Stormin in Norman
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Picking the Big 12 Football Bowl Games

By Chip Rouse

Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate winning the Big 12 Conference Championship after defeating the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; The Oklahoma Sooners celebrate winning the Big 12 Conference Championship after defeating the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) scrambles out of the pocket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) scrambles out of the pocket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

Dec. 28, 2016

Texas Bowl

Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)

NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

This is a matchup of two former Big 12 foes. As members of the Big 12 the two schools split 10 games. Overall, A&M owns an 8-7 edge.

Texas A&M is led by former Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight. Knight is a better runner than a passer, although Alabama make take exception to that considering Knight’s five touchdown passes in the Sooners stunning 2014 Sugar Bowl victory over the Crimson Tide.

Knight poses a defensive challenge because of his ability to run or throw the ball. It is not necessary for him to win the game with his legs, though, because he has talented freshman Trayveon Williams in the backfield with him. Williams rushed for over 1,000 yards this season.

K-State quarterback Jessie Ertz is most dangerous when he tucks the ball and takes off on foot. The Wildcats like to run the ball, and they have several running backs who can hurt you in the run game, but Ertz is the most dangerous. The K-State signal caller led the team in rushing this season, gaining 945 yards on the ground.

Texas A&M would be ill-advised to ignore the K-State passing game, though. Wide receivers Dominique Heath and Byron Pringle can fly when they bring in a reception.

These are two teams that ended the regular season headed in opposite directions. Kansas State won its final three games to finish with an 8-4 mark. Meanwhile, Texas A&M was on the losing end of three of its final four regular-season games.

Neither team plays particularly strong pass defense, which could be the area where this game is won or lost.

Kansas State may have a better overall defense than A&M, but the Aggies are a better team offensively.

Bowl games are generaly won by teams that play the best defense, and I believe Bill Snyder, the master of finding ways to make you beat yourself, will get the job done in this one, despite the fact that this game is virtually a home game for A&M, being played less than two hours from College Station.

Prediction: Kansas State 35, Texas A&M 31 

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