Las Vegas Bowl, Houston vs San Diego State: Preview and predictions

Dec 3, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Kyree Woods (27) and tight end Darryl Richardson (84) celebrates after game against the Wyoming Cowboys at the Mountain West Championship college football game at War Memorial Stadium. The Aztecs beat the Cowboys 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Here’s a complete preview and prediction for the battle between the Houston Cougars and San Diego State Aztecs in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday.

The Houston Cougars came into the season with College Football Playoff aspirations. Some tough losses derailed their momentum and they ultimately lost head coach Tom Herman to the Texas Longhorns. The San Diego State Aztecs won the Mountain West Conference and are playing their best football of the season. The two teams will meet in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday.

For those that want to watch Houston and San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, the game can be seen on TV on ABC. It can also be seen online via a live stream via the WatchESPN app. The app does require a subscription for use. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the Las Vegas Bowl online via a live stream, including TV info, live stream info and more. Details for Saturday are below.

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2016
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Venue: Sam Boyd Stadium
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

This will be the final game of Greg Ward Jr. at quarterback for Houston. While things didn’t go as planned for the Cougars this season, Ward Jr. was able to pass for plenty of yards and find his receivers for the big play. The Aztecs had one of the better defenses in the nation this year but haven’t really faced a team with the ability to move the ball like Houston. If the Cougars can crack the code on the Aztecs’ defense they have a chance to roll big.

When it comes to San Diego State on offense, it’s all about running back Donnel Pumphrey. He rushed for over 2,000 yards on the season and was an absolute monster in the run game. Standout defensive lineman Ed Oliver will have to bring an impact and help the Cougars’ defense try and slow down an elite running back.

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Prediction

This is a game that is going to come down to which team can limit the other team’s star player more. It’s Ward Jr. for Houston and Pumphrey for San Diego State. The Cougars have faced the better competition on the season and that should give them the edge in this one. They take a close one over the Aztecs in Sin City.

Pick: Houston 44, San Diego State 41

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