TCU vs Louisiana Tech: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line & More for Poinsettia Bowl

The TCU Horned Frogs (10-2, 7-0) just missed out on a trip to a BCS bowl and will instead play the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-4, 6-1) in the 2011 Poinsettia Bowl. Both teams won their respective conferences with TCU capturing the MWC while Louisiana Tech emerged from the WAC.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

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

Watch: ESPN

Listen: KESN 103.3 FM (TCU) or KXKZ 107.5 FM (Louisiana Tech)

Betting Line: TCU -10

Key Storyline: Will TCU prove it belonged in a BCS game with a blowout victory?

The Horned Frogs finished two spots below the automatic qualifying cutoff for non-power conference teams and were therefore left out in the cold. That's an obvious source of motivation as they prepare for a game against Louisiana Tech.

If they could secure a huge victory, it would be a message to the BCS. That's especially true when you consider West Virginia is somehow playing in one of the season's five most important bowl games. Don't expect the Bulldogs to roll over for them, however.

Who Might Not Play for TCU: K Ross Evans

Evans nailed 81 percent of his field goals for TCU this season and totaled 96 points in the team's high-powered offense. He's questionable for Wednesday's game because of some off-field issues, according to USA Today. Without him, there would be more pressure on the Horned Frogs to find paydirt.

Who Might Not Play for Louisiana Tech: RB Lennon Creer

After leading the team in rushing at 838 yards, it appears Creer will not play on Wednesday based on a report from Jack Stallard of the Longview News-Journal. It would be a huge loss for the Bulldogs, who leaned heavily on the senior throughout the season.

What They're Saying

Instead of placing blame on the BCS system that's in place, Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said TCU has nobody to blame but themselves for not securing a bid, according to Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News. It's the right attitude for a coach to have heading into a big game.

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"It's only our fault," Patterson said during a news conference Sunday evening after the final BCS standings were unveiled. "There's no one to blame but TCU because we had two losses."

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While most head coaches like to focus solely on the task at hand, Louisiana Tech's Sonny Dykes took a broader approach to some recent comments. To some them up simply, he has big plans for the school (via Yahoo! Sports).

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“We’re all proud of what we’ve done but we know and expect to do better. We have to continue to improve in every way, coaches and players. … This is a place where we can win multiple conference championships and make an impact nationally. That’s something we all know we can accomplish and will continue working hard to do so.”

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TCU Player to Watch: QB Casey Pachall

Pachall completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for over 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns. He finished second in the conference in quarterback rating behind only Kellen Moore of Boise State. He'll get tested by a boom-or-bust Louisiana Tech secondary.

Louisiana Tech Player to Watch: WR Quinton Patton

In his first season with the Bulldogs, Patton caught 74 passes for 1,135 yards and 10 TDs. He didn't get any hype on the national level because of the level of competition he played against, but his breakout season was impressive nonetheless.

Key Matchup: TCU running back trio vs. Louisiana Tech run defense

TCU's three-headed monster of Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley will struggle to find running room against a Bulldogs defense that gave up just eight rushing TDs all season. Whichever side gets the better end of this battle will in great shape.

Prediction

TCU 31, Louisiana Tech 24