San Diego County Credit Union PONISETTIA BOWL
 #24 TCU Horned Frogs (10-2) vs. No Illinois Huskies (7-5)
 

TCU may be the nations 4^th ranked run defense but has not faced a top tier running back all season. This week they will face Garrett Wolfe, the nation’s top rusher.
TCU gave up an average of 67.6 rushing yards this season to rank 4th in the country, only faced one running back who ran for at least 1,000 yards. TCU also has the nation’s ninth-ranked defense, allowing 249.5 total yards per game.
Northern Illinois top back Garrett Wolfe rushed for 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns on 289 carries this season. His last two games he rushed for a combined 367 yards and had 4 touchdowns.
Wolfe is the Mid-American Conference offensive player of the year and now owns a school-record 5,136 yards and 52 touchdowns in his three-season career.
Northern Illinois has struggled with top 25 teams and must improve upon its 4-24 record against ranked teams. The Huskies have not faced an AP Top 25 opponent since a 35-12 loss at No. 1 Ohio State to open the season.
TCU quarter back Jeff Ballard looks to close his career with a 20-2 record. He’s been on fire lately finishing the last 3 games of the season completing 57 of 73 passes for 746 yards with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. The TCU offense ranks 17th in the nation with 404.5 yards per game.
Both teams have their work cut out for them.  Can TCU stop the nation’s top rusher?  Can No Illinois stop TCU’s passing attack?  We’ll find out on December 19^th in San Diego.

Current odds:  TCU -12 and the total is 47

Pick:  Take TCU -12, TCU’s defense will slow Garrett Wolfe down enough to get plenty of offensive possessions.  No Illinois will not be able to stop TCU’s passing attack.