Bowl Preview 2011

TICKETCITY Jan. 2 | 12 p.m. | Dallas

HOUSTON (12--1) versus PENN STATE (9--3)

Houston was one win away from playing in a BCS bowl. Penn State was one win away from playing for the Big Ten title. Each got blown out in its finale. In a bounce-back game for both, the Penn State D will provide a far greater challenge for Cougars quarterback Case Keenum than any he faced in Conference USA. But the Nittany Lions' offense doesn't have enough playmakers to take advantage. Prediction: Houston 28, Penn State 24

CAPITAL ONE Jan. 2 | 1 p.m. | Orlando

NEBRASKA (9--3) versus SOUTH CAROLINA (10--2)

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier faces the Huskers for the first time since No. 1 Nebraska crushed his No. 2 Florida team in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, 62--24. Once Gamecocks defensive ends Melvin Ingram and Jadeveon Clowney introduce themselves early to Huskers QB Taylor Martinez and commence dominating the line of scrimmage, Spurrier will be much happier than he was in the desert. Prediction: South Carolina 23, Nebraska 19

GATOR Jan. 2 | 1 p.m. | Jacksonville

FLORIDA (6--6) versus OHIO STATE (6--6)

Coach Urban Meyer's once and future teams will face off in a clash of bad offenses and young, improving defenses. Florida's offense, particularly quarterbacks John Brantley and Jacoby Brissett, will undergo a transition period (some may say for the better) now that coordinator Charlie Weis has been named the coach at Kansas. Look for a big game from Ohio State freshman QB Braxton Miller. Prediction: Ohio State 17, Florida 15

OUTBACK Jan. 2 | 1 p.m. | Tampa