Welcome to our online chat with J-W KU writer Ryan Wood and Houston Chronicle UH writer Michael Murphy.

The chat took place on Thursday, December 22, at 2:00 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Hi and welcome to our chat today. I'm Andy Samuelson the online sports editor for KUsports.com and I will be today's chat moderator. Today we are joined by Lawrence Journal-World football beat writer Ryan Wood and Houston Cougars beat writer Michael Murphy, who works for the Houston Chronicle. Thanks Ryan and Michael for taking time out of your busy bowl schedule to join with our KUsports.com readers this afternoon.

Ryan Wood: Not a problem AndySam, thanks for having me.

Michael Murphy: Thanks for having me, it's nice to be here.

Moderator: Well there's a lot of activities going on down here in Fort Worth, so let's get right to the questions.

Matt, Overland Park, Kan.: We all know KU has a good defense and Houston has a good offense. What do you think will be a surprise for either team in the final result, or what part of KU or Houston will shock the fans at the game?

Ryan Wood: I think running back Jon Cornish is always a surprising weapon that opponents aren't completely aware of. He's got great open-field speed and has an ability to break tackles. A lot is said of the defense, but I think if Cornish was a full-time running back without a teammate like Clark Green to split carries, he'd be approaching 1,000 yards by now.

Michael Murphy: I never know which Houston team will come out. Sometimes they come out and throw the ball all over the field. And then sometimes they come out running the football. I think Kansas fans hear about Houston's prolific offense, and they think Houston is like Texas Tech -- throwing the ball all over the place. But they have a very strong running game. Ryan Gilbert is a very good back. He started his career at LSU in the backfield with Domanick Davis. He has 1,000 rushing yards on relatively few carries this year. I think if Houston comes out running the ball a lot, people will be surprised.

Collin, Lee's Summit, Mo.: Will the Cougars be intimidated going into a nationally televised game against a Big 12 school? Conversely, will the Jayhawks be overconfident playing against a Houston team that hasn't had much national exposure this year?

Ryan Wood: I certainly don't see Houston being intimidated: They've played teams like Oklahoma, Oregon, Michigan and Miami in the last few years. Conference-USA isn't as powerful as the Big 12, but it's not a bad conference. As for Kansas, I get the sense this team is very focused and I don't think any 6-5 team should be overconfident when they barely slip into a bowl game.

Michael Murphy: I can only answer for Houston, but I don't think they'll be overwhelmed at all. Art Briles keeps everything on the straight and narrow. He's grounded that way. The players live in one of the biggest media markets in America, it's not like they're complete strangers to the national media.

Moderator: Here's is a question aimed specifically for Kansas, well let Wood answer.

Jessie, Emporia, Kan.: Do you think there should be a quarterback controversy after Brain Luke played so well in the Iowa State game?

Ryan Wood: Not at all. Jason Swanson is healthy, and if you want to replace Swanny, you have to ask the question "What did Swanson do to lose his starting gig?" The answer is nothing. He's been the best QB, by far, this season. Brian Luke did a great job, but that should only assure Kansas that if a similar situation arises, KU's No. 2 guy is capable of stepping up.

Moderator: Here's a question for you Michael.

Tom, Hillsboro, Kan.: Mr. Murphy: What is the image of Kansas University football in Texas? Everyone knows Kansas mainly as a basketball school, but with so many Texans on the KU football roster, word must be spreading about their prowess on the gridiron as well. Is Kansas becoming known for more than basketball and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz?

Michael Murphy: All be honest, I don't know. In Texas when you think of the Big 12, there's not a lot words about Kansas. People talk about Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M. I think people are very familiar with Kansas' defense, but not really aware of how good Kansas is overall.

Frank, Wichita, Kan.: What do you think a win would do for each program?

Ryan Wood: Most of all, it would give KU its first winning record in a decade, which is huge. 7-5 and 6-6 is a huge difference for a program toiling in mediocrity for 10 years. Being able to promote a winning team to recruits, potential season-ticket holders and media can go a long way.

Michael Murphy: It would be real big for Houston as well. Especially because the game is being played in the Fort Worth area, a real big recruiting area for the Cougars. Plus it's close to Art Briles' home town. A win would mean a lot for him personally, for his family, friends, and coaching colleagues. It would definitely be big for the program.

Moderator: Well the guys are extremely busy today, but before they go, I'll throw out the one question that everyone wants to know. Who will win this game?

Ryan Wood: In the paper, I predicted Kansas by a 21-10 score. I kind of have my doubts that Houston will be held to just 10. I'll still say Kansas, but I'll change the score to 21-17.

Michael Murphy: Houston, I think they will go more with the run and Ryan Gilbert. Houston 24-21.

Moderator: I guess I'll throw out my prediction too. After all I nailed that KU-Iowa State score. I say if Houston does run more, KU's defense will be able to shut the Cougars down. I'll say KU 27, UH 17

Moderator: Well that's going to do it for our chat today with Lawrence Journal-World football beat writer Ryan Wood and Houston Cougars beat writer Michael Murphy, who works for the Houston Chronicle. Thanks fellas and have fun tomorrow at the game. Also thanks to our KUsports.com readers for all their input into this chat and their excitement for KUsports.com and Kansas University athletics.

Ryan Wood: Thanks a lot man.

Michael Murphy: Thanks for having me.