Sure, it’s supposed to be warm here for the next few days, but why waste your time enjoying the outdoors when you can lock yourself inside and watch college football? We give you a dozen reasons not to leave the house.
Friday, 11 a.m.
Music City Bowl
Virginia (6-5) vs. Minnesota (7-4), ESPN
Laurence Maroney, behind All-America center Greg Eslinger, led the Big Ten’s top-ranked scoring offense by averaging a conference-high 135 yards per game. The Cavaliers will prepare with a staff hobbled by the departure of both coordinators for head coaching jobs.
Friday, 2:30 p.m.
Independence Bowl
Missouri (6-5) vs. S. Carolina (7-4), ESPN
The Tigers lost three of their last four, but when QB Brad Smith (above) is on, so are the Tigers. Smith, who leads the team in passing and rushing, tallied 21 TDs this season. Steve Spurrier made his return to the college game and earned the Gamecocks a bowl bid behind a tough defense.
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Peach Bowl
Miami (9-2) vs. LSU (10-2), ESPN
In a matchup of one of only three bowl games between top-10 AP ranked teams, the Hurricanes are rebounding from an embarrassing loss to Georgia Tech. The Tigers face Miami for the 12th time ever and for only the second time in 36 years.
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Meineke Bowl
South Florida (6-5)
vs. N.C. State (6-5), ESPN2
Bulls RB Andre Hall (15 total TDs, 5.0 yards per rush attempt) could help decide defensive battle. The Bulls are making their first bowl appearance in just their fifth season in Division I-A. The Wolfpack defense is led by end Mario Williams, who has 13 sacks and 231 1/42 tackles for loss.
Saturday, noon
Liberty Bowl
Fresno State (8-4) vs. Tulsa (8-4), ESPN
Tulsa’s Garret Mills is the best tight end you’ve never heard of. Fresno State QB Paul Pinegar had a big senior season, but after throwing just two interceptions in the first six games of the year, he’s thrown 11 in the last six.
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Houston Bowl
TCU (10-1) vs. Iowa State (7-4), ESPN2
Horned Frogs have some big wins this year, including a victory at Oklahoma. While they boast a strong defense, they are led by QB Jeff Ballard, a threat to run or throw. Cyclones blew a chance to get to the Big 12 title game by losing to Kansas to close out the regular season.
Monday, 10 a.m.
Cotton Bowl
Alabama (9-2) vs. Texas Tech (9-2), FOX
Crimson Tide LB DeMeco Ryans (above right) leads the best defensive team in the country against one of the best offensive teams. Texas Tech QB Cody Hodges leads the team (4,042 yards, 30 TDs) and the nation in passing offense (403.6 ypg).
Monday, 10 a.m.
Outback Bowl
Iowa (7-4) vs. Florida (8-3), ESPN
The Gators have been half of the Outback Bowl matchup for three of the past four years, and a game in Tampa Bay makes for a home-field advantage and momentum. But the Hawkeyes defeated Florida in the 2004 Outback Bowl.
Monday, 11:30 a.m.
Gator Bowl
VA. Tech (10-2) vs. Louisville (9-2), NBC
The Hokies are much more than just multi-talented QB Marcus Vick (above). Their defense has scored 5 TDs. Louisville goes without star QB Brian Brohm, so RB Michael Bush, who averages 5.6 yards per carry and has 23 TDs, must carry the load.
Monday, noon
Capital One Bowl
Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Auburn (9-2), ABC
Auburn once again bases its success on the run game, with Kenny Irons leading the way. This is Barry Alvarez’s final game with the Badgers and his team is led by All-Big Ten running back Brian Calhoun.
Monday, 4 p.m.
Fiesta Bowl
Ohio State (9-2)
vs. Notre Dame (9-2), ABC
OSU’s defense is led by star LB A.J. Hawk. Coach Jim Tressel has won three straight bowl games as the Buckeyes seek their third top-10 finish in the last four years. Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn is 4th in the nation in pass efficiency and 3rd in total offense. The Irish are trying for their first top-10 final ranking since 1993.
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Sugar Bowl
Georgia (10-2) vs. W. Virginia (10-1), ABC
QB D.J. Shockley is healthy again after missing one game, and remember that the Bulldogs have won back-to-back games in Atlanta. The Mountaineers’ first-year RB Steve Slaton leads the team with 924 yards on the ground, scoring 14 TDs.
