Penn State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (7-5)

Conference Matchup: Big Ten vs. Big 12
Date: Dec. 29
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Spread: Penn State -5.5

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College football fans might remember this Alamo Bowl because of the contrast in stability each team brings into the game. The Penn State Nitanny Lions will be playing in their 500th game since Joe Paterno became their coach more than 40 years ago, while the Aggies will be playing their first under appointed interim Gary Darnell after Dennis Franchione resigned the day after Thanksgiving. The difference in loyalty is considerable, too. Paterno has spent the whole season telling anyone who would listen that his quarterback, Anthony Morelli, was never given his just due as a college player and that he deserved more national recognition. You wonder if Paterno simply was trying to convince himself of this because, in reality, Morelli has been erratic and mistake-prone and has cost the Lions at least as many games as he has won for them in his career. Even so, the coach's gesture was sincere and certainly had to boost the morale of Morelli and his teammates. Then you have Franchione, who was Bobby Petrino before Bobby Petrino existed, jumping around from TCU to Alabama and eventually A&M, always angling for that next job and figuring the grass and money was greener somewhere else. Well, his postgame resignation after the 38-30 upset of Texas was necessary because he was about to be fired anyway, and Franchione had to get a jump start on finding his new job. But what shame and a sad moment for his dedicated players when, seconds after the clock wound down on the program's biggest win in recent memory, the coach was asked by an interviewer how much the players and the program meant to him. He paused and paused and … paused … with his mouth wide open, and staring at the interviewer as if she had just ask him to explain quantum physics to the national audience. After about 10 agonizing and painful seconds - in which coach Fran found nothing to say - the sideline reporter uttered, "Thanks, coach," and the network mercifully turned off the camera. No matter what Franchione thought of his treatment by the school, his kids deserved a "thank you" in that moment. Fran, of course, had himself to think about. At least the Aggies were rewarded for their win by getting the Alamo invitation.

Penn State can cover if: the Lions can get past the fact they expected a lot more out of this season. The Lions were a trendy Rose Bowl pick, but road losses to Michigan and Illinois derailed those hopes, and a 35-31 loss to Michigan State on the last game of the season does not give them any sort of momentum heading into this game. If they take the game seriously and play to their potential, they have a clear edge in talent over the Aggies. The aforementioned Morelli will have to avoid the huge mistakes that have plagued his career - game-changing gaffes, such as interceptions returned for touchdowns - and the Lions will have to shut down the Aggies' option offense. Morelli finished with solid numbers, throwing for 2,508 yards and 18 touchdowns against nine picks. A solid running game is led by Rodney Kinlaw's 1,186 yards and 10 TDs. If the lions can control the line of scrimmage and perhaps build an early lead, it could be a long day for Texas A&M, which would prefer to not have to throw the ball to win.

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Texas A&M can cover if: the Aggies can get past the snubbing from former coach Franchione and play the way they did against Texas. Those who saw the Aggies play throughout the season, and their fans in particular, had to be wondering, "Where has that been all season?" after watching the Aggies shred the Texas defense with powerful runs, creative play calling and precise execution. It seemed like they were scoring on every other play; in the second half, they basically were. But this is the same squad that looked as if even getting a first down was a minor miracle in terrible losses to Texas Tech and Kansas. They seemed predictable, disorganized and lacking playmakers. But if they play with the same sort of fire as they did in the win over Texas, and perhaps a chip on their shoulders for redemption from an otherwise disappointing season, then they have a good chance to win this game. Quarterback Stephen McGee leads the option attack with 2,147 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, and also is their leading rusher with 858 yards and five scores. Jovorskie Lane and Mike Goodson have combined for almost 1,400 more rushing yards.

General Notes: Penn State is 4-0 ATS in last four games against the Big 12 and 5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games. The Aggies are 1-4 ATS in their last five bowl games.