first eight games, scoring 40+ seven times; once WR Doctson got hurt, they went 2-2, scoring less than 30 all four games. TCU won three of last four bowls; they allowd 16 ppg in last five. Oregon had four-bowl win streak snapped by Ohio State in national title game LY; they beat Texas 30-7 in this game in 2013. Favorites are 5-1 SU/ATS in this bowl the last six years; three of last four went over the total. Last six years, Pac-12 teams are 18-15-1 as favorites in bowl games.
Cactus Bowl
Arizona State is first Pac-12 bowl underdog since 2012; they're the home team here too, playing in Diamondbacks' park in downtown Phoenix; ASU is 2-3 in last five bowls, with average total of 76.2. West Virginia lost four of last five bowls; one win was 70-33 over Clemson three years ago. Underdogs won/covered this bowl four of last six years, with last four staying under total. ASU lost four of last six games, allowing 34+ points in five of the six; they're 4-6 vs bowl teams this year. Last four years, Big X teams are 10-15 in bowl games, 1-2 this season.
Armadillosports.com
Saturday's Early Bowl Tips
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com
Penn State vs. Georgia
The TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville will pit Georgia from the SEC up against Penn State out of the Big Ten. As of New Year’s Day, most betting shops had Georgia (9-3 straight up, 5-7 against the spread) installed as a six-point favorite with a total of 42.5 points. The Nittany Lion were +200 on the money line (risk $100 to win $200).
Georgia finished the regular season with four consecutive wins, but it wasn’t enough to save Mark Richt’s job. One day after beating Ga. Tech 13-7 on The Flats in the regular-season finale, Richt was fired after 15 seasons and 145 victories. Richt initially agreed to coach in the bowl game but when he was hired by Miami less than a week later, those plans obviously changed.
Bryan McClendon will serve as UGA’s interim head coach. He was the team’s WR coach this year and served as the RBs coach from 2009-2014. McClendon will join Will Muschamp’s staff at South Carolina after coaching this game. Both of UGA’s coordinators are gone as well, in addition to LBs coach Mike Ekeler. DC Jeremy Pruitt has departed for the same position at Alabama, replacing Kirby Smart, UGA’s new head coach who is simultaneously tending to his new gig and staying with the Crimson Tide through next week’s game against Clemson. OC Brian Schottenheimer left the team to go try to find a new job.
Richt’s fate was sealed in a 27-3 loss to Florida on Oct. 31. The defeat eliminated the Bulldogs from the SEC East for a second straight season and they were the clear-cut favorites to win the division but were unable to do so.
Since losing star RB Nick Chubb to a season-ending injury in a 38-31 loss at Tennessee on Oct. 10, Georgia has been pedestrian on offense. The Bulldogs have averaged only 15.8 points per game, scoring 20 points or more in regulation just twice in six games.
Georgia QB Greyson Lambert completed 18-of-25 throws for 224 yards without committing a turnover in the win at Ga. Tech. Sony Michel rushed 24 times for 149 yards and one TD. For the season, Lambert has connected on 64.4 percent of his throws for 1,844 yards with an 11/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Michel has run for 1,076 yards and seven TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Before Chubb went down in the sixth game of the season, the true sophomore had rushed for 747 yards and seven TDs while averaging 8.1 YPC.
Malcolm Mitchell is UGA’s top WR, hauling in 53 receptions for 751 yards and four TDs. Michel is a factor catching the ball out of backfield, making 25 catches for 270 yards and three TDs.
Georgia has been a single-digit favorite three times this year, posting a 1-2 record both SU and ATS.
Penn State (7-5 SU, 4-8 ATS) has dropped three in a row both SU and ATS, including a 55-16 loss at Michigan State as a 7.5-point underdog in the regular-season finale. The Nittany Lions generated 418 yards of total offense, but they committed four costly turnovers. QB Christian Hackenberg completed 22-of-39 passes for 257 yards and two TDs, but he was intercepted twice. True freshman RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 103 yards on 17 carries.
James Franklin’s team owns just a pair of wins over bowl-bound competition, beating San Diego State (37-21) and Indiana (29-7). We should note, however, that both wins came at home and that the Hoosiers were without their two best players, QB Nate Sudfeld and RB Jordan Howard.
Hackenberg has completed 53.3 percent of his passes for 2,386 yards with a 16/5 TD-INT ratio. The true junior had a six-game stretch in the middle of the season when he threw 12 TD passes without an interception. However, he’s been picked off three times in the last three games while throwing just three TD passes.
Barkley enjoyed a breakout campaign, rushing for a team-best 1,007 yards and seven TDs while averaging 6.1 YPC.
Hackenberg’s favorite target is Chris Godwin, a true sophomore who has 63 catches for 968 yards and five TDs. DaeSean Hamilton has 40 receptions for 509 yards and five TDs.
