Picks Trying Not to Suck: Bowl Special

(Throughout the glorious bowl season, Homerism will offer his take on his favorite opportunities.)

TCU (-3) vs. Boise State

Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego

Dec. 23

This clash between two of the top mid-major programs in the country promises to be one of the bowl season's best.

The Horned Frogs boast a hard-hitting defense that uses a 4-2-5 base well suited to stopping the spread. Coach Gary Patterson's bunch ranked second in total defense this season, while TCU relied on a surprisingly efficient offense to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the D.

Boise made its name with the free-wheeling offensive style everyone saw in the Broncos' monumental upset of Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. While the Bronco O remains wide open and continues to put up big numbers, would you believe that the Boise's defense has developed into a top 15 unit? The Broncos are physical and opportunistic, ranking seventh in the nation in turnovers.

Both teams have plenty at stake here. Namely, they will be playing for bragging rights among the non-BCS conference powerhouses. While Boise has been considered the top small school since the Fiesta win, TCU has built up a year-in, year-out dynamo of its own. As good as the Broncos have been this year, the Horned Frogs' overall resume is equally impressive. Even in losses at Oklahoma and Utah, TCU answered the bell with solid performances. Having watched both teams, Homerism suspects TCU is just a better team.

Homerism Says: TCU outlasts Boise for a rugged win, 25-18.