Penn State Football: 10 Last-Minute Predictions for the TicketCity Bowl

Penn State will face off against the Houston Cougars in the Ticketcity Bowl on January 2.

Yes, that's tomorrow. That means it's the perfect time for some last-minute predictions.

The Nittany Lions and the Cougars are two very different squads. Their difference in styles should make this game more interesting than most non-BCS bowls.

Here are 10 predictions for tomorrow's TicketCity Bowl.

Silas Redd Will Have over 100 Yards Rushing

Silas Redd will run as far as the Nittany Lion coaching staff allows. More touches equals more yards for Redd and less touches for Rob Bolden.

In other words, it's a win-win situation.

Redd is a dynamic presence in the Nittany Lion backfield. He is the most talented running back the Cougar defense has faced all season.

He will make this obvious early and often. Redd needs to get 20-25 carries. If he does, he will have well over 100 yards in the TicketCity Bowl.

A huge bowl performance could land Redd in the early Heisman Trophy conversation heading into next season.

Derek Moye Will Not Go out with a Bang

Derek Moye will not have a noteworthy performance in the TicketCity Bowl.

That isn't his fault. He doesn't stand a chance with Penn State's current quarterback situation.

Moye has quietly put together a very good collegiate career. However, an injury and shoddy quarterback play have held him back in his final season.

He has the talent to take this game over. Rob Bolden doesn't have the talent, or mental toughness, to get him the ball on a consistent basis.

It would be nice to see Moye end his college career on a high note. Sadly, that won't be the case.

Penn State Fans Will Outnumber Houston Fans

The TicketCity Bowl is in Dallas. That's roughly 240 miles from Houston.

Despite the close proximity, Penn State fans will outnumber Houston fans in the Cotton Bowl.

Nittany Lion fans travel well, and they have united behind their troubled program in the waning weeks of the season. Penn State needs this win for morale purposes, and their fans will be behind them every step of the way.

Don't expect a whiteout, but you can expect a raucous Penn State following nonetheless.

The Wildcat Will Play a Major Role

Penn State unveiled the Wildcat formation against Ohio State late in the season, and it worked magnificently.

Considering Penn State's questionable offense, expect the Wildcat to play a big role against Houston.

The Nittany Lions have the athletes, and the speed, to make the Wildcat work. It should never be more than a change-of-pace scenario, but it can be a deadly gimmick if it's run properly.

Stephfon Green and Bill Belton are both dangerous in this situation. Look for Penn State to put the ball in the hands of their best athletes.

Not only will Penn State run the Wildcat, but they will run it well. Expect to see more of it next season as well.

Penn State's Coaching Situation Will Be Mentioned 10 Times on the Broadcast

Will it be Tom Bradley, Bill O'Brien, Tom Clements or some unknown candidate? At this point, they may have to hold public tryouts to fill their head coaching vacancy.

Either way, the ESPNU broadcast team will make sure everyone is aware of Penn State's current coaching situation. Then they will again, and again and...OK, you get the point.

The Nittany Lions need to name a head coach. Their recruiting and success in the future depends on it.

This may be Tom Bradley's last game as Penn State's head coach. He has done an admirable job under trying circumstances.

If there is anything else you may be wondering concerning the coaching situation, tune into the game tomorrow and listen to the commentators mention it until your ears bleed.

Devon Still Will Continue to Shoot Up Draft Boards

Devon Still has flown up draft boards throughout the course of the season.

He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Bednarik Award. His production was unrivaled among interior linemen this season.

Still brings an explosive presence to the middle along with his partner, Jordan Hill.

Look for Still to blow up the Cougar offensive line in the TicketCity Bowl. The Cougars haven't seen anyone with his talent all season, and he will take advantage of that inexperience.

Penn State Will Take an Early Lead

The Nittany Lions will jump out to an early lead on Monday. It won't hold up, but a fast start is never a bad thing.

Penn State will build this lead by leaning on the run game and allowing their defense to make plays. Houston's offense may grab the headlines, but Penn State's defense has been quiet and consistent all season.

The Nittany Lions cannot afford to get behind in games. Their inability to throw the ball down the field makes it very difficult for them to make up a ton of ground.

Penn State needs a fast start in this game, and they will make it happen.

Case Keenum Will Bring the Cougars Back

Case Keenum isn't going to have his usual day behind center, but he will bring his Cougar team back from an early deficit.

Keenum runs Kevin Sumlin's run-and-shoot offense with frightening efficiency. Patrick Edwards gives him a reliable target, and Penn State will struggle to stop their wide-open attack at times.

Houston can put up points in a hurry. The Nittany Lions will jump out to an early lead, but don't expect Keenum to roll over and take the loss lightly.

The Cougars may not complete the comeback, but Keenum will keep his team in the game.

Penn State's Defense Will Be the Best Unit in the Game

Houston's passing attack is as ballyhooed as it gets. However, Penn State's defense will steal the show in Dallas on Monday.

Defensively, Penn State has been outstanding all season. Even without Michael Mauti, the Nittany Lion defense was consistent on all three levels.

The front four is explosive at the point of attack, the linebackers tackle from sideline to sideline and the secondary is a veteran group with solid instincts.

All eyes will be on Case Keenum when these two teams take the field. By the end of the game, people will be talking about Penn State stifling the Cougar record breaker.

Penn State Will Win, 30-21

Houston will scratch and claw to stay in this game. In the end, the Nittany Lions will prevail with a narrow victory.

Penn State's ingredients for a win are ball control and solid defense. Silas Redd must get his touches and use the clock to Penn State's advantage. Winning the possession battle is the best defense against the prolific Houston offense.

Defensively, Penn State will get burned a few times, but they will adjust as all great units do. Case Keenum has not seen this much talent staring back at him yet this season. He will be in for a rude awakening.

This game will be close from start to finish, but in the end, Penn State will grab the victory.

Final score: Penn State 30 Houston 21