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What better way to recover from a day of stuffing your face senselessly with cookies and pie than a day in front of the television with football all day. With three bowl games today, the first kicking off at 10am PT, there's really no reason to leave the house.
Zaxby's Heard of Dallas Bowl - Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-5) - ESPN 10am
There isn't much in the way of draft talent in the early game today. Louisiana Tech's high-powered spread offense gets most of the attention for throwing the ball all over the field. However, it's Jr. RB Kennith Dixon that has emerged as Tech's most consistent offensive weapon. Dixon is a physical runner at 220lbs and has produced significantly each year on campus. If Dixon declares for the draft, I'd expect him to be a mid round pick, especially given his ability in pass protection.
Quick Lane Bowl - Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina (6-6) - ESPN - 1:30pm
Both programs have combined to see over 15 athletes drafted in the last two years, this year, however, is a different story. Both program have struggled to meet fan expectations while hovering around .500.
Rutgers Jr. WR Leonte Carroo dominates the targets for the Scarlet Knights. Carroo has 19 touchdowns in the last two seasons while averaging nearly 20 yards per catch.
For the Tar Heels, Sr. LB Norkeithus Otis is the man to watch on defense. The versatile defender is a natural pass rusher but at 6-1, 240lbs he may be a bit undersized for the edge in the NFL. His quick burst and nose for the QB, however, will make him an intriguing prospect to watch in the coming months.
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl - NC State (7-5) vs. UCF (9-3) - ESPN - 5pm
UCF continues to be a program on the rise in college football. They boast one of the nation's top defenses that should be challenged today from the spread rushing attach of NC State.
UCF WR Rannell Hall isn't the most athletically gifted receiver in this class but his quickness and ability to get open in the slot will likely peak the interest of several teams looking for slot WR depth in the late rounds. Hall is extensive experience in the return game as well and figures to make more of an impact on special teams, at least initially.
NC State DT Thomas Teal lines up in just about every position along the defensive line. His strengths are his ability to take on blockers and stop the run. His pass rushing leaves more to be desired but a move to 5-tech end in a 3-4 seems to be his most logical fit in the NFL.
Enjoy the games!