TicketCity Bowl Tickets

The Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the Houston Cougars in the TicketCity Bowl on January 2 at noon (ET).

There are so many storylines for this game, it's hard to know where to start. The Nittany Lions are obviously still dealing with the fallout from the sex abuse allegations involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sundusky as well as the firing of legendary head coach Joe Paterno.

The Cougars seemed destined to land in their first ever BCS game, rolling into the final week of the season with an unblemished record. Their dreams, especially senior quarterback Case Keenum's, were shattered when they got upset at home, losing in a rout to Southern Miss.

This is certainly a contrast in two totally different styles. Penn State really struggled on offense this year but maintains a stout defense that keeps them in virtually every game. Houston likes to throw the ball all over the field and can really put up some points, but they are far less physical than Penn State and their defense is prone to giving up a lot of yards.

Which team, if either, will be motivated to play this game? You have to think some of Penn State's players just want the season to end already while much of Houston's team is probably still shell-shocked over the way their BCS balloon was popped in the final game of the year.

Houston didn't really beat anyone this year, which is why I'm hesitant to pick them here. I think Penn State's defense and their running game will simply be too physical for the softer, smaller Cougars.

Prediction: Penn State 24, Houston 13