[Tommy]

By Jimmy the Moose.

When two teams meet up with both being able to score points and both are very good on the defensive side of the ball be assured you’re going to be in for a treat. On December 31st the Iowa State Cyclones take on the TCU Horned Frogs in the Houston Bowl. Both teams would like nothing better to cap off their seasons with a big win. The books see a close game here with TCU being a 3.5-point favorite and the total set at 49 as of December 16.

The Cyclones come into this game with a 7-4 straight up record and are 6-4 ATS. Iowa State averages 28.6 points per contest while holding the opposition to 18.5 points per game. Over their last eight games of the season Iowa State went 4-4 straight up but a money-making 6-2 ATS. At home the Cyclones were 5-1 straight up and 4-1 ATS, but on the road they struggled, winning two of five games straight up and they were also 2-3 ATS. Away from home the Cyclones average 27 points per game while the defense allows 22.6 points per contest. The over is a profitable 7-3 for the Cyclones.

The TCU Horned Frogs were one win away from a perfect season. They finished the season 10-1 straight up and a profitable 8-3 at the betting window. The offense averages 33.7 points per game and their stifling defense allows an average of 18.1 points per contest. TCU has won nine straight games and comes into this one ready. Over their last five games, TCU has forced 20 turnovers. Over their last three games the offense has averaged 35.7 points per game while the defense has been rock solid allowing an average of 9.7 points per contest. The Under is 6-4-1 for TCU this season.

Key Players:
There is some very good talent in this game but let’s take a look at a couple of players you must keep an eye on in the Houston Bowl.

Quarterback Jeff Ballard (TCU) got his chance when Gunn went down with an injury and what did he do? He went on to post a 7-0 record throwing for 1256 yards and was picked off six times. Ballard completed 59.3% of his passes and had an impressive quarterback rating of 137.6.

Not only is Cory Rodgers TCU’s top wide receiver, but also a very dangerous kickoff returner. Rodgers caught 48 passes for 639 and five touchdowns. Rodgers also averaged 13.3 yards per catch. Cory also ran two kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Bret Mayer (Iowa State) had a good year completing 61.8% of his passes. Mayer passed for 2622 yards, 16 touchdowns and threw eight interceptions. He throws to both receivers Blythe and Flynn and both of them will also be key players in this one.

The teams have met twice before with TCU having won both games. The last meeting between these clubs was in 1998. TCU will be well rested for this one not having played since Nov. 12. If you’re a fan of the Cyclones or a fan of the Horned Frogs or simply a football fan, sit back and watch this game you’ll definitely enjoy it.

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