Poinsettia Bowl 2011: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The TCU Horned Frogs and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will meet up in the wonderfully named San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

The game is a tale of polar opposites. TCU (10-2) is forced to settle after being snubbed by the BCS selection committee while La. Tech is more than happy to accept their nomination after an 8-4 season.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN/ESPN 3

Listen: ESPN Radio Network

Betting Line: There is no line set for the game at this time.

Key Storyline

Both the Horned Frogs and the Bulldogs enter this game riding seven game win streaks.

The difference is that TCU feels slighted to be here while La. Tech wants to prove they can play with a team as good as the Horned Frogs.

The Bulldogs have a competent defense, allowing only 22.5 points per game. It will be interesting to see if they can stop TCU's scoring offense which ranks ninth in the country.

Who Might Not Play For TCU

K Ross Evans -- (Disciplinary) --  The team's career leader in PAT's and PAT attempts could miss the game after being charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing. His replacement would likely be Ryan DeNucci, a redshirt freshman.

Who Might Not Play For Louisiana Tech

SS Ryan Williams -- OUT (Knee) Williams will remain out of action for the bowl game after missing six games due to a knee injury. Junior Quinn Giles has replaced him in three of the last five weeks.

What It Means For TCU

After winning the Rose Bowl last season, the Poinsettia Bowl is certainly a step down, but TCU still wants to end this season on a high note.

Earlier in the year they ended Boise State's 35-game winning streak, an impressive feat within itself.

Now coach Gary Patterson must turn his troops focus to La. Tech because this is a team that he says "will be fired up since it's been a while since they've been to a bowl game."

What It Means For Louisiana Tech

This game means everything to the Bulldogs. They accepted their bid before Thanksgiving and want to prove they are the best the WAC has to offer.

This year marks their first WAC Championship since 2001 and fifth bowl appearance in school history.

La. Tech has not played or beaten a ranked opponent yet this season.

What They're Saying

Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes has been very open about showcasing his excitement over this game and the city of San Diego.

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“It is a great honor to represent the Western Athletic Conference in the Poinsettia Bowl,” said Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes. “San Diego is one of the premier cities in the U.S. Our players and fans will have a great experience there. I have been to two Holiday Bowls and know that the city and the stadium are great and the hotels in San Diego are fantastic. I am excited about the opportunity to play a very good Mountain West team.”

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TCU coach Gary Patterson's conversations have focused more on the BCS system and how he does not believe his Horned Frogs were snubbed.

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"Are we disappointed we didn't get where we wanted to? Well, it's our own fault. There's nobody to blame but TCU because we had two losses. If we had one loss, we probably wouldn't be in this situation." 

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TCU Player To Watch: Josh Boyce

Boyce leads all Horned Frogs receivers in yards, touchdowns,and recepetions.

The 6'1" sophomore has stepped up in TCU's biggest games this season, with 163 yards and three touchdowns against the Boise State Broncos and 96 yards and a touchdown against the Baylor Bears.

He figures to be a key part of the offensive gameplan against the Bulldogs 34th ranked scoring defense.

Louisiana Tech Player to Watch: Quinton Patton

Wide receiver Quinton Patton has been similarly impressive this season, posting numbers slightly better than Boyce.

Patton has 74 catches, 1,135 yards and 10 total touchdowns.

The 6'2" junior has caught for over 100 yards on four different occasions, including a 211 yard two score game against Central Arkansas.

Key Matchup: Louisiana Tech Defense vs. TCU Running Game

Aside from the intriguing receiver showdown their will also be an interesting battle in the trenches.

La. Tech has an impressive rush defense, allowing only 122.1 yards on the ground per game, but they face a three-headed rushing attack of Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley.

The receivers may steal the show, but this battle will likely decide the game.

Prediction

TCU 34, Louisiana Tech 17