Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: Bold Predictions for Texas A&M vs. Northwestern

When Texas A&M and Northwestern get together for their matchup in the 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, it will be one of the hardest games to gauge and involve some very interesting storylines. 

Both teams have been incredibly inconsistent on the season, posting 6-6 records respectively. 

Complicating matters is the fact that A&M running back Cyrus Gray is attempting to return from injury and the Aggies face the challenge of playing under an interim coach. 

It should be an entertaining game nonetheless. Here are a few bold predictions for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. 

Cyrus Gray Will Return to Form

Texas A&M’s chances rest on Cyrus Gray’s ability to return from his shoulder injury. Gray injured himself against Kansas and missed the Aggies’ final game against Texas. 

Gray will do everything he can to get on the field for his last game and should be a big part of the  A&M offense. 

Dan Persa Will Impress

Senior Dan Persa’s season didn’t get off to the best start, missing three games to injury. He responded with solid play in his team’s remaining nine games despite a disappointing season for the Wildcats. 

Northwestern’s leading rusher has less than 600 yards on the season, so the Wildcats offense will rely heavily on Persa. Against a poor Texas A&M pass defense expect Persa to put up big numbers in his final game. 

A&M Will Rally Around Tim DeRuyter

With any in-season coaching change, team motivation becomes a big factor. Many of the players thought highly of coach Sherman.

In A&M’s case though, this is the last chance for Senior stars Ryan Tannehill, Cyrus Gray and Jeff Fuller to leave their mark. Despite the disappointment of their season and the distractions expect A&M to bring their A game. 

Jeremy Ebert Will Surprise

In a game littered with offensive talent, there are certain players expected to rack up yards. Jeremy Ebert might not be one of them.

Most will look to Texas A&M’s roster for talent at the receiver position with Ryan Swope and Jeff Fuller. Ebert though has been an impressive performer the Wildcats.

The Senior has over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. With the opportunities against A&M’s pass defense, expect Ebert to outshine all of the receivers. 

High Scoring Affair

Texas A&M’s balanced offense ranks 11th in the country in scoring at 39.6 ppg. Northwestern’s defense ranks 67th.

Conversely, Northwestern’s offense isn’t quite as potent, but Dan Persa is very effective through the air.

The Aggies defense has issues, particularly defending the pass, as they rank in the bottom 10 nationally in pass defense. Expect both teams to put up some points. 

Overview

Neither team has been particularly stout on the defensive end this season. Both teams like to throw the ball, but Texas A&M has greater playmaking ability on the ground.

Both teams should be successful on offense but the Aggies should be able to be more balanced. Expect A&M to win a close one in the end.