The Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl might as well be called the Urban Meyer Bowl. Is it just a coincidence that just before the Gator Bowl matchup between Ohio State of the Big Ten and the Florida Gators of the SEC was announced that Ohio State unveiled former Gator head coach Urban Meyer as its new mentor?

Coincidence or not, the hoopla surrounding two 6-6 teams has been heightened with the story of Meyer watching his new school take on his old one.

This will be the Gators’ ninth appearance in the bowl, which shares their name, but the first time here since 1992. These two programs have met just one time before, with Florida posting a 41-14 victory over the Buckeyes in the 2007 BCS National Title Game.

A look at our current Gator Bowl spread shows Florida favored by 2 points, while the over/under has been listed at 44 points.

Ohio State

Ohio State enters this bowl off three straight defeats to end up fourth in the Big Ten Leaders Division (3-5). Recently, Ohio State dropped a 40-34 contest to rival Michigan – then brought on Meyer as their coach. The Buckeyes were 1-4 away from home, dropping the last two.

On defense, the Buckeyes are a commendable 26th in the country in points allowed (21 points per game) and give up 329 yards per game (186 through the air, 143 running) while recording 23 sacks and enticing 17 turnovers.

C.J. Barnett anchors the defense with 69 tackles, while Andrew Sweat has 68 stops and Jonathan Hankins has 64. John Simons leads with seven sacks, Bradley Roby and Orhian Johnson each have three interceptions and Ryan Shazier and Travis Howard has two forced fumbles.

On offense, Ohio State rates just 75th in points (25 ppg) while totaling 320 yards per contest (196 running, 124 through the air). The ground attack is led by Braxton Miller, Dan Herron and Carlos Hyde with a combined 1,840 yards and 16 scores on 5.0 yards per carry.

Miller completes 50 percent of his attempts for 997 yards and 11 scores with four interceptions, while the offensive line has allowed 40 sacks. The main receivers on the team are Corey Brown and Jake Stoneburner with 14 catches each for a total of 398 yards and eight touchdowns, while Devin Smith has 12 receptions for 247 yards and four touchdowns.

Florida

Florida started 4-0 under new head coach Will Muschamp, but fell off during the last part of their schedule, going 2-6 the rest of the way with five defeats versus current top-25 teams to end up third in the SEC East (3-5). Florida was 1-4 as a visitor but 5-3 in their home state.

Florida ranks 25th in the nation in scoring defense (21 points per contest) and gives up 299 yards per game (167 throwing, 132 rushing) while recording 22 sacks and forcing 12 turnovers – three of which were returned for TDs (Jaye Howard, fumble; De’Ante Saunders and Jelani Jenkins, picks).

Jonathan Bostic leads the defense with 86 stops, while Ronald Powell has five sacks. Matt Elam leads with two interceptions and two forced fumbles while chipping in 72 stops.

Florida ranks 72nd in the country in points (26 ppg) while gaining 334 yards per game (190 throwing, 144 running). John Brantley has connected on 59 % of his passes for 1,912 yards and 10 TDs with six interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 23 sacks.

Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps anchor the ground attack with a combined 1,329 yards and eight scores on 5.3 yards per attempt, while Rainey and Jordan Reed are the main receiving options with 28 grabs each for a combined 657 yards and four touchdowns.

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The Pac-12 and Big 12 conferences meet up in San Diego December 28 in the second of two San Diego bowl games. California ended the regular season strongly, while Texas has struggled to cross the finish line, but both teams played quality football to be invited to this bowl game. This will be an opportunity to close the season on a high note when they go up against each other in the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

Texas has won all four meetings versus the Golden Bears, though the last meeting was back in 1970.

The live Holiday Bowl line list Texas as a 3-point chalk, while the total has been set at 47.5 points.

California

Cal enters this meeting on a decent run, having came out on top in three of their final four games, with the only blemish a 31-28 defeat to top-10 Stanford. Recently, Cal won at Arizona State, 47-38, to finish fourth in the Pac-12 North (4-5) and post a 2-4 record away from home.

