Texas Tech Solid Favorite Against Michigan State In Valero Alamo Bowl

Sports News - December 19th, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

Seemingly like an obvious mismatch, the Valero Alamo Bowl will feature and explosive Texas Tech team going against Michigan State.

If losing the last 3 of 5 games wasn't bad enough, the Michigan State Spartans will be missing 11 players due to suspensions.

Michigan State (6-6, 4-4) will have to find a way to overcome these suspensions and capture their first bowl win in the last five years.

Led by QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan State boasts an offense that ranks first in the Big Ten for passing offense. Through the air, Cousins passed for 2,460 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping the Spartans average 407 yards per game passing.

WR Blair White has emerged as a favorite for Cousins at the receiver slot. This year, White has gained 876 yards good for 8 touchdown receptions. Wide receiver is definitely a spot the suspensions have affected. The loss of two great playmakers at WR, B.J. Cunnigham and Mark Bell is sure to alter the Spartans' game plan.

Another effect of the suspensions will be an increased work load on RB Larry Caper and RB Edwin Baker. Both have combined for 776 yards along with 6 touchdowns, numbers which are less than stellar.

With a rush attack like that, Cousins will need a strong effort from his back up receivers to keep Michigan State in the game.

While the Spartans don't run the ball well, they sure are good at stopping it on defense. However, the lack of pass rush has caused Michigan State to get burned in the secondary. Michigan State's defense will be without DB Chris Rucker, the team's top cover man, adding pressure to facing the second ranked passing offense in College Football.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4, 5-3) head into this contest winning their last two games, including a 41-13 dismantling of Oklahoma.

Texas Tech brings one of the most exciting offenses in college football. Averaging 461 yards and 36.7 points per game, Texas Tech and head coach Mike Leach are known for showcasing offensive prowess. Most of the success, on offense, comes from the Red Raiders' passing attack.

QB Taylor Potts has led this offensive unit, throwing for 3,068 yards leading to 20 touchdown completions.

Potts has four receivers, all with over 500 yards, led by WR Alexander Torres leads this group with 791 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Red Raiders will must get better at protecting the passer. On the year, Texas Tech surrendered 30 sacks to the opposition, an obvious black mark on the resume'.

While the offense definitely isn't balanced, the run game has been a nice offset to their passing attack, despite being ranked 115th in the country. RB Baron Batch has come seemingly come alive at the end of the season, bringing his season stats to 784 yards rushing for 12 touchdowns.

On defense, the Red Raiders' have been just as consistent only allowing a respectable 21 ppg. The strength of the Texas Tech defense has been in their front, a group which recorded 39 sacks on the year.

Despite the Spartans losing several key players due to suspension, Texas Tech enters the Alamo Bowl as just an 8 point favorite, as listed in the College Football Betting Lines. According to the lines posted at BetUS Sportsbook, the combined total for the game is set at an over/under of 60 1/2 points.

For those wishing to watch the Valero Alamo Bowl, be sure to tune into ESPN on January 2nd, 2010. The game will take place in San Antonio, TX, and will kickoff shortly after 9 PM ET.