We’re still a few days from peak bowl saturation on college football’s postseason calendar. But Tuesday offers a triple header of contests to help pass the time between holiday shopping and entertaining everybody who is home from school this week.
The six teams taking the field represent five different Bowl Subdivision conferences, with a pair coming from the Mid-American. It’s a spotlight day for programs that don’t get as much attention during the fall, as Louisville is the lone member of a so-called power-four league in action. Here’s a look at the matchups, taking place today in southern state locales.
Boca Raton Bowl: Louisville vs. Toledo
Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN in Boca Raton, Fla.
Why watch: Kicking things off Tuesday are the Rockets, who had to say goodbye to long-time coach Jason Candle who is bound for Connecticut, and the Cardinals, who were a banged-up bunch by the end of the season but managed to close on a high note with a win against in-state rival Kentucky. Toledo will be led by quarterbacks coach Robert Weiner on an interim basis, which should be good news for veteran QB Tucker Gleason and top WR Junior Vandeross III. Louisville QB Miller Moss has been among the many Cardinals who missed time with injuries, but is expected to play.
Why it could disappoint: The interest level for both teams is difficult to gauge. As viewers, we’ll just hope for more than a sleepy performance in this weekday afternoon time slot.
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi vs. Western Kentucky
Time/TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in New Orleans.
Why watch: These teams weren’t conference runners-up per se, but both were just a win away from playing for their respective championships. The Hilltoppers were outscored 37-34 by Jacksonville State in their Conference USA finale, while the Golden Eagles dropped their last three Sun Belt contests and were overtaken by Troy. Southern Miss will look to well-traveled QB Braylon Braxton to end the skid, with help from WRs Elijah Metcalf and Carl Chester. The WKU attack is now under the direction of QB Rodney Tisdale Jr., who will look to RBs La’Vell Wright and Marvis Parrish for ground support.
Why it could disappoint: It’s been a rough bowl season for the Sun Belt thus far, and this is not the strongest Golden Eagles’ team. The Hilltoppers, who were in a four-quarter fight with LSU last month, might be stronger on the defensive side.
Frisco Bowl: Ohio vs. UNLV
Time/TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN in Frisco, Texas.
Why watch: The MAC once again is represented to wrap up the Tuesday lineup, as this time the Bobcats will meet the runner-up from the Mountain West. UNLV is still smarting after being bested by Boise State for a second time and will look to close out the year on a brighter note. Ohio enters in a state of coaching turmoil in the wake of Brian Smith’s termination. Defensive coordinator John Hauser is running the program for now, and it is his side of the ball that figures to have the biggest challenge containing UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea and RB Jai’Den Thomas. The Bobcats do their best work on the ground with RB Sieh Bangura and QB Parker Navarro.
Why it could disappoint: Navarro can throw if he has to, but that’s often when mistakes happen for the Bobcats. If UNLV can grab a lead early, things could snowball quickly.