TODAY’S GAME

FORT WORTH BOWL

Texas Christian (11-1) vs. Boise State (12-1), 4:30 p.m., ESPN -- Boise State was a junior college until 1965, competed at the Division I-AA level until 1996, floundered for two seasons, then began its ascent to prominence. Since 1999, only Oklahoma and Miami have better records than Boise State. The Broncos have won 23 of 24 games, the loss coming Sept. 20 to Oregon State, 26-24. Quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie engineers an offense that ranks fifth nationally in passing and second in scoring. He could be primed for a big game against Texas Christian, which is 92nd in pass defense. The Horned Frogs have won 21 of 23 games and they will want to run the ball, but that will be a challenge against the Broncos, who are fifth defending the run. Each team will be short-handed. Six Boise State players were ruled academically ineligible, including starting offensive left tackle Tyrone Tutogi. Five TCU players have been suspended, the most notable being starting center Chase Johnson, who missed curfew Saturday night.

-- Jay Christensen