ShareThisCapsule previews for the 15 college bowl games between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.
FRIDAY:
MOTOR CITY BOWL in Detroit
FLORIDA ATLANTIC (6-6) vs. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (8-4), 7:30 p.m., ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Central Michigan by 7.
COACHES: Howard Schnellenberger (47-48 in 8th year at Fla. Atlantic) and Butch Jones (16-10 in second year at Central Michigan).
BOWL RECORD: Fla. Atlantic is 1-0. Central Michigan is 1-3.
LAST GAME: Fla. Atlantic beat Fla.-International, 57-50, on Nov. 29. Central Michigan lost at Eastern Michigan, 56-52, on Nov. 28.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Chippewas went 5-0 in games decided by 6 points or less.
GAME FACTS: In only fifth year at D-I level, Owls shook off wretched start with 5-1 finish to go bowling for second straight year. After being hampered by sore shoulder and some testy moments with teammates, QB Rusty Smith keyed turnaround with 15 TD passes vs. 5 ints. in last six games. Senior LB Frantz Joseph was second in nation with 141 tackles, 10 more than school record he set last year. Playing here for third straight year (lost to Purdue, 51-48, last year, beat Middle Tennessee, 31-14 in 2006), CMU saw its defense (105th in nation in total defense, 424.5 ypg) vanish in final two games, including giving up 616 total yards in baffling Eastern Michigan loss. This wasn't first time terrific effort from junior QB Dan LeFevour (22-of-38, 378 yards passing, 4 TD passes, int., TD run) was wasted. LeFevour (72 career TD passes) also leads Chippewas with 536 yards rushing from spread offense (second in MAC in total offense, 427.1 ypg). WR Antonio Brown (third in MAC with 82 catches, 6 TDs, led nation in punt returns, 20.7 ypr, TD) is one of nation's most exciting players. Sophomore LB Nick Bellore led MAC (fourth in nation) with 135 tackles.
SATURDAY:
MEINEKE BOWL in Charlotte, N.C.
NORTH CAROLINA (8-4) vs. WEST VIRGINIA (8-4), 1, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $1 million.
FAVORITE: The game is even.
COACHES: Butch Davis (12-12 in second year at North Carolina) and Bill Stewart (first year at West Virginia).
BOWL RECORD: North Carolina is 12-13. West Virginia is 12-15.
LAST GAME: North Carolina won at Duke, 28-20, on Nov. 29. West Virginia beat South Florida, 13-7, on Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: North Carolina leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: North Carolina won, 20-13, in the 1996 Gator Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: With QB Pat White starting, Mountaineers are 3-0 in bowl games while averaging 41 points per game.
GAME FACTS: After November losses to Maryland, N.C. State knocked them out of race for ACC title game, Tar Heels did get boost from return of sophomore QB T.J. Yates, who riddled Duke (15-of-19, 176 passing, 3 TDs) after missing five games with broken ankle. Junior WR Hakeem Nicks (60 catches, 9 TDs) is already UNC's all-time leader with 2,623 career receiving yards. LB Bruce Carter (61 tackles, 3 sacks) is more of a force on special teams with 5 blocked kicks. Suspect run defense (57th in nation vs. run, 140.7 ypg) could have problems with White, college football's all-time leading rusher for QB (4,425 career yards, 47 TD runs,) speedy RB Noel Devine (third in Big East with 1,228 rushing). P-K Pat McAfee (led Big East in punting, 44.7 ypp, 16-of-19 on FGs) is weapon on both phases of kicking game and is WVU's all-time leading scorer with 377 points. LB Morty Ivy (89 tackles, 3 ints.) leads capable defense (9th in nation in scoring, 15.9 ppg, 26 turnovers forced).
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL in Orlando
FLORIDA STATE (8-4) vs. WISCONSIN (7-5), 4:30, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school gets $2.125 million.
FAVORITE: Florida State by 5.
COACHES: Bobby Bowden (308-91-4 in 33rd year at FSU) and Bret Bielema (28-10 in third year at Wisconsin).
