Bowl Predictions 2012: Oklahoma State vs. Houston and More Potential Shootouts

There is no football game more exciting than a shootout. While it might give defensive coordinators an ulcer, fans love watching offensive explosions. Here are three potential bowl games that would keep the audience on the edge of their seat.

Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma State vs. Houston

Oklahoma State still has an outside chance of playing in the national title game with a win over Oklahoma. It's more likely they end up in the Fiesta Bowl, though. Brandon Weeden, Joseph Randle and Justin Blackmon are the terrific trio behind the nation's second-ranked offense.

The only team ahead of Oklahoma State in offense? Houston. The Cougars are led by Case Keenum, who has 46 total touchdowns and just three interceptions. His main target, Patrick Edwards, has nearly 1,500 yards and has been on the receiving end of 18 TDs.

Houston will want to prove its undefeated record is no fluke and that it truly is an elite team. Oklahoma State will be looking to take out its frustrations after behind left out of the title game. That would lead to a lot of fireworks in Glendale.

Rose Bowl – Oregon vs. Wisconsin

Unlike Oklahoma State and Houston, Oregon's dynamic offense is based off its running game. LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are both averaging around seven yards per carry and have at least 11 touchdowns, allowing Darron Thomas to takes advantage of overzealous defenses.

Wisconsin stormed back after back-to-back mid-season losses to earn a spot in the Big Ten title game. The Badgers will get a chance to exact some revenge against Michigan State, which would earn them a BCS bid.

If they pull off a victory, it'll be because Russell Wilson and Montee Ball both brought their 'A' games. Wilson has been the nation's most influential transfer and Ball deserves more Heisman hype for his monster season.

Poinsettia Bowl – Boise State vs. Louisiana Tech

Boise State had its BCS dreams crushed by TCU, so the Broncos will be relegated to a lower level bowl. However, the game will represent Kellen Moore's last as a collegiate signal caller, so the Broncos offense won't be lacking in the effort category.

Louisiana Tech probably isn't familiar to the casual college football fan, but the Bulldogs won the WAC title this season. Quinton Patton has game-breaking speed and is one of the most underrated receivers in America.

It's not often that the Poinsettia Bowl is must-see television. But if these two teams are slated to face off, it could turn out to be one of the more entertaining bowl games.