Lions, Tigers and the Citrus Bowl…oh my! When the pollsters and voters handed the Capitol One Bowl to Penn State and LSU, it was a dream come true for many college football fans. These are two marquee teams and though no titles little prestige will be awarded to the winner, respect will be paid one way or another. Two teams predicated on defense with offenses that can keep the chains churning promises a great way to kick of your New Year’s Day afternoon. The question for Joe Paterno is whether he can outsmart Les Miles in the Capital One Bowl. Of course, that may not be too hard to do.

The Tigers entered infamy after they lost to Arkansas thanks to some blatant miscommunication and mismanagement on the part of Les Miles. It was probably one of the funniest blunders to watch in 2009, with Miles streaming up and down the sidelines trying to figure out what to do. However all will be forgiven by the LSU betting backers if he can figure out a way to continue his post season prominence. LSU has won each of its last four bowl games by an average of 28.5 points per game.

Penn State may be “linebacker university”, but LSU is a turnover machine. They have generated 37 turnovers in their last 25 games. The problem is that LSU’s quarterback, Jordan Jefferson, is known to put up interceptions in big moments. The fact that some dissension between him and Miles might be undermining the trust between the two will give Penn State all they need to victimize Les Miles’ offense.

The Lions give up just 183.2 passing yards per game, 93.9 rush yards and just 11.8 points. In fact, across the board on offense and defense, Penn State beats LSU in every important statistical category.

Quarterback Darryl Clark of Penn State has been making all sorts of noise as a leader and a playmaker this season. With 2,797 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 10 picks, Clark has proven he can be a force in the pocket. Of course, consistency will have to be proven in 2010, but for now Clark realizes that his performances in big games will determine his value in the NFL. That kind of maturity, and a pocketed win over the esteemed program from LSU, will go a long way in securing Clark’s place amongst the best in the country.

The defense in Penn State will be the key against LSU, however. I expect points to come for the Lions, but the Tigers will have all sorts of trouble with a trio of strong linebackers backing the defense of Penn State. The fact that running back Charles Scott is iffy with an injury makes me even less convinced that LSU will keep its rousing bowl performance streak intact.

Penn State is on the verge of BCS glory in the next two years. It will happen eventually, but it starts by defeating the LSU Tigers and getting a marquee victory under the belts to cap a 10-2 SU season.

Furious Free Pick: Penn Sate -2.5 (UNDER)

Related posts:

1. Michigan State vs. Alabama Pick: 2011 Capital One Bowl: January 1st 2011
2. Penn State vs. Houston Prediction & Odds: TicketCity Bowl: January 2nd 2012
3. 2011 Cotton Bowl Pick: Texas A&M Aggies vs. LSU Tigers: January 7th 2011
4. Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick: October 23rd 2010
5. Nebraska vs. South Carolina Prediction & Odds: Capital One Bowl: January 2nd 2012