PSU has been an underdog three times this season, going 0-3 both SU and ATS.
Penn State is ranked 14th in the country in total defense and eighth against the pass. The Nittany Lions are No. 25 in scoring defense (21.7 PPG).
Georgia ranks sixth in the nation in total defense, No. 1 against the pass and eighth in scoring (16.9 PPG). This unit is led by LB Leonard Floyd, a second-team All-SEC selection. Floyd registered 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, nine QB hurries, three passes broken up and one fumble recovery that he returned 96 yards for a TD. Sophomore safety Dominick Sanders also earned second-team All-SEC accolades. Sanders produced 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, five passes broken up and five interceptions for 205 return yards and one TD. Senior LB Jordan Jenkins is another big-time player. He has recorded 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five QB hurries, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
The ‘over’ has hit in three straight and four of the last five for PSU. However, the ‘under’ is still 7-5 for the year. The Nittany Lions’ games have averaged combined scores of 45.3 points per game.
One other note on PSU totals: When the tallies have been 43.5 combined points or fewer (like this total for UGA), the ‘over’ has cashed at a 4-0 clip.
The ‘under’ is on fire in UGA games, cashing in six straight and eight of its last nine. The ‘under’ is 9-3 overall for the Bulldogs, who have seen their games average combined scores of 43.4 PPG. This is – by far – the lowest total they’ve seen this season. The previous low was 48.5 (three times). In UGA’s four games that had totals in the 40s, the ‘under’ went 4-0.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Eastern on ESPN.
Arkansas vs. Kansas State
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis will feature a Big 12-SEC showdown between Arkansas and Kansas State As of New Year’s Day, most spots had the Razorbacks favored by 12.5 points with a total of 56. The Wildcats were +400 on the money line (risk $100 to win $400).
Just like last season, Arkansas (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS) played its best football in November when it went 3-1 both SU and ATS with wins at Ole Miss (53-52 in double overtime) and at LSU (31-14). The loss in November came at home to Mississippi State when the Razorbacks’ defense gave up a late score in a 51-50 setback.
Bret Bielema’s squad close the regular season with a 28-3 home win over Missouri as a 15-point ‘chalk.’ Alex Collins led the way by rushing for 130 yards and three TDs on 30 workmanlike carries. Kody Walker added 77 rushing yards and one TD on 14 totes.
Arkansas senior QB Brandon Allen had a spectacular season, especially when you consider that the team’s three best WRs went out with injuries in mid-September. Keon Hatcher, who led the 2014 squad in receptions and receiving yards, was doing the same this year until an injury sidelined him for the season. Jared Cornelius and Cody Hollister both missed more than six weeks. Nevertheless, Allen connected on 65.1 percent of his passes for 3,125 yards with a 29/7 TD-INT ratio. In the last eight games, Allen has 22 TD passes compared to merely four interceptions.
Allen was sensational in the double-OT win at Ole Miss. He threw for 442 yards and six TDs without an interception. Most important, he scored the winning two-point conversion on a QB draw. Allen had three games with more than 400 yards passing, including a 406-yard effort vs. Mississippi State He had seven TD passes without a pick against the Bulldogs.
When Hatcher went down, junior WR Drew Morgan earned more snaps and subsequently produced a breakout season. Morgan hauled in a team-high 55 receptions for 751 yards and 10 TDs.
Allen has one of the nation’s top tight ends in junior Hunter Henry, who earned first-team All-SEC honors after catching 46 balls for 647 yards and three TDs. Juco transfer WR Dominique Reed didn’t do much early in the year (just two catches in September), but he has come on strong late. Reed has 27 receptions for 520 yards and six TDs. He has four TD grabs in the last four games.
Collins is poised to become the school’s second all-time leading rusher if he can gain 53 yards on the ground against the Wildcats. Collins rushed for more than 1,000 yards for a third straight season in 2015. The true junior ran for a career-best 1,392 yards and 17 TDs with a 5.6 YPC average. Collins is expected to turn pro following this game.
Arkansas has been a double-digit ‘chalk’ four times, going 2-2 ATS.
After going back-to-back seasons without going to a bowl, Arkansas was invited to last year’s Texas Bowl and proceeded to smash Texas by a 31-7 count as a seven-point favorite.
Kansas State (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) won three in a row to get bowl eligible at the close of the regular season. Bill Snyder’s team beat West Va. 24-23 as a 6.5-point home underdog in the regular-season finale. When the Mountaineers went ahead 23-17 with 13:07 remaining, K-State Morgan Burns answered with a 97-yard kickoff return for the game-winning points. Kody Cook, who normally plays WR, threw a 77-yard TD pass while filling in for the injured Joe Hubener.
Hubener is ‘probable’ vs. Arkansas, but Snyder has yet to announce a starter. Hubener became the starting QB when Alex Delton and Jesse Ertz went down with season-ending injuries in Spetember. Hubener has completed only 47.8 percent of his passes for 1,837 yards with a 9/9 TD-INT ratio. However, his strength is his ability to run the football. Hubener has rushed for 613 yards and 13 TDs.
K-State junior RB Charles Jones has run for a team-high 652 yards and five TDs while averaging 4.8 YPC. Meanwhile, Deante Burton has a team-best 34 receptions for 477 yards and four TDs.
K-State has been an underdog seven times, compiling a 4-3 spread record with one outright victory. The Wildcats have been double-digit ‘dogs just once, taking the cash easily in a 31-24 home loss to Baylor as 17-point puppies.
Cook has 27 receptions for 412 yards and three TDs. He’s completed 18-of-42 throws for 284 yards with a 3/3 TD-INT ratio. Cook has rushed for 139 yards and a pair of TDs.
K-State has just two wins (West Va. and La. Tech) over bowl-bound opponents, while Arkansas owns road scalps over LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee, in addition to a home victory over Auburn.
The ‘over’ is 7-5 overall for the Wildcats, cashing in three of their last four outings.
The ‘under’ is 7-5 overall for the Hogs, cashing in two of their last three games.
These schools met in the 2011 Cotton Bowl, which turned out to be Bobby Petrino’s last game as head coach of the Hogs. They won a 29-16 decision as nine-point favorites. K-State leads the all-time series 3-2 but hasn’t beaten Arkansas since 1926.
ESPN will have the telecast at 3:20 p.m. Eastern.
Saturday's Late Bowl Tips
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
Oregon vs. Texas Christian
The Valero Alamo Bowl should have a big-game feel when the Oregon Ducks (9-3, 7-5 ATS) square off against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS) in San Antonio, Tex. These two teams entered the season with national championship aspirations and would like to finish up on a high note.
Oregon had their playoff hopes dashed in a 62-20 shellacking in Eugene back on Sept. 26, and then a double-overtime loss against Washington State Oct. 10 helped put the nail in their coffin for an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. However, instead of roll over and die, the Ducks regrouped and rattled off six consecutive wins to end the regular season, going 5-1 ATS during the impressive stretch. That included a 38-36 win on The Farm against Stanford, as well as a 48-28 dismantling of a good Southern California team Nov. 21.
Texas Christian did not taste defeat until Nov. 7 when they paid a visit to Stillwater and promptly went on to get steamrolled 49-29 by Oklahoma State. They followed that up by looking listless in a 23-17 victory against winless Kansas before a heartbreaking 30-29 loss at Oklahoma Nov. 14. The Horned Frogs wonder what could have been if they won that Oklahoma game, as they topped Baylor in overtime in the rain by a 28-21 score.
The Ducks really impressed this season with a 5-0 ATS mark in games away from Autzen Stadium. They're also 5-1 ATS in their past six neutral-site games, and 21-5 ATS in their past 26 games played on a grass surface. In addition, Oregon is 5-2 ATS in their past seven bowl games and 34-16-1 ATS in their past 51 against a team with an overall winning record.
The Frogs are just 1-5 ATS in their past six bowl games, but figure to have the home-field feel with the short jaunt from Fort Worth to San Antonio. TCU is also 15-2 ATS in their past 17 games on grass, and 6-2 ATS in their past eight against non-conference foes. They're also 19-8 ATS in their past 27 games overall, and 11-4 ATS in their past 15 against teams with an overall winning record.
Oregon wasn't the same team when Vernon Adams was sidelined due to injury, but when he was 100 percent they were a juggernaut. Adams threw for 2,446 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions while also rushing for a pair of scores. However, running is not his strong suit. Adams will leave that up to Royce Freeman, who rolled for 1,708 yards on 6.6 yards per carry while finding the end zone 14 times on the ground with 325 receiving yards and two more scores. WR Bralon Addison also proved to be a playmaker, jelling nicely with Adams for 775 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. WR Darren Carrington averaged 20.1 yards per snag, totaling 502 yards and five touchdowns. WR Dwayne Stanford was also good for five touchdown grabs.
TCU was a different offense when WR Josh Doctson (wrist) went down with a wrist injury. He will miss the bowl game, too, joining WR Ty Slanina (collarbone) and WR Preston Miller (suspension) on the sidelines in street clothes. QB Trevone Boykin was the heart and soul of this offense, but he is suspended for the Alamo Bowl after being arrested outside of a San Antonio bar. He was charged with assault on a public servant and he might face charges for resisting arrest and public intoxication. Not good, and not what TCU needs in a game against a fellow high-octane offense.
