First Responder Bowl from Dallas. I did pick Memphis fairly high on my Confidence Pool but now that this has risen to +7.5 I'll take the Aggies. Some reports have USU star running back Calvin Tyler having opted out, but that is false as he got 40 tickets for friends and family in his final college game in his native Texas. He rushed for 1,043 yards and seven TDs this year. The Aggies are 0-4 when they don't run for at least 130 yards. I still lean Memphis to win but this should be close.

Utah State started the season slowly, but after many injuries they found a QB in Cooper Legas. He has the offense playing well with Utah State winning five of its last seven games. Those last two losses came at Boise State with that powerful running attack and then Oct 22 at Wyoming. They beat Air Force and San Jose State. Memphis is just the opposite, losing five of its last seven with one of the wins coming against North Alabama. Utah State is playing well right now. Take Utah State to cover the number.

The bowl period between December 26th-29th is going to feature a lot of 6-6 teams. There are games that make you scratch your head and wonder why those teams did not finish with a better record. Memphis fits that description, as the majority of their losses in American conference play were slim. As electric as their scoring drives are, they somehow find a way to leave the door open for the opposition. That trait makes Utah State a worthy bet. Take them plus the touchdown.

This bowl does not have the aura of a one-touchdown spread. Momentum can be overrated, but the fact is Utah State finished much stronger than Memphis did. The Aggies were forced to switch QBs midseason because of an injury, yet the replacement has held his own. Utah State's 25th-ranked pass defense could rope in standout Memphis QB Seth Henigan. There was doubt whether Aggies RB Calvin Tyler Jr. would participate or bow out for NFL draft preparations. Given that he has raved about closing out a college career in his home state (Texas), it appears he's rarin' to go.