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This Saturday marks the beginning of college football bowl season, and although it’s become a trend for big-time prospects to skip their bowl games, there are still plenty of players to keep your eyes on. 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, let’s talk about the games, leave questions on prospects and enjoy the weekend.
Tulane vs. Louisiana
Cure Bowl
1:30 PM Eastern, CBSSN
Tulane starting cornerback Donnie Lewis Jr. has NFL size at 6’0”, 195 pounds. He’s an experienced four-year starter with three interceptions and a whopping 15 passes defensed this season. The right side of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offensive line has a couple potential late-round prospects with junior right guard, and first-team All-Sun Belt, Kevin Dotson and right tackle Robert Hunt. Both players will attempt to pave the way for sophomore running back Elijah Mitchell.
North Texas vs. Utah State
New Mexico Bowl
2:00 PM Eastern, ESPN
Mean Green’s Mason Fine is one of the more electric quarterbacks in college football, the fact that he’s 5’11” will keep his draft stock relatively suppressed. He’s protected by center Sosaia Mose, who’s allowed just four pressures all season. Utah State tight end Dax Raymond recently earned a Senior Bowl invite, but thanks to his Mormon mission he’s a bit more long in the tooth than his contemporaries at 23 years old. The Aggies also sport David Woodward on defense who, despite being only a Sophomore, is one of the most productive linebackers in the nation.
Arizona State vs. Fresno State
Las Vegas Bowl
3:30 PM Eastern, ABC
Unfortunately, star wide receiver, and likely high draft pick, N’Keal Harry is going to sit out this game, but the Sun Devils still have plenty of offensive firepower with their sophomore running back Eno Benjamin. Defensively, they’re led by defensive tackle Renell Wren, who has all the physical tools necessary to contribute in the NFL with a bit of development. The Bulldogs are built to pass and stop the pass, with wide receiver KeeSean Johnson and versatile junior safety Mike Bell.
Georgia Southern vs. Eastern Michigan
Camellia Bowl
5:30 PM Eastern, ESPN
The Eastern Michigan Eagles bring notable players at all three defensive levels with defensive tackle Maxx Crosby, linebacker Kyle Rachwal and defensive back Kevin McGill. It’s likely that only Crosby ends up being drafted though. All three players will be contending with the Georgia Southern Eagles’ triple-option rushing attack and their star running back Wesley Fields.
Middle Tennessee vs. Appalachian State
New Orleans Bowl
9:30 PM Eastern, ESPN
Mountaineers running back Jalin Moore is still nursing an ankle injury and will not be participating in the team’s bowl game. The team most recently won the Sun Belt conference championship thanks to their 5’9” cornerback Tae Hayes, who came down with an interception in the game. The Blue Raiders have their own playmaker in the secondary, Reed Blankenship, though he’s unlikely to declare as a true Sophomore.