Preview: Texas Tech Vs. Arizona State

The National University Holiday Bowl, set to kick off on December 30th at 9:00 PM, might just be a dark horse as far as bowl games go. I know very many people are overlooking this game due to Arizona State's success and Texas Tech's recent downfall, but don't sleep on this game.

First off, I know a lot of Tech fans completely believe that their team has what it takes to slaughter the Sun Devils, but why?

Well, I think the answer is the fact that the team has had some actual time to rest. Tech's defense was riddled with injuries, plus the offense seemed generally out of sync. With more practice time with Brewer at the helm and a healed up defensive group, you may see a fired up Texas Tech team that is willing and able to not only bring the battle to San Diego,  but reign victorious.

The task won't be easy. I can't stress this enough: Arizona State is very good team. Very good. 8-1 in the Pac-12 alone is enough of a stat for me to believe that. Arizona State features an explosive offense with a stonewall defense, a knowledge of the game and how to win it, and a great senior class.

Let me put it this way: Arizona State holds a higher ranking (14) than UCF (15), a team that is playing #6 Baylor in one of the best bowls, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Yes, Texas Tech technically has a harder bowl than Baylor.

When it all shakes down, we'll see just how well these Red Raiders can play and respond to an upper-eschilon program. It's a great matchup, so tune in to ESPN on Monday night. Also, as a side note, it's just been announced that the two teams will square off again twice in upcoming seasons, so this matchup is the first of three in the series.