The Horned Frogs will rely heavily on the run game led by RB Aaron Green, who posted 1,171 yards on 5.3 yards per tote while finding the end zone 10 times. They'll miss the dual-threat option of Boykin, though, who had 3,574 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while also running for 612 yards and nine scores, both of the latter were second on the team. QBs Bram Kohlkausen and Foster Sawyer are likely each going to get a look in this game, with perhaps the hot hand seeing more reps. with Doctson and his 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns on the sidelines, WR Kolby Listenbee is the biggest playmaker. He had 598 yards and five touchdowns, while WR KaVontae Turpin checked in with 584 yards and eight scores. RB Shaun Dixon is also a threat in the pass game, posting 430 yards on 11.3 yards per reception.
Oregon entered last season's College Football National Championship Game against Ohio State on a four-game bowl win streak, including a 30-7 win over Texas Dec. 30, 2013, in their last appearances in the Alamo Bowl.
TCU enters their game as a touchdown underdog against Oregon, as Vegas and most experts expect a lost. If they do lose, it would be a rare setback in a bowl game, as the Horned Frogs are an impressive 7-2 SU over their past nine bowl games dating back to 2005. This will be just their second-ever bowl game against a Pac-12 foe, beating USC 28-19 in the 1998 Sun Bowl. This is also their first-ever appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
The under is 5-1 in Oregon's past six bowl games, but 4-1 in their final five regular season games. For TCU, the 'under' is 8-0-1 in their past nine bowl games while cashing in five of their final six regular season games. The 'under' is also 8-2-1 in their past 11 neutral-site appearances.
ESPN will have the telecast at 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
West Virginia vs. Arizona State
West Virginia (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) will face off against Arizona State (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) in the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl in the final bowl game before Alabama and Clemson do battle Monday, Jan. 11, for the whole ball of wax. Yep, the Cactus Bowl is the penultimate bowl game after a long postseason full of games.
The Mountaineers were up and down this season, but they basically beat the teams they were expected to beat and lost when they were supposed to lose. They had a four-game losing streak from Oct. 3-29, running the Big 12 gauntlet of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor and TCU, all playoff hopefuls until November. On Nov. 7 West Virginia kicked off a four-game winning streak, covering three in a row from Nov. 14-28 before a setback in the season finale at Kansas State by one point back on Dec. 5. The Mountaineers are just 1-4 ATS in their past five games away from Morgantown.
The Sun Devils were picked by many experts to not only make noise in the Pac-12, but also to compete for a spot in the four-team playoff. A 38-17 spanking in a neutral-site game against Texas A&M in the opener, as well as a 42-14 beatdown from USC on Sept. 26 put those aspirations to rest before the calendar even turned to October. Arizona State was rather erratic this season, posting an impressive 38-23 win at UCLA Oct. 3, but also suffering four of their six losses by more than two touchdowns. AZ State was able to wrap up the season with a three-game cover streak, including a 1-1 SU/2-0 ATS mark against bowl teams. Overall against bowl teams the Sun Devils were 3-6 SU and a dismal 2-7 ATS this season.
The Sun Devils received tremendous production from Mike Bercovici as an injury-replacement last season, but he was as erratic as the team was overall. He completed 60.3 percent of his pass attempts for 3,436 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also punching in six running scores, second on the team. RB Demario Richard rolled for 1,056 yards and seven touchdowns, while RB Kalen Ballage managed 627 yards, 5.5 yards per tote and four touchdowns. In the receiving game the danger player for WVU's defense is WR Devin Lucien. He erupted for 16.3 yards per catch with seven touchdowns and a team-high 930 yards. WR Tim White had six receiving scores, while former RB D.J. Foster moved to WR and managed 544 yards in 54 grabs with three touchdowns.
West Virginia is just 1-5 ATS in their past six bowl games, and they're 1-4 ATS in their past five neutral-site battles, too. However, they're 5-2 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. Arizona State has also struggled against the number, posting a 1-6 ATS mark in their past seven bowl games while posting a 0-4 ATS mark in their past four neutral-site games and 0-4 ATS in their past four non-conference tilts.
The Mountaineers rattled off bowl wins in four straight from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2008, but they're just 1-4 SU over their past five postseason appearances. They're 1-2 all-time in three bowl games in the state of Arizona.
For AZ State, they also have struggled when they go bowling. While they won 36-31 in the Sun Bowl last season against Duke, they're just 4-7 in their past 11 bowl games dating back to 1997. The Sun Devils are an impressive 6-1 in bowl games in the state of Arizona.
The 'under' is an impressive 17-4 in the past 21 games for West Virginia, and 9-3 in their past 12 non-conference games. However, the 'over' has cashed in seven of their past 10 bowl games.
For AZ State, the 'over' is 4-1 in their past five bowl games. The over is also 5-2 in their past seven games overall, and 6-2 in their past eight neutral-site matchups, too. The over is 5-1 in the past six against a team with a winning record, too.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.