There are plenty of bowl games sponsored by companies you’ve never heard of featuring teams you don’t really get a chance to see during the season. In fact, the best part about bowl games is the stage it gives college football's unique talents. So here’s one player to watch from each team in each bowl game.
No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 4 Ohio State
Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. | ESPN
For Georgia, it’s all about the man in the middle: DT Jalen Carter. It’s almost impossible stop him, but the Buckeyes will hope to find ways to run around him or neutralize his ability to wreck a an offensive line. That may mean QB CJ Stroud will have more pressure in his face than he’s used to. He’ll need to deal with it in order to deliver the ball to the outstanding Marvin Harrison Jr. whenever possible.
Fiesta Bowl
No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 TCU
Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m | ESPN
Both running backs possess game braking ability in this game with Michigan’s Donovan Edwards taking over for Blake Corum and adding a more explosive gear to the Wolverines running game. On the other side is TCU’s Kendre Miller, who has proved reliable all season in the backfield as well.
New Year’s SixOrange Bowl
No. 7 Clemson vs. No. 6 Tennessee
Friday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. | ESPN
There’s an interesting quarterback matchup here that starts with Tennessee’s Joe Milton, who was once benched but is now the starter for the Vols in Hendon Hooker’s absence. He has an absolute cannon of an arm, but he’s still trying to learn how to control it. On Clemson’s side is Cade Klubnik, who over the balance of the season finally got in for more than a few plays with the first team in the ACC championship game and showed everyone why there’s reason for optimism that the Tigers can get back to their playoff heights.
Sugar Bowl
No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 9 Kansas State
Saturday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m. | ESPN
When running back Deuce Vaughn is on the loose, look out, because he’s hard to catch and even harder to bring down once you have him.
One of the players tasked with that is Dallas Turner, Alabama’s exceptional edge rushing talent who bookends the exceptional Will Anderson.
Cotton Bowl
No. 10 USC vs. No. 16 Tulane
Monday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m. | ESPN
As long as Tulane has running back Tyjae Spears on the field, they’ve got a shot to break a big play with his incredible burst and acceleration. He’ll pace the Green Wave offense on one side while USC running back Austin Jones showed late in the season he’s up to the task of carrying the run game without Travis Dye, and may have to shoulder a little more of the load if Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is still battling a nagging hamstring injury.
Rose Bowl
No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 8 Utah
Monday, Jan. 2, 5 p.m. | ESPN
Introduce yourself to Nick Singleton, perhaps the next dynamo at running back for the Nittany Lions.
And while you’re paying attention, keep tabs on Utah TE Thomas Yassmin, who without Brandy Kuithe or Dalton Kincaid could be the focal point of the Utes’ tight end-based attack.
