Sport: College FootballPick Selection: TCU Horned Frogs -6 -110
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Houston Cougars 8:00 PM ET
TCU Horned Frogs -6 -110
At first glance, seeing Houston getting points at home in a bowl game is very tempting to grab but the Cougars are getting points for a reason. Houston enters this game not knowing who is going to be calling the plays for this potent offense. Head coach Art Briles along with co-offensive coordinators Philip Montgomery and Randy Clements have moved on to Baylor leaving recruiting coordinator Chris Thurmond on the sidelines for this one.
TCU had a very disappointing season as BCS dreams were dashed with a loss to Texas, the first of five defeats on the season. You could say the team underachieved but injuries played a huge role and instead of lying down, the Horned Frogs changed their goals and moved forward. Trailing San Diego St. by 17 points in the season finale, TCU rallied to win and become bowl eligible showing the character of this team. It is as healthy as it has been all year and come into this one with huge momentum.
The last four losses by TCU were all by a touchdown or less so a few bounces its way could have meant a bigger and better season but the Horned Frogs are not feeling sorry. Instead of stewing over an opportunity lost, the Horned Frogs focused on making their ninth bowl appearance in 10 seasons. They pushed with determination through November, winning three of four games to reach the postseason. The Horned Frogs outgained five of their last six opponents by an average of 174.6 ypg.
Houston has playmakers with Anthony Aldridge and Donnie Avery but it will be facing the 16th ranked total defense in the nation, easily the toughest unit it has faced all season. Defensive end Tommy Blake, who missed four games in the middle of the season, is back at full strength and coupled with Chase Ortiz, provides the Horned Frogs with arguably the best bookends in the nation. On the flip side, Houston can not stop much as it finished 82nd in scoring defense.
While the Cougars have the much better passing attack, that is not necessarily an edge and it puts TCU into a great situation. Play against any team in a non-conference game that is averaging between 7.5 and 8.3 ypa going up against a team that is averaging between 5.6 and 6.4 ypa after seven or more games. This situation is 19-2 ATS (90.5 percent) over the last 10 seasons. Defense is the difference and the Horned Frogs have the clear edge in that category. Play TCU Horned Frogs 2.5 Units
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