College football bowl season kicked off Friday, Dec. 17 and carries through early January with the College Football Playoffs. Several players will opt out of respective bowl opportunities, but many more will close out their collegiate careers before jettisoning to the NFL. CBSSports.com is tracking all of the prospects to watch throughout bowl season:
Thursday, Dec. 23
Frisco Football Classic
North Texas vs. Miami (Ohio) (3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
North Texas' Dion Novil is a big interior defender with respectable pass rush production this season. Wide receiver Jyaire Shorter has battled injuries over the past few seasons but is certainly one to watch in the future.
Miami (Ohio) safety Sterling Weatherford and edge rusher Dominique Robinson are headed to the Senior Bowl. Robinson looks light playing as a down edge rusher. He shows good speed and flexibility around the edge but needs to get stronger to hold his own in the run game.
The CBS Sports college football staff offered more analysis from a betting perspective and explained how each team can achieve success.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
UCF vs. Florida (7 p.m. ET on ESPN)
UCF offensive tackle Marcus Tatum is a really athletic lineman with an athletic frame. The Tennessee transfer gets a little off-balance in the run game and can improve marrying his hands and feet. Defensive tackle Kalia Davis shows first-step quickness and a good understanding of leverage.
The Gators made the change from head coach Dan Mullen to Billy Napier after the regular concluded in an effort to salvage their recruiting class. Several players entered the transfer portal, but others will represent Florida in the draft process. Defensive lineman Zachary Carter, edge rusher Jeremiah Moon and running back Dameon Pierce are headed to the Senior Bowl. Pierce was a highly productive player this season. Carter is a bit of a tweener traditionally, but that is a coveted role in the league today. Cornerback Kaiir Elam is often mentioned among the best at his position.
The CBS Sports college football staff offered more analysis from a betting perspective and explained how each team can achieve success.
Friday, Dec. 24
EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl
Memphis vs. Hawaii (Cancelled)
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III and offensive guard Dylan Parham will represent Memphis at the Senior Bowl. Austin is an undersized but explosive wide receiver who has topped 1,000 receiving yards each of the past two seasons. Over the course of his career at Memphis, he has averaged 16.3 yards per reception. Parham has disciplined eyes trained to stop loopers and jumpers.
Hawaii running back Calvin Turner Jr. began his collegiate career as a triple-option quarterback at Jacksonville before transferring. Last year, Memphis had a running back by the name of Kenny Gainwell who also spent a lot of time at wide receiver. Turner is a little taller but has similar versatility. Turner had the same number of carries as he did receptions (73). He accumulated roughly 1,200 all-purpose yards.
The CBS Sports college football staff offered more analysis from a betting perspective and explained how each team can achieve success.
Saturday, Dec. 25
TaxAct Camellia Bowl
Georgia State vs. Ball State (2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Georgia State sophomore safety Antavious Lane has made big plays for the Panthers this season. He has recorded four interceptions and one forced fumble. All-conference offensive guard Shamarious Gilmore is one of the most experienced prospects in college football.
Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt has good size but average mobility. The Ohio native has been a a three-year plus starter and shows touch in the short to intermediate. Senior wide receivers Justin Hall and Yo'Heinz Tyler have been highly productive players in that Ball State offense. Hall has compiled 318 receptions, 3,385 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in five seasons. In addition, he has presented his versatility through exposure to the run and return games.
The CBS Sports college football staff offered more analysis from a betting perspective and explained how each team can achieve success.
Monday, Dec. 27
Quick Lane Bowl
Western Michigan vs. Nevada (11 a.m. ET on ESPN)
Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby is an inconsistent passer with good mobility. He is able to drive the ball to all levels of the field. Edge rusher Ali Fayad does not have the length that NFL teams covet at the position but he was one of the most productive defenders in college football this season. He registered 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Nevada is loaded on offense and the names have been bandied about since the summer. Quarterback Carson Strong is large in stature but lacks mobility. He will have to be an excellent passer to overcome those limitations. Tight end Cole Turner is a former wide receiver that plays outside of his frame and attacks the football. He has a claim as one of the best tight ends in this draft class. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs is a good short to intermediate route-runner with an ability to create after the catch. The Wolfpack have a quality pair of offensive linemen in offensive tackle Aaron Frost and center Tyler Orsini.