BOWL RECORD: FSU is 21-14-2. Wisconsin is 10-9.
LAST GAME: FSU lost at home to Florida, 45-15, on Nov. 29. Wisconsin beat Cal-Poly, 36-35 in overtime, on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Seminoles' 16 losses the last three seasons are one fewer than FSU suffered combined from 1987-2000 when 'Noles were ranked in top four each season.
GAME FACTS: Bowling for 29th straight season (longest active streak in nation), these Seminoles do it with defense (second in nation with 103 tackles for loss, 6th with 33 sacks), which is a must considering how bad passing game is (87th in nation, 185.8 ypg, 18 TD passes, 15 ints.). Freshman QB Christian Ponder was yanked vs. Florida after going 5-for-14 for 60 yards with 2 ints. as forgotten senior Drew Weatherford even got a shot, but did little (4-of-15, 61 passing). All this has defenses ganging up on RB Antone Smith (753 rushing, 14 TDs on season, but only 121 yards, TD in last three games). Badgers used 4-1 push to get here but had QB woes of their own. Jury is still out on junior Dustin Sherer (95-of-175, 1,257 passing, 5 TDs, 5 ints.) who took over at midseason. He'll hand often to RBs P.J. Hill, John Clay and Zach Brown (combined 2,172 rushing, 25 TD runs). Elusive WR David Gilreath (30 catches, 3 TDs, 290 yards rushing, 2 TD runs, 9.5 yards per punt return) can do a little of everything. Holding on to ball was big problem all season (111th in nation with 16 fumbles lost).
EMERALD BOWL in San Francisco
CALIFORNIA (8-4) vs. MIAMI (7-5), 8, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Cal by 6.
COACHES: Jeff Tedford (58-30 in 7th year at Cal) and Randy Shannon (12-12 in second year at Miami).
BOWL RECORD: Cal is 9-8-1. Miami is 18-13.
LAST GAME: Cal beat Washington, 48-7, on Dec. 6. Miami lost at N.C. State, 38-28, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: Miami leads, 2-1.
LAST MEETING: Miami won, 52-24, in 1990.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Shannon, Hurricanes are 2-10 when allowing 24 points or more while Golden Bears are 22nd in nation in scoring at 33.3 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Winners of bowls last three seasons while averaging 40.6 points per game, Bears will try to ride speedy sophomore RB Jahvid Best (led Pac-10, fifth in nation with 1,349 rushing, 13 TDs), once again after he piled up 512 yards, 7 TDs in final two games including school-record 311 yards in rout of Washington. As good as Best has been, QBs Nate Longshore, Kevin Riley are equally erratic (combined 23 TDs, 10 ints.). C Alex Mack won Draddy Trophy awarded to nation's top football scholar-athlete. Not in the running for that one was Hurricanes QB Robert Marve, who will not play after violation of team academic rules. That means freshman Jacory Harris (combined 38-of-61, 463 passing, 5 TDs, 3 ints. while seeing part-time action in last four games) gets his first start since opener, when Marve was also suspended. Harris will benefit from return of WR Aldarius Johnson (30 catches, 3 TDs), team's leading receiver who was suspended for loss at N.C. State. RB Javarris James is cousin of former UM star Edgerrin James, now with NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Freshman LB Sean Spence (62 tackles, 7-1/2 for loss, TD int. return) was ACC defensive rookie of year. 'Canes need win to avoid third straight season of 6 or more losses, which hasn't happened since 1975-77.
SUNDAY:
INDEPENDENCE BOWL in Shreveport, La.
LOUISIANA TECH (7-5) vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (6-6), 8, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school gets $1.1 million.
FAVORITE: Northern Illinois by 2.
COACHES: Derek Dooley (12-12 in second year at La. Tech) and Jerry Kill (first year at Northern Illinois).
BOWL RECORD: La. Tech is 1-2-1. Northern Illinois is 2-1.