The Bears rank 47th nationally in scoring (30 points per game) while compiling 418 yards per game (252 passing, 166 on the ground). Zach Maynard has completed 57 % of his throws for 2,806 yards and 17 touchdowns with 11 picks. The offensive line has allowed 22 sacks.

Keenan Allen paces the receiving crops with 89 grabs (34 more than any other player) for 1,261 yards and six scores, while Isi Sofele paces the rushing game with 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns on 5.5 yards per contest.

On defense, the Golden Bears rank 52nd in the nation in points allowed (24 ppg), allowing 339 yards per game (209 passing, 130 rushing) while recording 32 sacks and generating 23 turnovers – two of which converted to TDs (Trevor Guyton, fumble; Josh Hill, interception).

Mychal Kendricks anchors the defense with 96 tackles, adding three sacks, a team-best two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while D.J. Holt adds 81 tackles with two sacks. Guyton and Ernest Owusu have nine combined sacks, adding in 69 tackles, three forced fumbles and two recoveries.

Texas

Texas started 4-0 but have struggled coming into this game, losing three of their last four games – most recently a 48-24 defeat vs Baylor. Overall, UT was 3-3 as a visitor this year, but did win its only contest in the state of California – a 49-20 win against UCLA.

The Longhorns rank 42nd nationally in points given up (23 ppg), surrendering 316 yards per game (212 passing, 104 rushing) while compiling 23 sacks and generating 21 turnovers – with one being returned for a score (Carrington Byndom, pick).

Emmanuel Acho paces this defensive unit with 122 tackles (26 more than any other player), chipping in three sacks and a forced fumble, while Alex Okafor has seven sacks, 54 tackles, two forced fumbles and one recovery. Quandre Diggs adds a team-high three interceptions with 48 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Texas rates 53rd in the country in scoring offense (29 ppg), compiling 404 yards per game (210 rushing, 194 passing). Malcolm Brown anchors the ground attack with 707 yards and five touchdowns on 4.4 yards per tote.

David Ash and Case McCoy switch off at QB, combining to connect on 59 % of their throws for 1,971 yards and 10 touchdowns with 12 picks. The offensive line has given up 26 sacks. Mike Davis is the top receiving threat with 45 receptions for 609 yards and one touchdown, while Jaxon Shipley has 40 grabs for 593 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.

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Yankee Stadium might be home of the Bronx Bombers, but it's turning into a multi-purpose complex.

Dec. 30 in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium will re-open for some college football, as it plays host to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, which will showcase Rutgers of the Big East Conference and Iowa State of the Big 12 Conference.

This matchup will mark the first-ever game played between the Scarlet Knights and the Cyclones on the gridiron.

Our latest Pinstripe Bowl spread list Rutgers as a 2-point chalk, while the over/under has been set for 45 points.

Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights began the year 5-1, then had a late three-game win streak that was broken with a 40-22 defeat to UConn to close the year and end up in fourth place in the Big East (4-3). The Scarlet Knights were 2-3 away from home this season, and posted a 1-2 overall record versus the three conference co-champions. Two of the four losses came by two points each, and three losses were by 14 points total.

Rutgers is one of the better defensive teams in the nation, ranking 12th in the nation in points allowed (19 points per contest), surrendering 315 yards per game (168 passing, 147 on the ground) while totaling 33 sacks and generating 31 turnovers – with four returned for scores (Scott Vallone and Marcus Cooper, fumbles; Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan, picks).

Khaseem Greene leads this unit with 127 tackles (56 more than anyone else), chipping in three sacks and forcing two fumbles, while Justin Francis has 6.5 sacks to go with 60 tackles, two blocked kicks, a pick and a fumble recovery. Harmon has five interceptions with 45 stops, while Jamal Harrell has three blocked kicks, two forced fumbles, 39 tackles and a fumble recovery.

On offense, Rutgers lists 66th in the nation in scoring (26 ppg) while compiling 336 yards per game (245 passing, 91 on the ground). Chas Todd and Gary Nova have combined to complete 54 percent of their passes for 2,931 yards and 20 TDs with 16 picks. The offensive line has given up 30 sacks.

