Today’s bowls
Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Tennessee
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Time: 8 a.m. TV: ESPN
Records: Penn State 8-4, Tennessee 9-3.
Key stats: Penn State is 16th nationally in total defense (279.0 ypg). Tennessee is 13th nationally in pass offense (264.3 ypg).
The game: Penn State has won with defense and the Vols with offense, so it’s strength vs. strength. On the flipside, the Vols’ defense is better than the Nittany Lions’ offense, which has scored 17 or fewer points six times.
Cotton Bowl
Auburn vs. Nebraska
Where: Cotton Bowl, Dallas.
Time: 8:30 a.m. TV: Fox
Records: Auburn 10-2, Nebraska 9-4.
Key stats: Auburn is 24th nationally in total defense (297.5 ypg). Nebraska is eighth nationally in total offense (428.8 ypg).
The game: The Huskers overachieved a bit, the Tigers underachieved a bit. The Huskers need to throw well to win, while the Tigers must run the ball and control the clock if they’re to win.
Gator Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. West Virginia
Where: Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
Time: 10 a.m. TV: CBS
Records: Georgia Tech 9-4, West Virginia 10-2.
Key stats: Georgia Tech is 11th nationally in rush defense (88.9 ypg). West Virginia is second nationally in rush offense (302.3 ypg, with 45 TDs).
The game: A nice matchup of a good defense (Tech’s) against a good offense (WVU’s). But the game has lost some luster because of the academic ineligibility of Tech QB Reggie Ball. As shaky as Ball was throughout his career, he was the only quarterback to take a significant snap for the Jackets this season. Can new QB Taylor Bennett, who attempted 29 passes, get the ball to WR Calvin Johnson (67 catches, 13 TDs) against a weak WVU secondary? WVU TB Steve Slaton (144.4 ypg, 16 TDs) should start despite a nagging thigh injury. QB Pat White (ankle) won’t be 100 percent but is expected to play.
Capital One Bowl
Arkansas vs. Wisconsin
Where: Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
Time: 10 a.m. TV: ABC
Records: Arkansas 10-3, Wisconsin 11-1.
Key stats: Arkansas is fourth nationally in rush offense (228.2 ypg). Wisconsin is fourth nationally in total defense (243.5 ypg).
The game: There should be a lot of running plays on the field and a lot of red in the stands. Both teams want to run – and run often. While Arkansas is No.4 in rush offense, it’s No.106 in pass offense (150.5 ypg). Wisconsin’s main guy is stocky redshirt freshman TB P.J. Hill (5-11, 242), who rushed for 1,533 yards and 15 TDs.
Rose Bowl
Michigan vs. USC
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Time: 2 p.m. TV: ABC
Records: Michigan 11-1, USC 10-2.
Key stats: Michigan is first nationally in rush defense (43.0 ypg). USC is 17th nationally in pass offense (253.3 ypg).
The game: Both harbored hopes of being in the BCS championship game. USC must get good play from QB John David Booty (2,956 yards, 25 TDs). WRs Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith might be the best duo in the nation (123 catches, 18 TDs combined). Michigan’s offense is keyed by TB Mike Hart (126.3 ypg, 14 TDs), who has had nine 100-yard games this season. QB Chad Henne remains inconsistent, but if he is able to use play-action, he will carve up the Trojans.
Fiesta Bowl
Boise State vs. Oklahoma
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Time: 5:30 p.m. TV: Fox
Records: Boise State 12-0, Oklahoma 11-2.
Key stats: Boise State is sixth nationally in rush offense (222.8 ypg). Oklahoma is 17th nationally in total defense (280.2 ypg).
The game: One of the most intriguing games of the postseason, as Boise is just the second non-BCS league team to make it to the BCS. The Broncos have gaudy stats in nearly every important category and a top tailback in Ian Johnson (146.6 ypg, 24 TDs). QB Jared Zabransky has been solid (20 TD passes), and there’s a good group of receivers. Oklahoma should have the services of star TB Adrian Peterson (983 yards, 10 TDs), who has missed seven games with a broken collarbone. If Boise wants to win this, it’s vital that it stymie the Sooners’ rushing attack. OU QB Paul Thompson (2,434 yards, 20 TDs, 60.9 completion percentage) has improved as a passer.