LAST GAME: La. Tech lost at home to Nevada, 35-31, on Nov. 29. Northern Illinois lost at home to Navy, 16-0, on Nov. 25.
SERIES HISTORY: La. Tech leads, 5-1.
LAST MEETING: La. Tech won, 40-14, in 1996.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Don't look for an aerial show as Bulldogs and Huskies were 101st and 102nd in nation in passing combining for 20 TD passes and 21 interceptions.
GAME FACTS: In only second bowl appearance since 1991, Bulldogs look for first bowl win since 1977. RB Daniel Porter (1,086 rushing, 9 TDs) carried load for one-dimensional offense while WR Phillip Livas (led WAC with 1,889 all-purpose yards) is dangerous return man (fifth in nation in punt returns, 16.6 ypr, 2 TDs). Defense is great vs. run (11th in nation, 99.7 ypg), awful vs. pass (116th in nation vs. pass, 279.9 ypg, 15 ints., 24 TD passes given up). Question is can Huskies erratic freshman QB Chandler Hornish (7 ints., 2 TD passes in last five games) make accurate throws to exploit Tech secondary. DE Larry English (8 sacks, 14 tackles for loss) can wreck havoc up front. Defense (16th in nation in scoring, 18.1 ppg) played well for most of year but had problems down stretch (108 points given up in 1-3 finish).
MONDAY:
PAPAJOHNS.com BOWL in Birmingham, Ala.
RUTGERS (7-5) vs. N.C. STATE (6-6), 3, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $300,000.
FAVORITE: Rutgers by 7.
COACHES: Greg Schiano (45-51 in 8th year at Rutgers) and Tom O'Brien (11-13 in second year at N.C. State).
BOWL RECORD: Rutgers is 2-2. N.C. State is 12-10-1.
LAST GAME: Rutgers beat Louisville, 63-14, on Dec. 4. N.C. State beat Miami, 38-28, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In winning last six games to get here, Scarlet Knights outscored foes by combined score of 243-94.
GAME FACTS: Knights QB Mike Teel (led Big East in QB rating, 221-of-359, 23 TDs, 12 ints.) was focal point of amazing turnaround to get here (20 TD passes, 5 ints. in last five games). It wasn't always so easy with nadir being when he punched one of his linemen coming off field in ugly loss at Navy Sept. 20. WR Kenny Britt (school-record 87 catches, 6 TDs, second in nation with 1,252 yards receiving) is getting open at will. After slow start, defense (second in Big East in scoring, 18.5 ppg) forced 10 turnovers in last three games. In impressive four-game winning streak to get here, Wolfpack also rode hot streak by freshman QB Russell Wilson (57-of-109, 769 passing, 8 TDs in last four wins), who has amazing ratio of 16 TD passes vs. only 1 int. on season. Sophomores CB Nate Irving (38 tackles, 4 ints., TD return, forced fumble), K Josh Czajkowski (14-of-last-15 on FGS) are part of fine young talent base O'Brien is putting together in Raleigh after successful run at Boston College, where he went 7-1 in bowl games.
ALAMO BOWL in San Antonio
No. 22 NORTHWESTERN (9-3) vs. No. 25 MISSOURI (9-4), 8, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $2.25 million.
FAVORITE: Missouri by 13.
COACHES: Pat Fitzgerald (19-17 in third year at Northwestern) and Gary Pinkel (58-41 in 8th year at Missouri).
BOWL RECORD: Northwestern is 1-5. Missouri is 11-14.
LAST GAME: Northwestern beat Illinois, 27-10, on Nov. 22. Missouri lost to Oklahoma, 62-21, in the Big 12 Championship Game Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 4-4.
LAST MEETING: Missouri won, 28-3, in 1987.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In losing last two games to Kansas and Oklahoma, Tigers yielded 102 points and 1,065 total yards.