The top pass catcher is Mohamed Sanu with 109 catches (78 more than any other player on the team) for 1,144 yards and seven scores, while Jawan Jamison leads the ground game with 766 yards and seven touchdowns on 3.8 yards per tote.

Iowa State

The Cyclones were up and down this season – started 3-0, then lost four in a row, then won three straight, then dropped their last two contests against Oklahoma (26-6) and Kansas State (30-23). Iowa State was 1-4 against current top-25 teams, but has an overtime win over No. 3 Oklahoma State. Iowa State was 2-4 away from home, with three of those losses versus top-25 teams.

Iowa State rates 82nd in the country in points surrendered (30 ppg), giving up 432 yards per contest (237 passing, 195 running) while recording 17 sacks and generating 24 turnovers – one taken back for a score (A.J. Klein, interception).

Jake Knott anchors the defense with 107 tackles and three forced fumbles, adding two picks and a fumble recovery, while Klein has 101 tackles with two sacks and one interception. Patrick Neal has 3.5 sacks, 38 stops and two forced fumbles, while Ter’Ran Benton has three interceptions, 62 stops and a fumble recovery.

The Cyclones rate 86th in the nation in offense (23 ppg) while totaling 393 yards per contest (218 through the air, 181 running). Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett have combined to connect on 52 % of their attempts for 2,500 yards and 16 TDs with 15 interceptions.

Darius Reynolds paces the receiving corps with 41 receptions for 655 yards and seven scores, while Josh Lenz adds 35 grabs for 438 yards and two scores. James White paces the running game with 701 yards and eight scores on 4.7 yards per carry.

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The Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco will showcase a pair of schools that are hungering for wins to end their years on a positive note.

Both schools will have new head coaches waiting in the wings. That hunger to get the win in this game should make this entertaining when Illinois of the Big Ten Conference takes on UCLA of the Pac-12.

These two teams have played 11 times, with UCLA holding a 6-5 advantage and a four-game win streak in the series. These two last met in Champaign in 2004, with UCLA posting a 35-17 win. The last Illinois win came at home in 1964, 26-7.

Our live Hunger Bowl odds show a line of Illinois -2.5 and a over/under of 47 points.

Illinois

The Fighting Illini have been hurting for wins lately. After starting the year 6-0, Illinois did a 180, dropping each of the last six games, culminating in a 27-7 loss at Minnesota, which cost Ron Zook his job and led to the hiring of Tim Beckman from Toledo. Illinois is 1-3 away from home, losing their last three road games.

The Illini rank a respectable 21st in the nation in scoring defense (20 points per game), giving up 292 yards per contest (159 passing, 133 with the run) while recording 36 sacks and enticing 20 turnovers – two of which were taken back for scores (Tavon Wilson, fumble; Trulon Henry, pick).

Jonathan Brown leads the defense with 102 stops (24 more than any other player), adding six sacks, an interception, forced fumble and two recoveries, while Whitney Mercilus has 14.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles to go with 52 stops and a fumble recovery. Henry and Terry Hawthorne each have two picks and Wilson and Ian Thomas have two fumble recoveries.

On offense, Illinois ranks just 91st in the country in scoring (23 ppg) while compiling 358 yards per game (187 via the pass, 171 rushing). Jason Ford and Nathan Scheelhaase lead the offense with a combined 1,114 rushing yards and 13 TDs on 3.4 yards per tote.

Scheelhaase completes 64 % of his throws for 1,971 yards and 12 scores with seven interceptions. The offensive line has given up 35 sacks. A.J. Jenkins is the top receiver with 84 grabs (59 more than anyone else) for 1,196 yards and seven TDs.

UCLA

The Bruins won the Pac-12 South and played in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game, but Rick Neuheisel was fired and the program just announced the hiring of former NFL head coach Jim Mora. UCLA has lost three of its last four games and were outscored in their two most recent games, 99-31, by USC (50-0) and Oregon (49-31). The Bruins were 1-6 away from home, but 5-3 in the state of California.

UCLA rates 85th nationally in points (24 ppg) while compiling 389 yards per game (198 via the pass, 191 rushing). Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead the offense with their running abilities, combining for 1,673 rushing yards and 16 scores on 5.6 yards per carry.

