Poinsettia Bowl:TCU vs. Boise State Preview

This is a so-called minor bowl, but the teams playing in rank higher than the teams in the so-called major Orange Bowl. The No. 11 TCU Horned Frogs and the No. 9 Boise State Broncos will both be trying to pick up a win on December 23 when they battle at Qualcomm Stadium in the Poinsettia Bowl. Oddsmakers currently have the Horned Frogs listed as 3-point favorites versus the Broncos, while the game's total is sitting at 47. Andy Dalton had a pair of touchdown passes in Week 13 to lead the Horned Frogs to a 44-10 win over Air Force. The Horned Frogs managed to cover the 20-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (41.5). Boise State exploded for 48 second half points in a 61-10 pounding of Fresno State in Week 14. Boise State covered the 22-point spread, and the 71 points sailed OVER the posted total of 58. Ian Johnson rushed for 130 yards with two touchdowns to lead Boise State. Kellen Moore completed 17-of-23 for 217 yards with two TD's in the win. Team records: TCU: 10-2 SU, 8-3 ATS Boise State: 12-0 SU, 8-3 ATS TCU most recently: When playing in December are 7-3 When playing on grass are 9-1 After outgaining opponent are 8-2 When playing outside the conference are 8-2 Boise State most recently: When playing in December are 5-3 When playing on grass are 8-2 After outgaining opponent are 10-0 When playing outside the conference are 8-2 A few trends to consider: TCU is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games TCU is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games Boise State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Boise State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boise State's last 6 games