Texas A&M vs. Northwestern: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line for Bowl of Texas

The Texas A&M Aggies don't have to travel far, but the Northwestern Wildcats do.

The Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas will take place, naturally, in the Lone Star State and features a very intriguing matchup.

The Aggies, playing their last game as member of the Big 12, won't find it easy against a Wildcats teams looking for yet another winning season.

Both defenses are questionable at best and this one could be a shootout before long.

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Betting Line: A&M -10

Key Storyline: Closing Time

The Aggies are closing a chapter in their program's history by leaving the Big 12 at the end of this year. They also parted ways with coach Mike Sherman and, this year, they're notorious for not closing out games.

The Wildcats will see senior signal-caller Dan Persa play his last game.

The question, although with different reasons for both teams, is who wants to close stronger?

Who Might Not Play for A&M (according to StatFox)

Christine Michael, RB—Out for Season (Knee)

Cyrus Gray, RB—Probable (Shoulder)

Who Might Not Play for Northwestern (according to StatFox)

Niko Mafuli, DT—Doubtful (Leg)

Jordan Mabin, CB—Doubtful (Shoulder)

What It Means for A&M

Not much. The Aggies are trying to close out the season without their coach, Mike Sherman, because they lost four of their last five.

They're also leaving for the Big 12 for the SEC. They'd love to leave a good note, but more than anything they just want this season over with.

What It Means for Northwestern

Fourth straight winning season. Pat Fitzgerald has been the coach for six years now and has failed only twice (his first two years) to turn in a winning record.

With Persa playing his last game in a Wildcats uniform, it means something for both quarterback and coach.

What They're Saying

ESPN Scouts Inc. sees the game in the Aggies favor writing:

"

Texas A&M is dealing with a coaching change and key injuries at running back, and is coming off a regular season that saw the Aggies blow five halftime leads. Northwestern, on the other hand, finished strong with wins in four of its last five games. The Wildcats are well-coached and have a senior leader at quarterback, but they just don't match up well in this game.

"

And they're very much correct in their assessment of the game.

Player to Watch for A&M: Ryan Tannehill, QB

The senior signal-caller is a potential first-round pick and intriguing athlete. A former wide receiver, Tannehill took over last season and displayed all the skills necessary to move toward the NFL as a potential starter.

Injuries to teammates and inconsistent play from his top receiver last year, Jeff Fuller, hurt him and the team.

He did link up with Ryan Swope early and often, though, and the two are a great combination.

Tannehill can also makes plays with his feet.

Player to Watch for Northwestern: Kain Colter, QB-RB-WR

The Wildcats like to use a lot of weapons in their run and pass game. Persa is the man under center, but Colter can run it, throw it and catch it.

He is hands down their most dangerous player.

The Aggies have a capable run defense and if Colter and his teammates get bottled up, it will be interesting to see how the Wildcats try to incorporate him into the game.

He's caught 40 passes and three touchdowns, completed 53 passes with five touchdowns and rushed for 589 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Aggies have to find him every snap.

Key Matchup: Aggies D vs. Wildcats O

The Aggies are going to take the lead. It will be hard for Northwestern to get after Tannehill and he does have first-round talent.

If Cyrus Gray gets the start they'll be dangerous early in this game.

The question is how the defense will hold up. We know they've blown a number of second half leads this season, and it will be on them to shut down Persa's moves in the second half of this game.

The Aggies should win this game, but it will come down to what the defense can do.

Prediction: Texas A&M 35, Northwestern 21