Kevin Prince connects on 57 % of his passes for 1,627 yards and 10 scores with seven INTs. The offensive line has allowed 24 sacks. Nelson Rosario leads the receivers with 61 grabs (27 more than anyone else) for 1,106 yards and four TDs.

The Bruins defense ranks just 96th in the nation in scoring defense (32 ppg) and allowing 424 yards per game (233 through the air, 191 with the run) while recording 13 sacks and generating 20 turnovers – one of which was returned for a touchdown (Pat Larimore, pick).

Larimore anchors the unit with 81 tackles, adding a sack, an pick, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, while Datone Jones has three sacks. Andrew Abbott has four picks and Sheldon Price has two forced fumbles.

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This year's Rose Bowl will showcase two very successful schools in recent history. One found itself in this game a season ago (Wisconsin) while the other played for a national title. Oregon made this game two seasons ago but has dominated its conference the last three years.

The Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio will showcase Big Ten champion Wisconsin taking on Pac-12 champ Oregon in Pasadena. This will be the fifth all-time game between the schools, with Wisconsin owning a 3-1 series lead. However, the Ducks won the last meeting in Eugene, 31-28, back in 2001.

Our latest Rose Bowl odds show Oregon -6 and the over/under at 72 points.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin earned their second consecutive Rose Bowl invite by winning the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game with a 42-39 final over Michigan State. The Badgers are working on a five-game win streak, which came on the heels of two consecutive losses, which came after a 6-0 start. The Badgers were 4-2 away from home this season, winning the last three on the road.

Wisconsin is one of the few schools to be rated in the top-10 nationally in both scoring offense and defense.

The Badgers rate fourth nationally in points scored (45 points per game) while generating 467 yards per game (237 via the rush, 230 passing). Montee Ball leads the offense by anchoring the running attack with 1,759 yards and 32 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per attempt, while James White adds 683 yards and six touchdowns on 5.1 yards per tote.

Russell Wilson has connected on 72 % of his passes for 2,879 yards and 31 scores with three picks. The offensive line has allowed 23 sacks. The top receiving targets are Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis, who have combined for 106 grabs for 1,636 yards and 16 scores.

The Badger defense rates a stellar sixth in the nation in defense (17 ppg) and surrenders 293 yards per game (155 passing, 138 rushing) while recording 23 sacks and enticing 24 turnovers – one returned for a TD (Derek Landisch, fumble).

Mike Taylor anchors the unit with 137 tackles, while Chris Borland has a team-high four forced fumbles with 131 total tackles. Louis Nzegwu has 4.5 sacks, while Shelton Johnson and Antonio Fenelus each have four interceptions.

Oregon

The Ducks endured a season-opening defeat to LSU, then won nine in a row before a home loss to USC, then ended the year with 98 points scored in victories over Oregon State and UCLA to take a third consecutive conference title. The Ducks were 4-1as a visitor this season, winning the last four such games.

The Ducks rate third in the nation in offense (46 ppg) while gaining 515 yards per game (296 rushing, 219 through the air). LaMichael James anchors this run attack with 1,646 yards and 17 touchdowns on 7.4 yards per carry, while Kenjon Barner has 909 yards and 11 scores on 6.3 yards per attempt.

Darron Thomas completes 61 % of his passes for 2,493 yards and 30 touchdowns with six picks. The offensive line has given up 12 sacks. De’Anthony Thomas is the top receiving threat with 42 grabs for 571 yards and nine touchdowns, while Lavasier Tuinei has 40 receptions for 441 yards and eight scores.

On defense, the Ducks rate 48th in the country in points against (24 ppg) and give up 381 yards per game (244 passing, 137 rushing) while compiling 43 sacks and enticing 27 turnovers – three of which were returned for touchdowns (Boseko Lokombo and Michael Clay, three picks).

John Boyett paces the defensive unit with 91 stops and two blocked kicks, while Clay has 89 tackles and a team-best two forced fumbles. Dion Jordan has 7.5 sacks, Eddie Pleasant has three picks and Brandon Hanna has three fumble recoveries.

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The Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco will showcase a couple of programs that want wins to end their seasons on a positive note.