GAME FACTS: In search of first bowl win since beating Cal, 20-14, in the 1949 Rose Bowl, Wildcats need big game from senior QB Matt C.J. Bacher (22-of-33, 230 passing, 2 TDs, int. vs. Illinois), who should be healthy after battling leg injuries much of season. He'll have to do a lot with NU down to third-string RB sophomore Stephen Simmons (125 rushing, 2 TDs in last two games). Pressure defense (led Big Ten with 33 sacks) will try to get after Tigers senior QB Chase Daniel (7th in nation in QB rating, 358-of-484, 4,135 passing, 37 TDs, 15 ints.), an early Heisman favorite who faltered down stretch (5 ints., 9 TD passes in final three games). Daniel needs one TD pass for even 100 in his career. Game-breaking junior WR Jeremy Maclin (school-record 95 catches, 12 TDs, led nation with 2,646 all-purpose yards) will audition for NFL scouts. But aside from personal numbers, motivation here might be question for Tigers, who had envisioned bigger things in 2008. After real bad finish, defense (117th in nation vs. pass, 285.3 ypg, 26 TD passes given up, 13 ints.) certainly has something to prove.
TUESDAY:
HUMANITARIAN BOWL in Boise, Idaho
NEVADA (7-5) vs. MARYLAND (7-5), 4:30, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Nevada by 2.
COACHES: Chris Ault (197-90-1 in 24th year at Nevada) and Ralph Friedgen (63-36 in 8th year at Maryland).
BOWL RECORD: Nevada is 3-5. Maryland is 9-11-2.
LAST GAME: Nevada beat Louisiana Tech, 35-31, on Nov. 29. Maryland lost at Boston College, 28-21, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Wolf Pack is second in nation in rushing (291.4 yards per game) while Terrapins are 73rd in nation against the run (149.4 ypg).
GAME FACTS: This is tough sell with schools having reportedly combined to sell less than 1,000 tickets. Having guided UN to fourth straight bowl after returning to Reno after 12-year hiatus in which he was voted into College Football Hall of Fame, Ault's new invention is "pistol'' offense that has talented sophomore QB Colin Kaepernick (12th in nation with 3,594 total offense, 19 TD passes, 5 ints., 16 TD runs) taking short snap three yards from center, then running a variation of spread option. Sophomore Vai Taua started season as backup but wound up leading WAC with 1,420 yards rushing with 14 TD runs. Defense has plenty of holes (231 points given up in five losses). With ACC Atlantic title theirs for the taking, Terps crumbled down stretch with 1-3 finish. Sophomore RB Da'Rel Scott (959 rushing, 6 TDs) is physical runner that could give small UN front seven problems. QB Chris Turner (65-of-126, 610 passing, 2 TDs, 4 ints. in last three games) needs to play better. With 3-2 bowl record, Friedgen is only coach in UM history with three postseason wins.
HOLIDAY BOWL in San Diego
No. 13 OKLAHOMA STATE (9-3) vs. No. 15 OREGON (9-3), 8, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $2.3 million.
FAVORITE: Oklahoma State by 3.
COACHES: Mike Gundy (27-22 in fourth year at Oklahoma State) and Mike Bellotti (115-55 in 14th year at Oregon).
BOWL RECORD: Oklahoma State is 12-6. Oregon is 8-13.
LAST GAME: Oklahoma State lost at home to Oklahoma, 61-41, on Nov. 29. Oregon won at Oregon State, 65-38, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Ducks were seventh in nation in scoring (41.9 points per game) with Cowboys eighth (41.6 ppg).
GAME FACTS: Last one with the ball wins. Having averaged 41 points in wins over Alabama and Indiana last two years, Gundy tries to become first OSU coach to win bowl in three straight seasons. Trio of QB Zac Robinson (fourth in nation in QB rating, 2,735 passing, 24 TDs, 8 ints., 7 TD runs), RB Kendall Hunter (led Big 12, 6th in nation with 1,518 rushing, 14 TD runs), WR Dez Bryant (74 catches, fourth in nation with 20 TDs) is among nation's best. Defense would like to show up after being burned for 117 points, 1,196 total yards in November losses to Texas Tech, Oklahoma. In season-ending three-game winning streak, Ducks sophomore QB Jeremiah Masoli blossomed going 43-of-64 for 716 yards with 6 TDs to go along with 188 yards rushing, 4 TDs. A 56-21 rout of South Florida in last year's Sun Bowl broke four-game postseason losing skid for Ducks, who are 6-5 in bowls under Bellotti. Defense (led Pac-10 with 36 sacks, second with 29 turnovers forced) can apply pressure but is often hurt by big plays (108th in nation vs. pass, 263.6 ypg, 24 TD passes given up, 14 ints.).