Military Bowl presented by Peraton
Boston College vs. East Carolina (2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers has already announced that he is returning for another season. He had a down campaign after asserting himself as one of the most dynamic skill players after the catch in 2020. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec has also announced that he is returning. The Eagles have leaned on its offensive line over the past few years. Offensive guard Zion Johnson has established himself as one of the best interior prospects in this class. He can do a better job of sinking his hips and absorbing contact.
East Carolina cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian is just a sophomore but he was second among all FBS players with five interceptions. He had seven interceptions over the prior two seasons. Left tackle Justin Chase was in his second season since transferring from N.C. State. He played in the absence of D'Ante Smith, who was drafted in the fourth-round by the Bengals, last season before taking on the role of full-time starter this year.
Previous Bowls
Wednesday, Dec. 22
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Army 24, Missouri 22 (Recap)
Tulsa cornerback transfers Akayleb Evans and Allie Green IV made a big impact for Missouri this season. Evans is a physical player and quarterbacks proceeded at their own risk when making throws to the field. He is headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl despite limited ball production. Defensive tackle Kobie Whiteside had 7.5 sacks in 2019 but has just three in his four other combined seasons. He has to do a better job of holding his gaps because that would seem to be his bread and butter on the next level. Running back Tyler Badie is undersized but otherwise checks all of the boxes. The Tennessee native is a good receiver and fights through contact.
Army linebacker Andre Carter II is a tall drink of water. At 6-foot-7, the Texas native is second among FBS programs in sacks (14.5) and tied for eighth in forced fumbles (4).
Tuesday, Dec. 21
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl
San Diego State 38, UTSA 24 (Recap)
Two Roadrunners are headed to Mobile, Alabama, next month for the Reese's Senior Bowl. Offensive tackle Spencer Burford and cornerback Tariq Woolen will participate in college football's premier professional showcase. Woolen is a lengthy cornerback with limited ball production. He can do a better job of getting his eyes back to the quarterback but his long speed allows him to mirror receivers and recover rather quickly. Safety Rashad Wisdom is undersized but does not play like it. He is a physical player with great range.
San Diego State defensive lineman Cam Thomas has great size and strength. Over the past year, he has improved to the point where some consider him a potential Day 2 draft choice. He registered 10.5 sacks this season. Tight end Daniel Bellinger is also headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl. Bellinger can get stronger but he shows an ability to make catches outside of his frame. Running back Greg Bell has good burst and fights through contact. He can improve in pass protection.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Wyoming 52, Kent State 38 (Recap)
Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum is a three-year starter for the Golden Flashes. The dual-threat senior from Grafton, Ohio, accounted for 27 total touchdowns this season relative to six interceptions. He is one to watch on Day 3. Wyoming produced linebacker Logan Wilson a few years ago and the Cowboys are back with a key front seven contributor. Linebacker Chad Muma is headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl. Muma has natural movement skills and is able to change directions with ease. He has the traits necessary to be a starter in the NFL.
Monday, Dec. 20
Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by TaxAct
Tulsa 30, Old Dominion 17 (Recap)
Tulsa has a few prospects of note, particularly along the offensive line. Sophomore left tackle Tyler Smith was the recipient of a lot of praise in the preseason, but it was his teammate, right tackle Chris Paul, who recently accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Paul, like Louisiana's Robert Hunt a few years ago, plays on the edge but is projected to move inside. Speed gives him a lot of problems around the corner, but he has good strength to counter bull rushes. Moving inside should correct some of the oversetting issues he has encountered. A Day 2 selection is within range.