Both schools will have new head coaches next year. That hunger to get the win in this game should make this entertaining when Illinois of the Big Ten Conference takes on UCLA of the Pac-12.

These two schools have met 11 times, with UCLA holding a 6-5 edge and a four-game win streak in the series. These two last met in Champaign in 2004, with the Bruins posting a 35-17 win. The last Illinois win came at home in 1964, 26-7.

Our current Hunger Bowl odds show a line of Illinois -2.5 and a over/under of 47 points.

Illinois

The Fighting Illini have been hurting for wins recently. After starting the year 6-0, Illinois did a 180, dropping each of the past six games, culminating in a 27-7 defeat at Minnesota, which cost Ron Zook his job and led to the hiring of Tim Beckman from Toledo. Illinois is 1-3 as a visitor, losing their last three road contests.

The Illini rank a respectable 21st in the nation in scoring defense (20 points per game), allowing 292 yards per game (159 passing, 133 with the run) while recording 36 sacks and generating 20 turnovers – two of which were returned for touchdowns (Tavon Wilson, fumble; Trulon Henry, interception).

Jonathan Brown leads the defense with 102 tackles (24 more than any other player), adding six sacks, an pick, forced fumble and two recoveries, while Whitney Mercilus has 14.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles to go with 52 stops and a fumble recovery. Henry and Terry Hawthorne each have two interceptions and Wilson and Ian Thomas have two fumble recoveries.

Offensively, Illinois rates just 91st in the nation in scoring (23 ppg) while compiling 358 yards per game (187 passing, 171 on the ground). Jason Ford and Nathan Scheelhaase anchor the offense with a combined 1,114 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 3.4 yards per tote.

Scheelhaase connects on 64 percent of his throws for 1,971 yards and 12 scores with seven interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 35 sacks. A.J. Jenkins is the top receiving threat with 84 catches (59 more than anyone else) for 1,196 yards and seven TDs.

UCLA

UCLA won the Pac-12 South and played in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game, but Rick Neuheisel was fired and the school just announced the hiring of former NFL head coach Jim Mora. The Bruins have lost three of its last four contests and were outscored in their last two games, 99-31, by USC (50-0) and Oregon (49-31). The Bruins were 1-6 away from home, but 5-3 in their home state.

UCLA rates 85th in the country in scoring (24 ppg) while gaining 389 yards per game (198 passing, 191 with the run). Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead the offense with their running abilities, combining for 1,673 rushing yards and 16 scores on 5.6 yards per tote.

Kevin Prince completes 57 % of his passes for 1,627 yards and 10 TDs with seven picks. The offensive line has given up 24 sacks. Nelson Rosario leads the receiving corps with 61 receptions (27 more than any other player) for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bruins defense ranks just 96th in the nation in points allowed (32 ppg) and surrendering 424 yards per game (233 through the air, 191 on the ground) while recording 13 sacks and generating 20 turnovers – one of which was taken back for a touchdown (Pat Larimore, pick).

Larimore leads the unit with 81 tackles, adding a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, while Datone Jones has three sacks. Andrew Abbott has four picks and Sheldon Price has two forced fumbles.

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The 2011-12 NCAA football postseason starts in full force Dec. 17, with Albuquerque, N.M., being the launch point for this festival with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. This game showcases a pair of eight-win teams – the Temple Owls from the MAC and the Wyoming Cowboys from the Mountain West.

These two squads have met just once before on the gridiron; with Wyoming racking up a 38-23 victory in Laramie in the first game of the 1990 season for both teams. This is the Cowboys’s 13th bowl contest and second New Mexico game in three years, while Temple is making its fourth bowl game overall and second in three years (2009 EagleBank Bowl).

Our most recent college bowl odds list the Owls as a 6.5-point chalk, while the total sits at 47 points.

The Temple Owls

Temple finished a stellar second in the MAC East Division this year, ending up just one game behind front-runner Ohio. The squad captured its last three contests and three of its four losses this season were by a total of 11 points (including 35-31 at Ohio and 14-10 against Penn State). Temple was 3-2 as a visitor this season, but hasn’t won a road game since Oct. 8 at Ball State (42-0).