TEXAS BOWL in Houston
RICE (9-3) vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN (9-3), 8, NFL Network.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Rice by 3.
COACHES: David Bailiff (12-12 in second year at Rice) and Bill Cubit (29-19 in third year at Western Michigan).
BOWL RECORD: Rice is 4-4. Western Michigan is 0-3.
LAST GAME: Rice beat Houston, 56-42, on Nov. 29. Western Michigan lost at Ball State, 45-22, on Nov. 25.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Owls rank fifth in nation in passing (327.8 ypg) and eighth in scoring (41.6 ppg) while Broncos are 96th vs. pass (249.4 ypg, 17 TD passes given up, 13 ints.) and 53rd in scoring defense (23.8 ppg).
GAME FACTS: Making only second bowl trip since 1962, Owls are winless in postseason since beating Alabama, 28-6, in 1954 Cotton Bowl (0-4). They've got a real shot at ending jinx here behind superb pitch-catch trio of QB Chase Clement (6th in nation in QB rating, 296-of-446, 3,812 passing, 41 TDs, 7 ints.), WRs Jarrett Dillard (79 catches, 15.4 per catch, 19 TDs), James Casey (second in nation with 102 catches, 11 TDs) that keyed current six-game winning streak. Having beaten Virginia, Iowa and Illinois so far under Cubit, Broncos usually rise to occasion whenever they get national state. Unfortunately, that didn't happen in season-ending beating at Ball State, when defense yielded 452 total yards and usually reliable QB Tim Hiller (second in MAC in QB rating, 3,527 passing, 34 TDs, 8 ints.) floundered (15-of-32, 145 passing, TD, 2 ints.). RB Brandon West (970 rushing, 8 TDs, 32 catches, 3 TD catches) could find lots of room against poor Rice defense, which actually improved by 44 yards per game but still ranked 114th nationally in total defense (466.7 ypg).
NEW YEAR'S EVE:
ARMED FORCES BOWL in Fort Worth, Texas
HOUSTON (7-5) vs. AIR FORCE (8-4), Noon, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Houston by 3.
COACHES: Kevin Sumlin (first year at Houston) and Troy Calhoun (17-8 in second year at Air Force).
BOWL RECORD: Houston is 7-10-1. Air Force is 8-9-1.
LAST GAME: Houston lost at Rice, 56-42. Air Force lost at TCU, 44-10, on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: Air Force leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Air Force won, 31-28, on Sept. 28.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In earlier win at Houston, Falcons did not complete a pass (0-for-7) and improved to 4-1 all-time when not completing a pass.
GAME FACTS: Cougars out-gained Falcons 534-380 in total yards back in Sept., but couldn't overcome 24-7 AFA lead in third quarter of game moved to Dallas due to approaching Hurricane Ike. QB Case Kellum (led nation with 4,993 total offense, 43 TD passes, 10 ints., 5 TD runs) played well (34-of-57, 362 passing, 4 TDs, int.) in leading comeback. Has UH run defense (90th in nation, 169.5 ypg) gotten any better since then? LB Phillip Hunt (second in C-USA with 16-1/2 tackles for loss) and his mates didn't slow down Air Force option (fifth in nation in rushing, 268.9 ypg) too much as three RBs gained at least 62 yards with QB Shea Smith leading way with 97 yards, 3 TD runs. DE Jake Paulson (7 tackles, 2-1/2 sacks), LB Ken Lamendola (12 tackles) were also forces that day for bend-but-don't-break defense, which really got roughed up at end of season (gave up 984 total yards, 82 points in season-ending losses to BYU, TCU).
