Tulsa (10-3, 7-1 CUSA) vs. Iowa State (6-6, 3-6 Big 12)
Monday, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The History: The Liberty Bowl has been sponsored by AutoZone since 2004, when the auto parts store took over sponsorship from the financial company, AXA. The game has been played in Memphis, Tenn. since 1965 and usually sees Conference USA’s champion against an SEC team. But, because the SEC didn’t have enough bowl eligible teams to fill its contracted spots (this is my subtle SEC shot), the Liberty Bowl invited Iowa State. It just so happens, these two teams met earlier in the season, way back in week one. Iowa State defeated Tulsa at home, 38-23.
Tulsa Scouting Report: If you look at the numbers, the Tulsa offense is extremely balanced. Its three backs, Trey Watts, Ja’Terian Douglas and Alex Singleton, combined for 2,581 yards on the season. Singleton also ran for 21 touchdowns on the year. Quarterback Cody Green, a Nebraska transfer, threw for 2.499 yards and 17 touchdowns on the year.
Iowa State Scouting Report: After winning its first three games of the season, the Cylcones went just 3-6 to finish the year. The Cyclones are without their leading rusher, Shontrelle Johnson who was lost for the season. Iowa State is also without its best linebacker, Jake Knott. The Cyclones are definitely battling the injury bug towards the end of this year.
tBBC “Expert Selections:
- Tim- Iowa State
- Gary- Tulas
- WVa- Iowa State
- Janelle- Iowa State
- Mali- Iowa State
- Jason- Iowa State
- Eric- Iowa State
My Selection: Though Tulsa seems to have the better record, Gary is the only one who selected them. My sole reason for selecting Iowa State is it earned a victory against this Tulsa team way back in September. The Cyclones got the win in the first week of the season against the Golden Hurricane and they will get the win in the final week, 28-21.
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