The Owls rank a strong third nationally in scoring defense (14 points per contest), giving up 316 yards per contest (193 in the air, 123 via the run), while recording 32 sacks and forcing 18 turnovers.

Stephen Johnson paces this under appreciated unit with 113 stops (42 more than anyone else on the team), adding three forced fumbles and two sacks. Adrian Robinson has a team-best six sacks to go with 47 tackles and interception and a blocked kick, while Justin Gildea has three picks, 46 tackles and three sacks. Tahir Whitehead has four forced fumbles, three recoveries, 59 tackles and five sacks.

Offensively, Temple ranks 45th nationally in scoring (30 ppg) while compiling 380 yards per contest (257 rushing, 123 passing). Bernard Pierce leads this strong running attack with 1,381 yards and 25 scores on 5.6 yards per attempt, while Matt Brown adds 867 yards and five touchdowns on 6.1 yards per tote.

Chester Stewart and Mike Gerardi have combined to connect on 58 % of their passes this season for 1,185 yards and five touchdowns with four picks. The offensive line has given up 21 sacks. The top receiving threats for the Owls are Evan Rodriguez and Joe Jones with a combined 60 catches for 7233 yards and five scores.

The Wyoming Cowboys

Wyoming won three of their last four games, including a season-ending 22-19 win at Colorado State. Three of the four defeats this year came versus current BCS top-25 teams (Nebraska, TCU and Boise State) but they finished third in the Mountain West at 5-2. The Wyoming Cowboys is 4-2 as a visitor this year.

The Wyoming offense rates 60th in the nation in points (27 ppg) while totaling 399 yards per contest (214 passing, 185 on the ground). Brett Smith leads this team by connecting on 60 percent of his passes for 2,495 yards and 18 touchdowns with eight picks. The offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks.

Five players have 32 or more receptions, led by Chris McNeill with 42 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns and Robert Herron with 40 grabs for 348 yards and three scores. The running game is paced by Al Alexander with 678 yards and six scores on 4.7 yards per carry, while Smith has 645 yards and 10 scores on 5.2 yards per attempt.

Defensively, The Wyoming Cowboys ranks just 66th in the nation in points allowed (27 ppg) , surrendering 432 yards per contest (230 on the ground, 202 through the air) while recording 22 sacks and forcing 31 turnovers – four of which were converted to TDs (Marqueston Huff and James Caraway, three fumbles; Luke Anderson, interception).

Luke Ruff paces the defense with 97 stops, adding a forced fumble and a recovery, while Brian Hendricks adds 92 stops with two forced fumbles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Gabe Knapton has 6.5 sacks, 74 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a blocked kick, while Blair Burns has four interceptions, 48 stops and a fumble recovery. Josh Biezuns adds five forced fumbles, 60 stops, five sacks and two fumble recoveries.

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Michigan will have one of it's own in its bowl game this year. The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, being played at Ford Field in Detroit, will be a home away from home this year, as Western Michigan of the MAC takes on Purdue of the Big Ten on Dec. 27.

This will mark the third time these two teams have met, with the last meeting in 2002. The Boilermakers won both games at home – 28-13 in 1993 and 28-24 in 2002.

Looking at the current Caesars Bowl odds, Purdue is favored by 2.5 points, while the over/under has been posted at 60 points.

Western Michigan

The Broncos won three of their last four contests to end up 3rd in the MAC West Division (5-3). The school is coming off a 63-19 triumph versus Akron. Three of the squad’s five losses have been decided by a total of 10 points. The squad is 5-2 in its home state, running up a 5-0 home record and losing games at Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

WMU is one of the more potent offensive teams in the country, ranking 18th in scoring offense (36 points per matchup) while recording 456 yards per matchup (329 through the air, 127 rushing). Alex Carder directs the offense by completing 67 % of his throws for 3,434 yards and 28 touchdowns with 10 picks. The offensive line has allowed 22 sacks.

Jordan White is the top receiving threat, listing as one of the national leaders with 127 grabs (more than double anyone else on the squad) for 1,646 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Tevin Drake leads the ground game with 570 yards and four touchdowns with 5.6 yards per attempt.

