Peach Bowl 2014: TV Schedule, Updated Odds and Predictions for Ole Miss vs. TCU

Two of the surprise stories in the college football season will battle in the Peach Bowl, as No. 6 TCU and No. 9 Ole Miss are set to go at it in the Georgia Dome.

There's no doubting both sides would rather be playing in 2015 in one of the College Football Playoff semifinals, but it's also safe to say both teams vastly exceeded expectations. The Rebels emerged as a Top Five squad for much of 2014 with two of the most impressive wins—over Alabama and Mississippi State—that you'll see, while the Horned Frogs emerged following a 4-8 season to lose just once—to No. 5 Baylor—in 2014.

A championship won't be on the line come New Year's Eve in Atlanta, but a chance to make a national statement and enter 2015 on a high note will result in a must-watch affair. Let's take a look at everything you need to know.

What: 2014 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

When: Wednesday, December 31

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Start Time (ET): 12:30 p.m. 

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Odds (via Odds Shark): TCU -3, over/under 56

Peach Bowl Preview and Prediction

When it comes to matching up one of the most high-octane offenses in college football with arguably the most ferocious defense, the Peach Bowl couldn't have done any better if it tried.

There's no doubt that the mouth-watering matchup of TCU's offense against the Rebels defense will be the one to watch entering Atlanta. The Horned Frogs score at will with Trevone Boykin at the helm, and Ole Miss has proved impossible to score on against the most prolific SEC offenses.

Patrick Schmidt of Fansided.com noted the two units' prowess:

Slowing down that TCU offense will have to be priority No. 1 for the Rebels, who will be going up against a team that has scored 30 points or more in every game this season. Boykin stayed hot as the regular season came to a close, scoring eight touchdowns in the last two games. Oh, and one was a receiving score.

While Boykin can undoubtedly air it out to deep threats Josh Doctson and Kolby Listenbee, a formidable run game with Boykin and Aaron Green keeps defenses packing the box. 

The Clarion-Ledger's Hugh Kellenberger noted Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze ironically started studying up on TCU's offense months ago:

It's safe to say that TCU could have used some early preparation for Ole Miss as well. Two of the Horned Frogs' last three games have come against scoring defenses outside of the top 100, while the Rebels give up an NCAA-best 13.8 points per contest.

And when the Rebels offense has been on point, it's been impossibly tough to beat. The team is 7-0 when scoring 34 or more points but 2-3 otherwise. Bo Wallace's play has swung from unstoppable to ineffective, and Ole Miss will need the former to compete in the Peach Bowl.

The Rebels should also come in highly motivated after a season-ending Egg Bowl win over Mississippi State propelled them to a New Year's Six bowl. The Horned Frogs won't be lacking in energy either, head coach Gary Patterson promised as he shared some thoughts with Scout.com's Ben Garrett:

TCU's defense is battle-tested coming out of the high-scoring Big 12, but it also rarely faces the athletes that Ole Miss will feature. Even without star wideout Laquon Treadwell in the fold, Vince Sanders should help to take the top off the defense if Wallace is firing.

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The passing game has always been there for Ole Miss, but a rediscovered run game should keep the offense rolling. Jalen Walton showed his star caliber against the Bulldogs with 148 yards and a touchdown, and Jordan Wilkins is a more-than-serviceable second option.

Boykin will find the holes in the Ole Miss secondary, but TCU will struggle to continue establishing the run against the Rebels' stingy front seven. That will allow Wallace to air it out and get Ole Miss an early lead, which it won't relinquish despite a feverish comeback from the Horned Frogs.

Prediction: Ole Miss 34, TCU 30

Note: Team stats and rankings courtesy of CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted.