Texas A&M vs. Northwestern: Game Time, Radio and TV Info for Bowl of Texas

In the second of two Big 12/Big Ten matchups this bowl season, the Texas A&M Aggies will look to end their disappointing season on a positive note against the Northwestern Wildcats in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. 

The Aggies had high hopes coming into 2011 after returning a number of key contributors to a team that won nine games last season. Things did not work out as the defense failed to live up to expectations and the offense was not strong enough to make up for it. 

The Wildcats have become a perennial bowl contender under head coach Pat Fitzgerald. In his six seasons as the face of the program, this will be their fourth consecutive bowl appearance. They are still searching for their first victory in a postseason game since the 1948 Rose Bowl. 

Where: Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas

When: Saturday, Dec. 31 at 12:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN; ESPN3.com

Listen: KZNE-AM 1150 (Texas A&M); WGN Radio 720 AM (Northwestern)

Betting Line: Texas A&M (-10)

Key Storyline

Northwestern is a program that is improving but still needs to take that next step to be thought of as more than an afterthought in the Big Ten. Plus, it will be nice to see this team get its first postseason victory in 64 seasons. 

The Aggies have to prove that they are interested in this game. They have looked lost at times this season, but have also had some impressive games against quality competition. A smaller bowl is not what this team planned on at the start of the season, so we will have to see how they feel about playing against Northwestern. 

Texas A&M Injury Report (Courtesy of USA Today)

Probable: WR Kenric McNeal (Foot), RB Cyrus Gray (Shoulder)

Questionable: DB Steven Campbell (Foot)

Out: RB Christine Michael (Knee), DL Jonathan Mathis (Knee)

Northwestern Injury Report (Courtesy of USA Today)

Probable: SB Jack Konopka (Knee), DL Brian Arnfelt (Foot)

Questionable: DB Ibraheim Campbell (Undisclosed), LB Chi Chi Ariguzo (Shoulder), WR Tony Jones (Leg)

Doubtful: CB Jordan Mabin (Shoulder)

Out: DL Niko Mafuli (Leg), RB Mike Trumpy (Knee)

What It Means For Texas A&M

This is the perfect showcase for Texas A&M seniors and draft eligible underclassmen to showcase their skills for the NFL. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is a potential first-round pick, but he has to prove that he can be consistent enough to succeed at the next level. 

As for what this game means to the program, they are looking to win their first bowl game since 2001. They have lost five straight, including last year's embarrassing loss to LSU in the Cotton Bowl. 

What It Means For Northwestern

While most of us may laugh at the idea of playing in a bowl game called the "Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas," this has to mean the world to Northwestern. 

It has been six decades since this program has gotten a postseason victory. They have become like the Chicago Cubs of college football, which is ironic since the school is located in Illinois. A win will mean a lot to the players on this team and past alumni that have never seen a bowl victory for their school. 

What They Are Saying

New Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has been attending practices leading up to this game, and he told Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle that he looks forward to taking over this program and moving to the SEC in 2012. 

"

"It's a heck of a challenge," Sumlin said while watching the Aggies practice. "But I want to be around people who want to play at the highest level. I want to compete in the best conference and best division in America. If you're scared of that, get a dog. There are a bunch of guys in this state who want to play at that level and be a part of that."

"

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald told the Chicago Tribune that he has no interest in trying to change anything about how his team prepares for the bowl game despite the program's postseason drought. 

“If we had gotten got our (butts) blown out or didn’t show up or were unfocused, I would think about tweaking it,” Fitzgerald said Monday before his team left for the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Houston. “We have been on the short end, but it hasn’t been because we haven’t had a good plan.”

Texas A&M Player To Watch: RB Cyrus Gray

The Aggies offense has been solid all season long, and Gray has been a big factor in that success. He has run for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He had to sit out the regular season finale against Texas due to a stress fracture in his shoulder, but he is going to be back in time to play in this game. He will take pressure off Ryan Tannehill and the rest of the offense if he touches the ball enough. 

Northwestern Player To Watch: WR Jeremy Ebert

The Wildcats don't boast a powerful offense, but Ebert has been a dominating presence on the outside this season. He finished with 1,025 yards, 11 touchdowns and 71 receptions in 2011. 

He is the best playmaker they have, and he must have his best game of the season if the Wildcats are going to be able to hang with the Aggies. 

Considering how strong he has played against Michigan and Nebraska, it is not a stretch to expect at least seven catches for 130-140 yards and a couple of touchdowns. 

Key Matchup: QB Ryan Tannehill vs. Northwestern Defense

Tannehill has been strong enough this season for the Aggies, but he could have been better. He struggles to maintain his focus on the field, which leads to unnecessary turnovers and puts the defense on its heels. 

If Northwestern is able to frustrate him early, he could have another one of his patented two-touchdown, three-interception performances like he did against Oklahoma, Texas and Oklahoma State. 

But if Tannehill is able to stay focused for 60 minutes, he can exploit the Wildcats defense. He has the skills to be a dominant player, and when he is right, it is hard to stop him. 

Prediction

As much as I would like to see Northwestern end their drought, I think Texas A&M is the better team and will prove it on the field. 

Texas A&M 31, Northwestern 23

Follow @adamwells1985