SUN BOWL in El Paso, Texas
No. 24 OREGON STATE (8-4) vs. No. 18 PITTSBURGH (9-3), 2, CBS.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $1.9 million.
FAVORITE: Oregon State by 3.
COACHES: Mike Riley (55-42 in 8th year at Oregon State) and Dave Wannstedt (25-22 in fourth year at Pitt).
BOWL RECORD: Oregon State is 7-4. Pitt is 10-14.
LAST GAME: Oregon State lost at home to Oregon, 65-38, on Nov. 29. Pitt won at Connecticut, 34-10, on Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: Pitt leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Pitt won, 38-13, in the 2002 Insight Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Under Riley, Beavers are 4-0 in bowls while averaging 35.7 points per game.
GAME FACTS: Matchup of a failed NFL coaches. Riley returned to OSU in 2002 after miserable stint with San Diego Chargers (14-34 from 1999-2001) and has built solid program with wins over top-three team each of last three seasons. All of 5-7 and 182 pounds, freshman RB Jacquizz Rodgers (led Pac-10 with 1,253 rushing, 11 TDs) is college football's best little man and should play after missing Oregon loss with shoulder injury. WR James Rodgers (broken collarbone) is doubtful but QB Lyle Moevao's shoulder is healed enough for him to start. Wannstedt (82-86 in 11 years with Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins) was hardly Vince Lombardi, either, and really needed this bowl trip to calm uneasy Panthers fans, who were more than alarmed after 27-17 upset loss to Bowling Green in opener. But 9-2 finish included 4-OT win at Notre Dame, second straight "Backyard Brawl'' win over West Virginia, 5-1 road mark. Even though he's eligible for NFL draft after he red-shirting in 2006, terrific sophomore RB LeSean "Shady'' McCoy (second in Big East with 1,443 rushing, led nation with 21 TDs) says he'll be back next season. Senior LB Scott McKillup has 277 tackles over last two seasons. K Connor Lee, 20-of-23 on FGs) is all-time Pitt leader with 50 FGs (vs. only 9 misses).
MUSIC CITY BOWL in Nashville.
VANDERBILT (6-6) vs. BOSTON COLLEGE (9-4), 3:30, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $1.7 million.
FAVORITE: BC by 4.
COACHES: Bobby Johnson (26-56 in 7th year at Vandy) and Jeff Jagodzinski (20-7 in second year at BC).
BOWL RECORD: Vandy is 1-1-1. BC is 13-6.
LAST GAME: Vandy lost at Wake Forest, 23-10, on Nov. 29. BC lost to Virginia Tech, 30-12, in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: BC leads, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: BC won, 23-6, in 1962.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Eagles' eight straight bowl wins is longest streak in nation while Commodores haven't even played in postseason since 1982.
GAME FACTS: Hard to figure a 1-6 finish gets you a bowl, in your hometown no less, but that's the case for 'Dores. Terrible offense (117th in nation in total offense, 260.9 ypg) has averaged 15.7 points over last seven games. Abysmal QBs Mackenzi Adams, Chris Nixon were combined 24-of-61 for 275 yards with 3 ints. (one returned for TD) in season-ending losses to Tennessee, Wake Forest. CB D.J. Moore (64 tackles, second in SEC with 6 ints.) leads solid defense (second in SEC with 27 turnovers forced). They could make life tough on Eagles freshman QB Dominque Davis (42-of-90, 500 passing, 3 TDs, 2 ints., TD run in last three games) who has filled in capably for senior Chris Crane, who broke his leg in win at Florida State Nov. 15. Nephew of former BC icon and 1984 Heisman winner Doug, WR Billy Flutie threw TD pass on fake FG in win over Maryland Nov. 22. Defense leads nation with 26 ints. with S Paul Anderson, LB Mark Herzlich each leading way with 6 picks including 3 run back for TDs.
INSIGHT BOWL in Tempe, Ariz.
