Missouri vs. Texas

TEXAS BOWL - After three straight losing campaigns, Texas got back to winning under first-year coach Tom Herman. They've won three of the last five games, including winning 28-14 at West Virginia as a +3.5 dog. The Longhorns nearly won at USC as a +17 dog, 27-24. Texas has a talented defense that ranks #31 in the nation in points allowed (21.7 points per game) and #42 in total defense (363.6 yards per game) despite playing in the offense-dominated Big 12. They are staying in their home state as this bowl game is in Houston. They are a dog to a Missouri squad that doesn't play much defense, #88 in total yards allowed, #94 in points surrendered (31.8 points per game), and #60 against the run allowing 163.5 yards per contest. By contrast, Texas is sixth in the nation in rush defense. Missouri has to deal with the loss of offensive coordinator Josh Heupel, who was named the new head coach at Central Florida. The Longhorns own a 17-6 straight up record against the Tigers and have captured 15 of the last 17 meetings. Take the dog in its home state with the superior defense and coaching staff to win the game. Play Texas on the moneyline.