2012 TicketCity Bowl: Houston Vs. Penn State – Preview, Prediction, and Pick Against the Spread

The Houston Cougars represent Conference USA against the Penn State Nittany Lions of the Big Ten in the 2012 TicketCity Bowl. Houston had a perfect 12-0 record before losing in the Conference USA title game to Southern Miss. The Cougars head to the TicketCity Bowl with a 12-1 record and are ranked #19 in the country.

Penn State fans witnessed a season they will never forget. Unfortunately, it was for all the wrong reasons. Part way through the season the Nittany Lions found themselves in a child sex scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. The scandal was huge news with all media outlets and led to the firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno. On the field Penn State had a respectable record of 9-3 and are currently ranked #22 in the nation. This will be the first bowl game Penn State has participated in without Joe Paterno in 63 years.

When Penn State is on Offense

The Nittany Lions offense ranked 110th in the nation in scoring at 19.8 points per game. Penn State did not get good quarterback play out of either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden. McGloin took the most snaps but only completed 54% of his passes for 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He was injured in a locker room altercation with a teammate and his status is still a bit unclear for the bowl game. If McGloin can’t go, Bolden will fill in. Bolden completed 42% of his passes for 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions. Running back Silas Redd has a good sophomore season with 1188 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns.

Houston’s defense gave up an average of 23.1 points per game this season. Linebacker Sammy Brown is third in the nation with 12.5 sacks. As a team Houston had 29 sacks and intercepted 18 passes. The Cougars’ defense should be successful rushing the passer against Penn State and the Nittany Lions’ quarterbacks make plenty of mistakes.

When Houston is on Offense

The Cougars’ offense ranked 1st in total offense with 599 yards per game and 1st in scoring at 50.3 points per game. Senior quarterback Case Keenum wrapped up his brilliant college career with 5099 yards and 45 touchdowns this season. Keenum completed 71% of his passes and only threw 5 interceptions in 534 pass attempts. Houston already has two receivers with over a thousand yards this season in Patrick Edwards (1524 yards) and Justin Johnson (1081 yards). Tyron Carrier is currently sitting on 914 yards receiving and could eclipse the 1000 yard mark in the Ticketcity Bowl. Running backs Charles Sims and Michael Hayes take advantage of the holes created by the passing attack to average over 5.0 yards per carry.

Penn State’s defense was outstanding this season and is currently ranked 5th in the nation allowing only 15.7 points per game. The Nittany Lions had their worst defensive performance of the season in a 45-7 loss to Wisconsin to end the season. Penn State did not play a team with such a prolific passing attack and their secondary will be put to the test against Houston.

2012 TicketCity Bowl Pick Against the Spread

Houston is currently listed as a 6.5 point favorite over Penn State in the 2012 TicketCity Bowl. The teams strengths will go head-to-head when Houston’s explosive offense takes on Penn State’s stingy defense. Houston will score points against the Nittany Lions, but the same can’t necessarily be said for the Penn State offense. If McGloin is unable to play Rob Bolden will be in and that’s not good for Penn State. I am confidently taking Houston to win and cover.

2012 TicketCity Bowl Prediction

Houston – 38
Penn State – 20

Source

espn.go.com/college-football/bowls


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