WHO: 10-2 Oregon (Pac-12) vs. 8-4 Texas (Big 12)
WHAT: Alamo Bowl (21st year)
WHERE: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
WHEN: Dec. 30 at 6:45 p.m. ET
WHY: No. 10 Oregon takes on Texas in Mack Brown’s last game as the Longhorns head coach. Both teams had their eyes on far grander prizes just a few short weeks ago -- Oregon was a legit national title contender while Texas merely had to beat Baylor in its final regular season game to win the Big 12 title. Neither scenario worked out and so instead we’ll get one of the best matchups of the bowl season in San Antonio.
Oregon has one of the most prolific offenses in college football, led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, who put up 3,994 yards of total offense and a combined 39 touchdowns this season. He recently announced he’ll be returning for his junior season. The Ducks average 47 points and 573 yards per game, so the Texas defense will have its hands full.
The Longhorns offense is a bit more basic and relies on a power running game featuring tailbacks Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, who combined for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Senior quarterback Case McCoy will close out an inconsistent career for Texas. He passed for 1,885 yards with 11 touchdowns and 11 picks in 2013.
Both teams have dangerous weapons in the return game -- De’Anthony Thomas for Oregon and Daje Johnson for Texas can both break it at any time. The Longhorns will have the edge if it turns into a kicking contest as Anthony Fera is one of the best placekickers in the country.
Oregon is the clear favorite overall, though, and it will take an emotional effort by Texas on Brown’s behalf to come away with a win.
PREDICTION: Oregon 45, Texas 24