Liberty Bowl Odds and Picks: Iowa St vs Tulsa Predictions – Free College Bowl Picks 12/31/12: If you need any more proof as to how solid the Big 12 was from the top to bottom this season, look no further than Monday’s AutZone Liberty Bowl. The Iowa State Cyclones (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) finished second last in the conference but still earned a postseason trip. They will face the Conference USA champion Tulsa Golden Hurricane (10-3, 7-1 C-USA) in a game that is a rematch of the regular season opener for both teams. The Cyclones won that game 38-23, but teams rarely stay the same over the course of the season, and there is no guarantee the rematch will end the same way. That being said, Iowa State is favored but only by a single point.
As there 6-6 records suggests, the Cyclones have been pan unspectacular team in every facet of the game. Three different quarterbacks have been under center for the 80th-ranked passing attack, and the job belongs to Sam Richardson heading into the bowl game. Iowa State also uses a running back by committee approach, which includes designed QB runs and option looks. Overall, the Cyclones rank just 83rd in the country in scoring at 25.2 points per game. On the flip side, the Iowa State defense has been solid, especially by Big 12 standards. Led by linebacker A.J. Klein, the unit ranks in the top 35 in points allowed at 23.3 per game and hasn’t given up more than 35 points all season.
For Tulsa, a powerful rushing attack and aggressive defense have keyed the team’s success this season. Led by the two-headed monster of Trey Watts and Ja’Terian Douglas, Tulsa owns the country’s 11th-best rushing attack and 28th-best scoring offense. The ground game features not only multiple backs but multiple formations, as well. The Golden Hurricane have also been solid on the defensive end, ranking in the top 40 in points allowed. Tulsa has also been giving opposing QBs fits all year, and they enter the bowl game ranked third in the country in sacks.
The Cyclones Win If:
Iowa State was able to keep Tulsa’s productive rushing attack in check in the first meeting, and if they stifle the ground game of the Golden Hurricane once again, the Cyclones are going to have a serious upper hand. Offensively, the Cyclones can really separate themselves from Tulsa if Richardson continues to play well. He has thrown for seven touchdowns and no interceptions since taking over the starting job, and if he gives the Iowa State offense an added scoring punch, the Cyclones reliable defense will do the rest.
The Golden Hurricane Win If:
When Tulsa is at its best, the running game is controlling the clock and moving the ball up and down the field. The Golden Hurricane weren’t able to consistently move the ball on the ground against Iowa State the first time around, but if they flip the script in the rematch, they can also change the outcome. Tulsa has a solid defense in its own right, and the Cyclones’ offense isn’t exactly a juggernaut. If Tulsa jumps on top and is able to stick to its run-first style all game, the Golden Hurricane will be able to unleash their vicious pass rush and put the pressure on the Iowa State offense to try to keep pace.
Bottom Line:
While Tulsa’s offensive line overpowered just about every Conference USA opponent this season, the Golden Hurricane didn’t exactly run over their out-of-conference foes. In addition to their loss to the Cyclones when they managed just 160 rushing yards, the Golden Hurricane managed just 15 points in a loss to Arkansas and 27 points in a win against Fresno State. In all three games, Tulsa scored below its season average. Yes, the Golden Hurricane are probably better prepared the second time around to face Iowa State, but the Cyclones still have a stout group of linebackers waiting to limit the Tulsa ground game. Meanwhile, the inconsistent Iowa State offense was able to put up 38 points on Tulsa the first time around, which ended up being the Cyclones’ second-highest total of the season. I expect the rematch to be closer, but the end result will be the same.
Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones (-1) Cover the Spread
Iowa St vs Tulsa Vegas Odds and Total
Date: 12/31/12
Line: Iowa St -2
Total: Over/Under 51
Television: 3:30 PM EST on ESPN
Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Football season for daily Hesiman Trophy Vegas Odds and College Football Odds plus daily updated BCS National Championship Betting Odds and 2012 College Bowl Odds.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on the 2012 College Football Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BOVADA Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get a 20% BONUS instantly FREE. |