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Rising out of the ashes of the disaster that was Mattress Mac’s Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, today’s Texas Bowl stages its second-ever match-up at Reliant Stadium. This year’s battle features two old Southwest Conference foes that are meeting for the first time since 2004. The 8-4 Houston Cougars, led by interim head coach Chris Thurmond, will be facing off with the 7-5 TCU Horned Frogs, led by head coach Gary Patterson. In their last battle, the Frogs defeated the Coogs 34-27, but UH leads the all-time series 13-11. The game promises to be a high-scoring affair. And since both teams are frequent bowl contenders (the Coogs are making their fourth bowl appearance in five years, while the Frogs are making their ninth bowl appearance in ten years), they can’t blame any fumbles on big-game butterflies.

There will be entertainment all day long, with a pre-game TexFest (live music and pep rallies) starting mid-afternoon. Reckless Kelly and Eli Young Band will perform in the Red Dirt Lounge before and after the game. Fans who stick around will also enjoy the biggest holiday fireworks display in the state (that’s pretty big) at 10:30 p.m. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. Reliant Stadium, 1 Reliant Park. For tickets and information, call 832-667-2002 or visit www.texasbowl.org. $25 to $75.
Fri., Dec. 28, 7 p.m., 2007