2006 Poinsettia Bowl Preview, College Football Bowl Games

POINSETTIA BOWL
*Poinsettia Bowl History*
	TCU (10-2) Schedule/Results / Bowl History
	Northern Illinois (7-5) Schedule/Results / Bowl History
Location: San Diego, California Date: Tuesday, December 19 Time: 8:00 pm EST TV: ESPN-2
by Mike Mitchell 12/08/06 3:35 am est TCU is making a postseason appearance for the 8th time in the last 9 years. What's amazing is that the run has spanned three changes in conference affiliation, beginning with the WAC (1998-2000) and lasting through CUSA (2001-2004) and now the Mountain West (2005-present). The Horned Frogs were co-champions of the WAC in 1999 and 2000, CUSA co-champs in 2002, and Mountain West outright champions in 2005. Over-all, this is TCU's 23rd bowl game compared to Northern Illinois' third, not that the Huskies have had a recent history of bad football. On the contrary, NIU has put together a string of seven consecutive winning seasons, including a 10-2 mark in 2003 but without a bowl slot available to take them. Northern Illinois boasts the nation's leading rusher, Garrett Wolfe, who averaged 158.3 yards per game during the regular season and accounted for 18 touchdowns. They were also a very disciplined club as they ranked second in the MAC for fewest penalties with just over 5 per game. The Achilles heal of the Huskies has been a defense that ranked 9th in the MAC in yards allowed per game, but still somehow managed to allow just under 20 points per game. For TCU, quarterback Jeff Ballard has completed 61.4 percent of his passes 12 TD's and 5 INT's. But he was also one of three players who ran for more than 400 yards, led by Aaron Brown's 749. Brown also added 447 yards on 33 receptions. Defensively, TCU was fifth in the nation in points allowed, 4th in total yards allowed, and 4th in rushing yards allowed. They ranked 33rd in pass defense, but when you're winning 10 of your 12 games, the opponents are often airing it out. by Doug Kroll 12/08/06 3:oo pm est TCU has been one of the hottest teams in the nation over the past seven weeks, and it has put the Horned Frogs into the Poinsettia Bowl against Northern Illinois on December 19th. The seven game winning streak that they will bring into the game is the sixth-longest active streak in the nation. It’s somewhat fitting that TCU will travel to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego and play where its most famed alum currently calls home. It was back in 2000 that LaDainian Tomlinson, current San Diego Charger, won the Doak Walker Award as the best running back in the nation playing for the Horned Frogs. With a victory against the Huskies, TCU will win its 11th game of the season, marking the third time in four years they have reached that plateau. The offense has been the key to TCU’s winning streak, posting the 17th best total offense in the nation—second best in the Mountain West Conference (404.5 ypg). The Frogs average 28.6 points per game on the season, but in their last three contests they have put up 45 points per game and an average of 535.7 yards. The number includes a 624 yard outburst against San Diego State and a 606 yard performance against Colorado State. The offense was clicking so well that the Horned Frogs didn’t attempt a punt in eight quarters. The rushing attack is led by a variety of guys, with sophomore Aaron Brown leading the team with 749 yards and nine touchdowns. Quarterback Jeff Ballard is third on the team in rushing, averaging 33.7 yards per game on the ground, while scoring five times on a quarterback keeper. Passing-wise, Ballard has been efficient. He has completed 61.5-percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns, while picking up 178 yards per game through the air. Quentil Harmon has been the most productive receiver, catching 46 balls for 697 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Defensively, the TCU attack has only yielded 12.8 points per contest. Recently named Freshman All-American Nick Sanders, is second on the team with three interceptions at his cornerback position, including taking one back for a touchdown. For Northern Illinois, it all starts and ends with running back Garrett Wolfe. There were calls at the beginning of the season for a Heisman for the short and quick running back, but although he had a good regular season, the numbers don’t cry out for the Heisman. Wolfe gained 1900 yards (an average of 158.3 per game) and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground. Maybe most impressively is his average of 6.6 yards per carry. Senior QB Phil Horvath has also had a decent year. He averaged 175 yards through the air while throwing 11 TDs and nine interceptions. Sophomore wide receiver Britt Davis was the favorite target, making 57 receptions and averaging over 60 yards per game. It should be fun to watch two polished offenses go head-to-head, but if TCU’s defense shows up it may be a long night in San Diego for the Huskies. Doug Kroll is an independent contributor to College Football Poll.com.