BYU vs. Tulsa: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Armed Forces Bowl

The Armed Forces Bowl between the BYU Cougars and Tulsa Golden Hurricane might feature two of the most balanced teams in the nation.

The Cougars have won eight of their last nine games, and the Golden Hurricane have won seven of their last eight games.

BYU has been one of the best in the nation since starting the season slow, and Tulsa's four losses have all come against top-10 teams. 

It doesn't get much better than this.

Where: Reliant Stadium; Houston, Texas

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Listen: BYU Radio Affiliates. Tulsa Radio Affiliates.

Betting Line: PK

Key Storyline: Balance

The two teams come into this game with a hot close to the season and a balanced offensive attack.

BYU, in its first season as an independent, draws a Tulsa team in its first season under Bill Blankenship.

Both schools experienced solid turnarounds this year with balanced offensive attacks.

Whichever defense can unbalance them will take charge of this game.

Who Might Not Play for BYU

Jake Heaps, QB - Out (Transferring)

Houston Reynolds, OL - Out (Shoulder)

Who Might Not Play for Tulsa

Damaris Johnson, WR - Out (Suspension)

What it Means for BYU

A first bowl win outside of a conference is a major step for them. Bronco Mendenhall has had some great seasons with Cougars since taking over in 2005, but establishing the program as a power sufficient outside a conference is important.

What it Means for Tulsa

First year under Blankenship, the Golden Hurricane nearly won their conference. Knocking off BYU will go a long way towards keeping them relevant in the conference title race with recruiting.

What They're Saying

Mike Brown of Tulsa World quotes UCF coach Greg O'Leary, whose team played both BYU and Tulsa this year, as saying:

"

I think Tulsa's key is that they've got the guy behind center...I've always liked Kinne. He's an exceptional quarterback who is very headsy. Whether he's making the right throw or beating you with his feet, he doesn't make a lot of mistakes and he seems to make the right decision most of the time. As Kinne goes, so goes Tulsa. I think it's just how well can Tulsa spread the ball around and basically how well BYU can defend it.

"

BYU Player to Watch: Riley Nelson, QB

The 6'1", 201-pound junior supplanted Jake Heaps early this season and led the Cougars to their best football of the season.

Heaps has since transferred to Kansas, and Nelson has thrown 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

His best game was actually in the season finale against Hawaii when he threw three touchdowns, completed 67 percent of passes and 363 yards.

The Golden Hurricane will want to stop the Cougars run game, and it will be on Nelson to make plays if they're going to win.

Tulsa Player to Watch: G.J. Kinne, QB

The senior signal caller has been great throughout his career with the Golden Flash, and this will be his final game. His team, which averages 204 rushing yards per game, has lessened his production.

Even so, he has 78 career touchdown passes, just over 9,200 passing yards and can make plays with his legs too with 405 yards rushing on the year.

He's coming off his worst game since the Boise State loss and will be looking for a big turnaround.

Key Matchup: Tulsa offense vs. BYU defense

Nobody would no better than O'Leary.

If the Golden Hurricane run game gets started, G.J. Kinne will be even more dangerous. But if the BYU defense can control the run game, it will fall all on the senior to make plays.

He's more than capable, but the Golden Hurricane defense is going to have their hands full with the Cougars offense as well.

BYU's line play and defense will ultimately be too much.

Prediction: BYU 28, Tulsa 24