Arizona State (10-2) vs. Texas (9-3)

Conference match-up: Pac-10 vs. Big 12
Date: Dec. 27, 2007
Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
Spread: Texas -2

FREE $100 Football Bet
at BetUS Sportsbook
(Offer good for new customers only)
Click Here

Reserved normally for the less fortunate in each the Pac-10 and Big 12, this year is an exception. Both conferences provided some good depth in 2007 and San Diego is rewarded with an interesting showdown between upstart ASU and a fiery, hopefully consistent Texas squad. Arizona State finished 11th in the final BCS standings and easily could have been an at-large team over Illinois with some optional preference. The 'Horns have been a perennial power, and while again they failed to capture their own league title, a win here could leave Texas feeling good about their chances next year with a lot of returning pieces. The Sun Devils, likewise, are a very young team and getting their 11th win coming from arguably the toughest conference in the nation would certainly build further momentum for another run next fall.

Arizona State can cover if: its defense can pressure the quarterback and force Colt McCoy into some silly mistakes. McCoy is a gunslinger, and with that territory comes arrogance and the misconception he can make any pass he wants to. ASU's defense was opportunistic all season and key forced turnovers put Rudy Carpenter and the Sun Devil offense in great shape to strike both through the air and on the ground. Carpenter (23 touchdowns, eight interceptions) has plenty of weapons around him to move the ball, and a tissue soft Texas defense should allow them to do just that. Here's the thing: take what's there, don't make this shaky defense look good when it should not. Using Keegan Herring and Demitri Nance on the ground with their speed can open up big plays down field for Michael Jones and Chris McGaha down the field. Offensive balance is the key for Carpenter and company.

After reading this college football piece head over to our bodog sportsbook page. Our college bowl game odds page is also a valuable tool for your college football research. When it comes to betting college football our college football strength schedule feature is a must for any NCAA fan. Is there a college football betting or handicapping topic you would like to see covered? Email service@docsports with your recommendations.

Texas can cover if: they make Mr. Charles a constant threat with the ball. We saw countless times Texas' sensational junior tailback carry the Longhorns in the fourth quarter this season, particularly when the defense was abysmal. It's safe to say the second year campaign of quarterback Colt McCoy was a definite step back, throwing 18 interceptions (only seven during all of 2006) and seven less touchdown passes this year. Jamaal Charles rushed for over 1,400 yards and 16 scores for Texas this season and six of his touchdowns happened in comeback wins against conference foes Nebraska and Oklahoma State. It's really this simple for Mack Brown's offense: less dink and dunk with McCoy's inconsistent arm, and more finding ways to get Charles the ball. Runs, screens, and special teams: if he touches the ball 25 times in this one, Texas will win.

General notes: It's really tough to grasp how each team will come into this game. The Sun Devils really couldn't have asked for a better first season under new head coach Dennis Erickson, Well, actually, ASU had control of its Rose Bowl birth and got hammered at home to USC in late November. For Texas, the 'Horns looked pretty dismal the second half of the season, and they got what they deserved. The Longhorns return to a familiar site where they played in this game three of four years in 2000, 2001 and 2003. Arizona State is 0-2 all time in Holiday Bowl games.