Northwestern at Texas Tech

I think the Northwestern Wildcats have an advantage when they make it to a Bowl game. Even without Dan Persa, I like the motivational spot here for Northwestern. The Wildcats show up ready to play and are familiar to the dog role as most teams they draw are favored against them. Those teams don't ever get very motivated vs. a Northwestern team that isn't in the national spotlight. Last year the Wildcats used that to their advantage as a similar 9-point underdog vs. Auburn, and took the Tigers into overtime before losing 38-35, but getting the money. They turned the trick two years ago as a 14-point underdog to Missouri, and once again took a different Tigers team to overtime before losing 30-23, but got the money again. Back in 2003, they lost and covered as a 6-point dog. I have said that Bowl games are all about motivation and for Northwestern it is always a motivating experience. It won't be the case for Texas Tech. The Wildcats are always under the radar as a 3.5-10 point dog going 21-6 ATS in their last 27. The Red Raiders, meanwhile, are a lackluster 1-4 ATS in their last five Bowls. My computer matchup has Northwestern losing 26-34. Northwestern does it again!