Saturday, Dec. 18
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
No. 23 Louisiana 36, Marshall 21 (Recap)
Billy Napier accepted the head coaching position at Florida, but that program will produce a few more pros on his way out the door. Offensive lineman Robert Hunt was taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Ragin' Cajuns have a few more offensive linemen coming down the pike. Offensive tackle Max Mitchell is off to the Senior Bowl. Mitchell is a long lineman with good mobility. His neighbor, offensive guard O'Cyrus Torrence, is an NFL caliber player. When the 2020 season began, he was trying to run through defenders rather than engage and marry his feet. As the year progressed, his technique improved. Torrence is a player who looks for work when disengaged and plays to the whistle.
Tayland Humphrey is a big, imposing interior defender. The safety tandem of Percy Butler and Bralen Trahan have made a strong case for draft consideration. Butler has great burst and range but he is inconsistent as a tackler in space.
Marshall has a name familiar to NFL fans. Safety Steven Gilmore is the younger brother of Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Tall and thin, Steven has registered six interceptions over the past three seasons.
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl presented by Stifel
Utah State 24, Oregon State 13 (Recap)
Utah State produced first-round quarterback Jordan Love a few years ago, but few have popped onto the radar in 2021. Linebacker AJ Vongphachanh has looked really good in coverage but struggles to get off blocks and has little pass rush production. Oregon State center Nathan Eldridge has accumulated a tremendous amount of experience in his career.
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
UAB 31, BYU 28 (Recap)
UAB edge rusher Alex Wright is a long, but filled out prospect. He is quick and able to turn speed into power. His pass rush production does not match the talent, but NFL teams will salivate over his traits.
BYU has a strong offensive line led by left tackle Blake Freeland and center James Empey. Freeland flipped from the right side last year. He is a very athletic player, but he struggles with leverage because of his height. Empey, on the other hand, plays with great leverage. He will lean on opponents in the run game. Tight end Isaac Rex and running back Tyler Allgeier both show traits that suggest they could one day develop into NFL starters.
PUBG Mobile New Mexico Bowl
Fresno State 31, UTEP 24 (Recap)
There is a talent discrepancy in this matchup, as Fresno State brings a lot more to the table this year. Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener has fought through injuries to deliver his team a few big wins this season. The Washington transfer is a bit undersized but displays great accuracy and leadership.
Running back Ronnie Rivers has taken down nearly every record that the program had entering the season. Rivers has flexible ankles to create opportunities in open space. Wide receiver Jalen Cropper is the team's top draft prospect with Haener returning to school next season. Cropper has a large catch radius and shows great body control allowing him to attack the ball in the air. The California native has footwork at the stem to create leverage.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State 31, Jackson State 10 (Recap)
South Carolina State cornerback Decobie Durant is a long, lean prospect with great ball skills. Over the past four seasons, he has managed to snare 12 interceptions, including three this season. Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders loaded up on transfers in his first season with the program. One of those transfers was senior linebacker James Houston, who has registered 14.5 sacks since coming over from Florida. Even more impressive, Houston has converted seven pass rush opportunities into forced fumbles. He was coached by Patrick Surtain in high school.
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Western Kentucky 59, App State 38 (Recap)
Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe has been rising in the draft community. The Houston Baptist transfer is calm in the pocket. He shows great accuracy and an understanding of how to lead his receivers. Zappe is headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl in an effort to boost his stock even more. Edge rusher DeAngelo Malone is slender but shows great acceleration and range. In the past, he has struggled to get off blocks and can improve in defending the run.
Appalachian State linebacker D'Marco Jackson shows strong leadership skills and has disciplined eyes. His game is more reactive than proactive, but he should find a role on special teams in the NFL. Jackson has accepted an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl. Defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor and cornerback Shaun Jolly are a few other talented defenders on the roster.
2022 NFL Draft bowl tracker: Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt takes on Georgia State - CBS sports.com
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