Indiana (7-5) vs. Oklahoma State (6-6)

Conference match-up: Big 10 vs. Big 12
Date: Dec. 31, 2007
Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
Spread: Oklahoma State -4

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One of more interesting things to watch in each bowl matchup is to see how teams come into their games. Will a team riding high off a strong finish continue its momentum? Can a true underachiever just go through the motions because it feels like this game isn't truly a measuring stick for them? For Indiana, the Hoosiers could be the team to watch this bowl season, carrying the legacy of late coach Terry Hoeppner and his dream that football could be successful at Indiana. Bill Lynch led the Hoosiers to seven victories, the most since 1993 and the program is in its first bowl game in 14 seasons. Oklahoma State, certainly a qualifier for underachiever, ended the year at the .500 mark and has been a team that has been hard to figure out. The Cowboys have averaged 39 points in their six victories, but in six losses they have surrendered 35 points in five of those games.

Indiana can cover if: its spread offense is more effective than Oklahoma State's. Sounds silly, but it might be that simple. This matchup will definitely be up there in one of the highest bowl scoring games of the holiday season, and defensive stops will be at a premium. IU quarterback Kellen Lewis does some of the sane things as OSU's QB, Zac Robinson, but you have to like Lewis' running ability and his speed to open up the field. We know he can put the ball deep down the field to 6'7'' wideout James Hardy (1,075 yards, 16 touchdowns), but if Lewis and Marcus Thigpen (1,100+ rushing yards combined) can cash in the yardage on the ground, this Hoosiers team can will win this one outright. Passing will not be enough here.

Oklahoma State can cover if: its defense can pretend like they want to hold up its end of the bargain for one of the few times this year. As impressive as the Cowboy's offense has looked at points in the season, it doesn't really matter if you score all that much if your defense is giving the points right back. OSU's defensive unit has some playmakers and the speed to be successful, however the consistency isn't there, at least not from what they have shown us all regular season. Pressure on Lewis from the front seven will help the most. Don't allow him time to dissect the defense and make them look silly by checking his reads and then deciding to bust a 20- or 30-yard run whenever he feels like it. Sack him multiple times and make him feel like he needs to react ultra quickly.

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General notes: First team to 40 wins. Since 2001, both teams have posted perfect records with that many points on the board. Indiana is 7-0 and Oklahoma State is 23-0, but even 30 points by each and they stand a good chance to capture the bowl victory. Indiana is 22-4 with 30 points or more scored, while the Cowboys are 36-9. And though both could easily find a way to tally 30 points apiece, then it will come down to who turns it up a notch and cranks it into another gear. Since 2001, both are a combined 16-79 when they each score less than 30. Points are a must in this one, so get your popcorn ready.