Today’s bowl games
Las Vegas Bowl
Fresno St. vs. USC
Records: Fresno State (11-1); Southern California (9-4)
Stars : 4 (out of 5)
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
Today: 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
Briefly: An early Christmas present. Fresno was one victory away from a BCS bowl, and QB Derek Carr leads the nation in total offense, passing yards and touchdowns (48). The Trojans saved their season under interim coach Ed Orgeron, but now the second interim coach, Clay Helton, works the bowl game.
Swag: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, Zappos gift card, Oakley backpack, beanie, cap, football
Idaho Potato Bowl
Buffalo vs. SDSU
Records: Buffalo (8-4); San Diego State (7-5)
Stars: 1 (out of 5)
Where: Bronco Stadium, Boise
Today: 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Briefly: The player to watch here is Bulls LB Khalil Mack, a Butkus Award finalist and projected first-round draft pick. He had two sacks against Ohio State. Plus, he and his teammates should be better acclimated to the conditions in Boise.
Swag: Gift suite, Port Authority coat, Nike beanie, Scott ski gloves, iPack backpack, football
New Orleans Bowl
ULL vs. Tulane
Records: Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4), Tulane (7-5)
Stars: 1 (out of 5)
Where: Superdome, New Orleans
Today: 6 p.m. (ESPN)
Briefly: An all-Louisiana production. In their third straight New Orleans Bowl, the Ragin’ Cajuns should feel at home in the Superdome, but not as comfortable as the Green Wave. This has been Tulane’s home field for 38 years. The time off has helped Green Wave QB Nick Montana, Joe’s son and UW transfer, recover from a shoulder injury.
Swag: Gift suite, Fossil watch
Kansas City Star