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Bowl season is underway, and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Mississippi State Bulldogs will compete for postseason bragging rights in the Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium at noon ET on Thursday. MSU will be strutting in after a win while the Golden Hurricane will be stumbling in from a loss.
It was close but no cigar for Tulsa as they fell 27-24 to the Cincinnati Bearcats last week. Tulsa's defeat came about despite a quality game from RB Corey Taylor II, who rushed for one TD and 130 yards on 22 carries. Taylor II's performance made up for a slower game against the Navy Midshipmen three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs had enough points to win and then some against the Missouri Tigers last week, taking their contest 51-32. MSU's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but WR Jaden Walley led the charge as he caught five passes for one TD and 129 yards.
MSU's defense was a presence as well, as it collected three interceptions and one fumble. CB Emmanuel Forbes picked up that interception and then proceeded to rub salt in the wound by taking it back the other way for a touchdown.
This next matchup is expected to be close, with Tulsa going off at just a 2.5-point favorite. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (3-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.
A pair of defensive stats to keep an eye on: The Golden Hurricane rank 19th in the nation when it comes to rushing touchdowns allowed, with only seven on the season. Less enviably, the Bulldogs are stumbling into the contest with the 17th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 22 on the season.