KANSAS (7-5) vs. MINNESOTA (7-5), 5:30, NFL Network.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $1.2 million.
FAVORITE: Kansas by 10.
COACHES: Mark Mangino (44-41 in 7th year at Kansas) and Tim Brewster (8-13 in second year at Minnesota).
BOWL RECORD: Kansas is 5-6. Minnesota is 5-7.
LAST GAME: Kansas beat Missouri, 40-37, on Nov. 29. Minnesota lost at home to Iowa, 55-0, on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 3-3.
LAST MEETING: Kansas won, 34-19, in 1973.
STAT THAT MATTERS: In losing final four games of regular season, Golden Gophers were outscored 143-55.
GAME FACTS: A 24-21 winner over Va. Tech in Orange Bowl last year, Mangino is first coach to ever lead Jayhawks to consecutive bowl games. He owes much thanks to underrated senior QB Todd Reesing (6th in nation with 3,761 total offense, 28 TD passes, 12 ints., 4 TD runs), who willed KU to rousing "Border War'' upset of Missouri (37-of-51, 375 passing, 4 TDs, 2 ints.). Excellent WR duo of Dezmon Briscoe (78 catches, 1,206 yards, second in Big 12, 12 TDs), converted QB Kerry Meier (fourth in Big 12 with 87 catches) also helps. Defense (93rd nationally in total defense, 402.2 ypg, 246 points given up in last six games) must tackle better. Benefiting from soft early schedule (80th toughest in nation), Gophers folded down stretch as QB Adam Weber (4 TD passes, 5 ints. in last four losses) struggled under pressure (27 sacks allowed on season, 86th in nation). Still, this is progress considering UM was 1-11 last year. WR Eric Decker, DE Willie VanDeSteeg, DT Garrett Brown, LB Lee Campbell should all play after battling late-season knee and ankle injuries.
CHICK-fil-A BOWL in Atlanta
LSU (7-5) vs. No. 14 GEORGIA TECH (9-3), 7:30, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school gets $3 million.
FAVORITE: Ga. Tech by 4.
COACHES: Les Miles (41-11 in fourth year at LSU) and Paul Johnson (first year at Ga. Tech).
BOWL RECORD: LSU is 20-18-1. Ga. Tech is 22-14.
LAST GAME: LSU lost at Arkansas, 31-30, on Nov. 28. Ga. Tech won at Georgia, 45-42, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: Ga. Tech leads, 12-6.
LAST MEETING: LSU won, 28-14, in the 2000 Peach Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Yellow Jackets are third in nation in rushing (282.3 yards per game) while Tigers are 17th vs. run (105.7 ypg).
GAME FACTS: With 1-3 finish that saw vaunted defense give up 120 points, defending national-champ Tigers fell a long way to here. 1-4 mark vs. ranked foes didn't help. Miles may look to future and stick with freshman QB Jordan Jefferson (9-of-21, 134 passing, 2 TDs, 50 yards rushing vs. Arkansas), though freshman Jarrett Lee (14 TD passes, 16 ints.), junior Andrew Hatch have recovered from late-season injuries. After rushing for 1,071 yards, 14 TDs in first 10 games, RB Charles Scott managed just 38 yards, TD in losses to Ole Miss, Arkansas. That never happens to Johnson's option attack, which was impressive in shredding Georgia for 409 yards, 5 TD runs led by RBs Roddy Jones (214 rushing, 2 TDs), Jonathan Dwyer (144 rushing, 2 TDs). In last two wins over Miami, Georgia, QB Josh Nesbitt (1,289 total offense, 7 TD runs, 2 TD passes, 4 ints.) has had to throw only 12 passes. Defense (fifth in ACC in scoring defense, 18.8 ppg) has also gotten into act with S Morgan Bennett (79 tackles, led nation with 7 ints.), DEs Derrick Morgan, Michael Johnson (combined 12 sacks) making big plays. Tech would love to snap three-game bowl losing streak in front of partisan home crowd.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