Defensively, the Broncos rank 72nd in points allowed (28 ppg), allowing 434 yards per game (218 via the pass, 216 rushing), compiling 26 sacks and enticing 27 turnovers – with one returned for a touchdown (Doug Wiggins, interception).

Johnnie Simon paces the unit with 103 stops (19 more than any other player), adding 2.5 sacks and two picks, while Drew Nowak has 8.5 sacks, 83 stops, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery.

Purdue

The Boilermakers did not win more than one matchup in a row this year, but ended the regular season with a 33-25 victory at intrastate rival Indiana to finish third in the Big Ten Leaders Division. The Boilermakers are 1-4 as a visitor, dropping the first four dates outside of West Lafayette.

Purdue rates 65th nationally in points allowed (26 ppg), surrendering 389 yards per game (203 via the pass, 186 on the ground) while totaling 21 sacks and enticing 14 turnovers – two of which converted to TDs (Brandon Taylor, fumble recovery; Ricardo Allen, pick).

Dwayne Beckford paces the unit with 91 stops, chipping in three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a recovery, while Joe Holland adds 85 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception. Kawann Short has 6.5 sacks, 53 stops, two forced fumbles and a recovery, while Allen has three interceptions along with 72 stops, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

On offense, Purdue ranks 69th nationally in points scored (26 ppg), totaling 372 yards per matchup (197 through the air, 175 on the ground). Caleb TerBush has connected on 62 % of his throws for 1,804 yards and 12 touchdowns and six picks. The offensive line has allowed 27 sacks.

Justin Siller and A Edison are the best receiving targets with 88 combined catches for 994 yards and four scores, while Ralph Bolden leads the rushing game with 674 yards with six scores on 4.6 yards per carry.

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The Big 12 Conference and the ACC battle on December 26th when Shreveport, Louisiana, serves as the venue of the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, which features Missouri and North Carolina.

This will be the 3rd all-time meeting between the schools. The Tigers won the first two; notching a 27-14 road win in 1973 and a 24-3 score at home in 1976.

According to the latest Independence Bowl spread, the Tigers are favored by five points, while the over/under is listed at 52.5 points.

Missouri

The Tigers won their final three regular-season matchups to end up fifth in the Big 12 (5-4). Recently, Missouri racked up a 24-10 victory over Kansas. Missouri was 2-4 away from home in 2011, with three of those defeats by seven points or fewer versus bowl squads (Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas State).

Missouri ranks 33rd in the nation in points scored (32 points per game) while totaling 472 yards per contest (236 passing, 236 via the run). James Franklin connects on 63 % of his passes for 2,733 yards and 20 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, and ranks second on the team in the running game with 839 yards and 13 touchdowns on 4.2 yards per attempt.

When Franklin hands the ball off, the top runner was Henry Josey (1,168 yards and nine scores on 8.1 ypc in 10 games), who was injured at the end of the regular season and leaves Franklin the top healthy runner. When Franklin throws, his top targets are T.J. Moe with 54 grabs for 649 yards and four touchdowns and Michael Egnew with 47 catches for 484 yards and three touchdowns.

The Missouri defense rates 44th in the country in defense (23 ppg), allowing 382 yards per game (247 through the air, 135 via the run) while notching 26 sacks and forcing 20 turnovers.

Andrew Wilson paces the defense with 89 tackles, while Jacquies Smith has a team-best five sacks and four forced fumbles with 34 stops. Kenji Jackson has three picks, 71 tackles and one sack, with Like Lambert adding three fumble recoveries, 74 tackles and an interception.

E.J. Gaines has a punt return for a TD, and Trey Barrow averages 45 yards per punt.

North Carolina

North Carolina is another team (Arizona State, Southern Miss) that will be coached by someone who will not return next season, as Southern Miss’ Larry Fedora will take over the Tar Heels after this contest. Carolina ended up fourth in the ACC’s Coastal Division (3-5) and enters this game 2-4 in its past six contests after starting the year 5-1. The Tar Heels are 1-4as a visitor, with the sole win over East Carolina. However, three of its defeats this year have come by seven points or fewer.

