Texas Bowl Preview

Texas Bowl
Western Michigan vs Rice
Tuesday, December 30, 8:00
on NFL Network
Reliant Stadium - Houston

Why you should watch:

• Both offenses average over 300 yards passing a game
  
• Both defenses allow over 250 yards passing a game
  
• Both teams are coming in playing very well late in the season
• I doubt the punters will even dress for this game
• One of the most prolific QB/WR combinations in history with Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard of Rice.
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• It's on the NFL network and you might not get to see it
  
• The Holiday bowl is on ESPN at the same time
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Western Michigan:

• 9-3 (6-2)
  
• 2nd bowl game in the last 10 years (0-1)
  
• Won 3 of their last 4 games (only loss to Ball State)
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Rice:

• 9-3 (7-1)
  
• 2nd bowl game in last 1o years (0-1)
  
• Won 6 straight games
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Western Michigan:

• As I mentioned before they like to throw the ball. They are 10th in passing offense with 301 yards per game.
  
• They can stop the run but not the pass. They allow 250 yards per game through the air.
  
• QB Tim Hiller has thrown for 3,527 yards and 34 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions this season.
• WR Jamarko Simmons is the top receiver on the team. He has 98 catches and 1,184 yards on the season with 7 touchdowns.
• RB Brandon West has 8 touchdowns and 970 yards on the year. He averages 5.1 yards per carry.
  

Rice:

• Another team that passes well. They throw for 328 yards per game.
  
• Unfortunately they also allow 274 yards per game through the air and 193 yards on the ground. Probably the worst defense in college football.
  
• QB Chase Clement has thrown for 3812 yards and 41 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions. He has also ran for 621 yards and 11 touchdowns.
  
• WR Jarett Dillard has 79 catches for 1,224 yards and 19 touchdowns.
• TE James Casey has 104 catches for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns.
  

Who Wins:

Rice....This game could end up 77-70 and I am not even kidding about that. The reason I took Rice is that they are +13 in turnover margin where as Western Michigan is -3 this season. I expect Rice to get a few turnovers. I honestly don't think you will see more than 2 punts all game. If you like scoring....watch THIS GAME! I really wish this wasn't on at the same time as the Holiday bowl because everyone should at least see part of this game.