At a glance

Houston Bowl

Colorado (7-5) vs. UTEP (8-3)

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston.

Time: 1:30 p.m. TV: ESPN.

Key stats: Colorado is 101st in the nation in total defense (426.6 ypg). UTEP is eighth in the nation in scoring offense (36.5 ppg).

About Colorado: The Buffaloes (94th in total offense, 101st in total defense), make you wonder how they have a winning record. But a late three-game winning streak in which Colorado scored 94 points propelled it to seven wins. QB Joel Klatt and TB Bobby Purify (84.8 ypg) are the key guys on offense, although Klatt is wildly inconsistent.

About UTEP: The Miners were a big surprise under new coach Mike Price, formerly of Washington State. UTEP scored 35 points in at least eight games, thanks to big seasons from TB Howard Jackson (104.6 ypg) and QB Jordan Palmer (226.4 ypg, 24 TDs), Carson’s brother. UTEP isn’t particularly stout on defense, but it has forced 30 turnovers.

Alamo Bowl

Ohio St. (7-4) vs. Oklahoma St. (6-5)

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio.

Time: 5 p.m. TV: ESPN.

Key stats: Ohio State is 100th in the nation in total offense (313.4 ypg). Oklahoma State is eighth in rushing (245.0 ypg).

About Ohio State: The Buckeyes’ offense struggled all season, and starting QB Troy Smith will miss the game because of a suspension. That means a return to former starter Justin Zwick, who was benched because of ineffectiveness. The running game isn’t much, but WRs Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes are big-play threats.

About Oklahoma State: The Cowboys are all about the run. TB Vernand Morency is eighth in the nation in rushing (145.5 ypg) and headlines a powerful ground game. The passing attack and the defense are bad. The one saving grace: The Cowboys lead the nation with a plus-18 turnover margin.

– Orlando Sentinel