The Tar Heels rank 44th nationally in points given up (23 points per contest), giving up 353 yards per contest (237 via the pass, 106 on the ground) while totaling 25 sacks and enticing 23 turnovers.

Zach Brown paces the defense with 91 stops (24 more than anyone else) and three forced fumbles, chipping in 5.5 sacks, two picks and a fumble recovery, while Quinton Coples has 7.5 sacks, 51 stops, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Tre Boston paces the team with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, adding 64 tackles and a forced fumble.

Offensively, UNC ranks 57th in the country in offense (28 ppg) while recording 396 yards per contest (249 passing, 147 rushing). Bryn Renner hits on 69 percent of his passes for 2,769 yards and 27 scores with 12 interceptions. The offensive line has given up 26 sacks.

Dwight Jones is the top receiver with 79 catches (36 more than any other player) with 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Giovani Bernard paces the running attack with 1,222 yards and 13 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry.

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This game will be a homecoming of sorts for Bob Stoops.

The former Iowa Hawkeye football player will face off against his alma mater when he takes his Oklahoma Sooners to the Insight Bowl to face the Hawkeyes. Although Stoops has coached the Sooners for 13 years, he has never faced his former school.

In fact, the only time these two storied programs hooked up came in the 1979 season opener, when Barry Switzer’s Sooners beat Hayden Fry’s Hawkeyes 21-6 in Norman.

Our current Insight Bowl line list Oklahoma as 14-point favorites, while the total has been posted at 58 points.

Iowa

Iowa began the year 3-1, then 5-2, but has alternated wins and losses in each of the last six games, ending the regular season with a 20-7 loss at Nebraska. The Hawkeyes have been 1-4 away from home, with two of the losses by a combined four points.

The Hawkeyes rate 42nd in the nation in defense (23 points per contest), giving up 388 yards per contest (228 via the pass, 160 via the run) while recording 20 sacks and enticing 18 turnovers – with two being taken back for scores (Tanner Miller and Shaun Prater, interceptions).

James Morris anchors the defense with 105 stops (adding an interception), while Christian Kirksey has 103 stops (two forced fumbles, sack, pick, fumble recovery). Mike Daniels has seven sacks with 62 stops, while Miller has three interceptions, 71 stops and a forced fumble and Prater has four forced fumbles to go with 46 stops.

Iowa rates 53rd nationally in points scored (29 ppg) while compiling 379 yards per contest (236 through the air, 143 on the ground). James Vandenberg has connected on 59 % of his throws for 2,806 yards with 23 TDs and six picks. The offensive line has given up 26 sacks.

Marvin McNutt is the best pass catcher with 78 catches (33 more than anyone else) for 1,269 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Marcus Coker leads the ground attack with 1,384 yards and 15 scores on 4.9 yards per carry.

Oklahoma

After a 6-0 start, the Sooners are just 3-3 in the second half of the season and are coming off a 44-10 loss to their in-state rivals Oklahoma State. OU is 4-2 away from home, but has dropped the last two games to ranked teams (Baylor, OSU).

Oklahoma ranks 10th in the country in scoring offense (40 ppg) while generating 532 yards per contest (365 via the pass, 167 via the run). Landry Jones has completed 63 % of his throws for 4,302 yards and 28 touchdowns with 14 INTs. The offensive line has given up nine sacks.

Ryan Broyles (out for the season: knee injury) was the top receiver with 83 grabs (25 more than any other player) for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Roy Finch and Dominique Whaley (out for the season: ankle injury) led the running game with a combined 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Sooners rank 37th nationally in points allowed (23 ppg), giving up 384 yards per game (244 via the pass, 140 via the run) while recording 37 sacks and forcing 25 turnovers – four of which have been returned for touchdowns (Jamell Fleming, Tom Wort and David King, fumbles; Demontre Hurst, pick).

Aaron Colvin and Travis Lewis pace the defense with 80 and 79 tackles, respectively, adding two forced fumbles, two recoveries and a pick combined. Frank Alexander has 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, adding 51 tackles, a pick and a fumble recovery, while Tony Jefferson has four interceptions, 67 stops, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

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