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Alamo Bowl - Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
Saturday January 2, 2010 at 9:00PM ET on ESPN
Michigan State (6-6) take on Texas Tech (8-4) tonight in San Antonio, Texas. Texas Tech is currently listed at -8. The total is listed at 59. This bowl game might take the award for most surrounding controversy. Michigan State recently suspended 9 players (many of them starters) after a November 22nd campus brawl. Up to 14 players were lost total, which involved other incidents. Texas Tech, as we all know, just recently fired Head Coach Mike Leach after alleged mistreatment of a player. Despite all of the "drama" off the field, Tech looks to have the advantage on the field when it comes to talent. Can Michigan State, who's had to recently scramble to make personnel adjustments, be able to hang? Can Texas Tech rally around interim Head Coach McNeill (defensive coordinator) in a time of uncertainty and walk away with a win? Reports seem to suggest that the Red Raiders have been mostly unaffected by coaching changes and that they'll be ready to play. Expect the score in this game to be lopsided, and in Texas Tech's favor. With two teams that like to throw the ball, and some defensive struggles on both sides, this should be a high scoring game. The Red Raiders, who managed to put 31 points on the board against a number 2 Nebraska Cornhuskers defense in Lincoln, shouldn't have a problem scoring points. Texas Tech has strong aerial attack potential, and Michigan State allowed 29 touchdowns through the air this season. Besides the statistical advantage, Texas Tech will also have a strong home-field advantage. Texas Tech will be ready to make a statement, even without Leach calling the shots. Michigan State, having lost 3 out of their last 5 games, and 14 players, will need some BIG plays and a little bit of luck on their side to even come within 8 points. Michigan State Stats:
Michigan State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games | The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State''s last 5 games |
Texas Tech Stats:
Texas Tech is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games | The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas Tech''s last 6 games |
Pick: Despite the loss of Mike Leach, Texas Tech should remain a solid and mostly unchanged team. They'll stick with the same game plan and win. Major changes won't be in store until they name a new Head Coach. Take Texas Tech -8. Stats by Bodog
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