By Dave Johnson – Betting Expert and Professional Oddsmaker

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-4, 6-1 WAC) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (10-2, 7-0 MWC)

The TCU Horned Frogs failed in their attempt to make a BCS Bowl for a third consecutive time. As a result, they now face-off against the LA Tech Bulldogs for the first time ever in the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

TCU had a rough start. A 50-48 season-opening loss at Baylor and a 40-33 loss to SMU in early October sealed their fate. They went on to win seven consecutive games after, but the two losses dropped them out of the Top 25 for a short time and ultimately left them out of BCS Bowl consideration.

Last season the Horned Frogs made a huge statement in their 21-19 victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The win was their fifth in their last six postseason games and the finishing touches on a perfect 13-0 season.

They are led by quarterback Casey Pachall, who has thrown for 2,715 yards this season with 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The rushing game is ranked 20th in the nation and averages 210 yards per game. The Horned Frogs have a stable of strong running backs including Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley. All three backs have rushed for at least 600+ yards this past season.

Running the ball may not be the answer against an LA Tech rushing defense, ranked 25the in the nation. The Bulldogs have allowed only 122 yards per game on the ground this season, and will surely focus on shutting down the TCU rushing attack. LA Tech’s defense is anchored by linebacker, Adrien Cole, who was named the WAC’s defensive player of the year.

Head Coach Sonny Dykes, received coach of the year honors in his second season at Tech. He leaves his offense in the hands of quarterback Colby Cameron, who has thrown for 1,403 yards with 11 TD’s and 2 interceptions this past season. Cameron was named starting quarterback mid-way through the year in relief of Nick Isham, who may also see some playing time this game.

Regardless of which quarterback plays, the Bulldogs will have trouble moving the ball against a TCU defense ranked 32nd overall in the nation. The Horned frogs held opponents last year to only 346 total yards per game. Running the ball may also be a problem, lead rusher Lennon Creer has been downgraded to ‘doubtful’ as a result of eligibility issues. Creer led Tech this past year with 838 yards on the ground on 198 carries.

Let’s take a look at the current betting odds:

TCU Horned Frogs: -9 (-110)
La Tech Bulldogs: +9 (-110)
Over/under: 56 (-110)

(Odds as of 9:00 a.m. EST 12/20/2011)

Find the above College Football odds at Wagerweb.com, a leading offshore sportsbook and highly recommended sponsor at inspin.com. Betting odds do change so please check this website for instant updates.

Odds Analysis:

The opening line on this game saw drastic movement over the past few weeks. The game opened on December 5th with TCU as a -11 point favorite. Wiseguys bet the underdog over the next two weeks at +11, +10.5, and +10. The game has now settled in at -9-110.

The betting public consensus is currently on TCU at a ratio of 73.8%. Bookmakers have written sharp money at +10 or better and the public money at -9-110. If the game lands at 10, expect big losses for the books.

The total on this game right now is posted at o/u 56-110 and opened 55.5-110. The betting public consensus is hammering away on the OVER at a ratio of 91%, so expect this total to rise before kick-off.

The weather forecast for Qualcomm is partly cloudy with a high of 63 and light wind. This will not be a factor on the game’s outcome.

Winning Betting Trends:

100% winner –Bulldogs are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
100% winner –Under is 7-0-1 in Horned Frogs last 8 Bowl games.
100% winner – Bulldogs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.