Clint Hale

The last time Texas A&M and Penn State met in the Alamo Bowl, the year was 1999, and the Nittany Lions trounced the Aggies 24-0. Will A&M avenge that defeat eight years after the fact? Or will Penn State make it another Alamo Bowl thrashing of the Aggies? Here is what to expect in the Valero Alamo Bowl, which kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Alamodome.
 

OFFENSE

THE RUNDOWN: Both teams are capable of scoring points in bunches, as evidenced by their respective scoring averages of 28.8 (A&M) and 30.8 (Penn State). But while the Aggies only turned the ball over 14 times this season (one of the nation's best totals), Penn State turned it over 24 times, including 15 fumbles lost.
EDGE: Texas A&M

DEFENSE

THE RUNDOWN: The Aggies' defense didn't exactly light it up against quality opponents this season, judging by their points allowed against Miami (34), Texas Tech (35), Oklahoma (42) and Missouri (40). The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, rank ninth in the country in total defense (306.58 yards allowed per game) and eighth in scoring defense (17.6 points allowed per game).
EDGE: Penn State

INTANGIBLES

THE RUNDOWN: A&M is riding high after a surprising 38-30 victory over rival Texas to close out the regular season, while Penn State finished out its regular season with a 35-31 loss to Michigan State. Plus, with the game in San Antonio, expect the Aggies to have quite a fan contingent on hand.
EDGE: Texas A&M

COACHING

THE RUNDOWN: A&M just fired head coach Dennis Franchione, so defensive coordinator Gary Darnell is the interim coach until Mike Sherman takes over full time in the offseason. Penn State, meanwhile, has Joe Paterno, who boasts more victories than anyone in Division I-A college football history not named Bobby Bowden.
EDGE: Penn State

BOTTOM LINE

THE 210 TAKE: With Franchione and his “will they or won't they fire him?” status out of the picture, expect the Aggies to play relaxed, particularly coming off a big victory over the Longhorns and with a loyal fan base on their side. Even so, Penn State's defense is one of the best around and more than good enough to create good field position for its offense.
THE 210 PREDICTION: Penn State 24, Texas A&M 21