TicketCity Bowl: Why Penn State Will Blow Out Houston

The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Houston Cougars will face off in the TicketCity Bowl on January 2nd.

Both teams overachieved throughout the season, and both suffered disappointing losses late in the season. Houston's loss to Southern Miss kept them from realizing BCS dreams, and Penn State's loss to Wisconsin destroyed any hopes of a Big Ten title trophy landing in Happy Valley.

That's where the similarities end with these two squads.

Houston relies on a dynamic run-and-shoot offense to win games. The Cougars can score points with anyone, but they also have trouble stopping opposing offenses. The Cougar defense will need to up the ante in Dallas on Monday.

Penn State must play good defense to win games. Their offense struggled mightily throughout the course of the season.

The differences between these two teams are immense on the field. Expect Penn State's style of play to win out and earn the Nittany Lions a decisive victory over the Cougars.

The Nittany Lions will be without their starting quarterback Matt McGloin, but some Penn State fans would consider that a good thing—or at least a moot point. McGloin was subpar and detrimental to the team this season. Rob Bolden is not a better option, but it couldn't get much worse for Penn State quarterbacks.

Houston has not faced stiff competition this season. Facing a quality Big Ten team will provide a rude awakening for the Cougars on both sides of the ball.

The Cougar offense will not have the same success against a staunch Penn State defense. Penn State's front four has dominated the point of attack this season, and they will overwhelm the Cougar front line.

Case Keenum had a historical season in Kevin Sumlin's pass-oriented offense. He will have some success against the Nittany Lions, but Penn State's defensive speed will provide stiffer competition than Keenum is used to seeing.

Houston's defense struggled to stop opponents in the Conference USA. Penn State's offense may be questionable, but Silas Redd is not. Redd has the privilege of running behind a veteran Penn State offensive line, and four of those lineman want to make a great final impression. 

Redd's production will depend on how many touches he's given. If Penn State's coaching staff gives him the rock and lets him work, Redd will have a huge day.

Look for Penn State to run the ball and play defense like they have all season. Possessing the ball will wear down the Cougar defense and provide the best defense against Keenum by keeping him on the sidelines.

Penn State also has one very big factor in their favor. They have something to play for and something to prove. It was a tumultuous season in Happy Valley, and Penn State would like nothing more than to end the season on a high note.

Expect the Penn State players to get up for this game. They are fighting for respect, Tom Bradley and an entire university bogged down amid horrible controversy.

Houston had a remarkable season, but they will be in for a wake up call against the Nittany Lions.

This game will get ugly, and it won't take long for that to become apparent.