This Saturday marks the beginning of college football bowl season. Below you’ll find information about each of the bowl games slated for Saturday as well as the main NFL prospects to watch.
As always, talk about the games, leave questions on prospects and enjoy.
Troy vs. North Texas
R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
1:30 PM Eastern, ESPN
Troy’s senior tailback Jordan Chunn serves as the main attraction for this matchup. The East-West Shrine game invitee is a bigger back that gets utilized in the passing game quite a bit and will likely be picked in the later rounds of the NFL draft. Troy also has some younger defensive talent that is not yet draft eligible in linebacker Tron Folsom and cornerback Marcus Jones.
Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State
AutoNation Cure Bowl
2:30 PM Eastern, CBSSN
Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White is a highly prolific passer with a surprisingly advanced understanding of the mental aspects of the position. The senior has serious NFL potential, as evidenced by his invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. White’s favorite red zone target, tight end Deon Yelder, is also worth watching as the past three WKU tight ends have all found some degree success in the pros.
No. 25 Boise State vs. Oregon
Las Vegas Bowl
3:30 PM Eastern, ABC
This game promises to be a track meet. Boise hopes to lean on 6’3” wide receiver Cedrick Wilson while Oregon simply hopes they can persuade running back Royce Freeman and left tackle Tyrell Crosby to participate in the game. The Boise State defense is led by Mountain West defensive player of the year Leighton Vander Esch, who hasn’t yet declared for the draft. Viewers would be wise to watch Oregon’s sophomore quarterback Justin Herbert, who may be next year’s #1 prospect at the position.
Marshall vs. Colorado State
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
4:30 PM Eastern, ESPN
Marshall quarterback Chase Litton and CSU quarterback Nick Stevens are under-the-radar passers who might become developmental draft picks. Stevens favorite target in the passing game is wide receiver Michael Gallup, who sports a well-rounded skillset and may be drafted in the first round as a result. Rams center Jake Bennett is a mid- to late-round prospect as well.
Middle Tennessee State vs. Arkansas State
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
8:00 PM Eastern, ESPN
Arkansas State defensive end Ja’Von Rolland-Jones is second in the nation with 13 sacks and was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. It will be imperative for him to stand out while in the national spotlight if he wants to be drafted higher than the fourth round. The Red Wolves also feature tight end Blake Mack, a converted wide receiver. It’s uncertain if Middle Tennessee wide receiver Richie James will be able to come back from injury to play in this game. The 5’9” junior is a Percy Harvin-type offensive weapon for the Blue Raiders.