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

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

This will be Florida's ninth showing in the Gator Bowl, which shares their name, but the first appearance since 1992. These two programs have met just once 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 odds shows Florida favored by 2 points, while the over/under has been listed at 44 points.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes come into this game off three straight losses to end up fourth in the Big Ten Leaders Division (3-5). Most recently, Ohio State lost a 40-34 contest to rival Michigan – then brought on Meyer as their coach. The Buckeyes were 1-4 away from home, losing the final two.

Defensively, the Buckeyes are a commendable 26th in the nation in defense (21 points per contest) and surrender 329 yards per game (186 through the air, 143 on the ground) while recording 23 sacks and forcing 17 turnovers.

C.J. Barnett anchors this unit 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 picks and Ryan Shazier and Travis Howard has two forced fumbles.

On offense, Ohio State rates just 75th in scoring (25 ppg) while compiling 320 yards per game (196 running, 124 throwing). 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 attempt.

Miller connects on 50 % of his throws for 997 yards and 11 scores with four interceptions, while the offensive line has allowed 40 sacks. The top receivers on the team are Corey Brown and Jake Stoneburner with 14 grabs each for a combined 398 yards and eight scores, while Devin Smith has 12 catches for 247 yards and four scores.

Florida

Florida began the year 4-0 under new head coach Will Muschamp, but faltered during the last part of their schedule, going 2-6 down the stretch with five losses against current top-25 schools to finish third in the SEC East (3-5). Florida was 1-4 as a visitor but 5-3 in their home state.

Florida rates 25th nationally in points against (21 points per contest) and gives up 299 yards per contest (167 passing, 132 running) while recording 22 sacks and forcing 12 turnovers – three of which were taken back for touchdowns (Jaye Howard, fumble; De’Ante Saunders and Jelani Jenkins, interceptions).

Jonathan Bostic leads this unit with 86 stops, while Ronald Powell has five sacks. Matt Elam leads with two picks and two forced fumbles while chipping in 72 tackles.

Florida rates 72nd in the country in points (26 ppg) while totaling 334 yards per game (190 throwing, 144 rushing). John Brantley has connected on 59 % of his attempts for 1,912 yards and 10 scores with six interceptions. The offensive line has given up 23 sacks.

Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps lead the ground game with a combined 1,329 yards and eight TDs on 5.3 yards per carry, 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 Sugar Bowl is likely to be a sweet matchup. A couple of the more storied schools in history, and two of the stingiest defensive units in the nation in 2011, will face off in New Orleans when Michigan of the Big Ten takes on ACC runner-up Virginia Tech.

This game will mark the first-ever played between the schools.

Our Sugar Bowl odds show Michigan as a 2.5-point spread favorite, while the total has been posted at 50.5 points.

Michigan

The Wolverines ended their regular season with three consecutive victories, the last a 40-34 rivalry win versus Ohio State to win 10 games under first-year coach Brady Hoke, ending up second in the Big Ten Legends Division (6-2). The Wolverines were 2-2 away from home, getting beat by Michigan State and Iowa.

The Wolverines rank seventh nationally in points against (17 points per contest) and give up 318 yards per game (189 via the pass, 129 rushing) while recording 28 sacks and forcing 27 turnovers – three of which were taken back for touchdowns (Brandon Herron and Courtney Avery, fumbles; Herron, interception).

Kenny Demens anchors the defensive unit with 86 tackles (22 more than anyone else), while Ryan Van Bergen has five sacks and three fumble recoveries. Thomas Gordon has four fumble recoveries, and Avery and J.T. Floyd each have two interceptions.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies reached the conference title game once again (7-1, won Coastal Division), but had their seven-game victory streak broken with a 38-10 loss to Clemson. Virginia Tech is 6-1 as a visitor, winning the first six such games. Both of Tech’s defeats this season came versus Clemson.

The Hokies rank eighth nationally in points against (17 ppg) and surrenders 314 yards per contest (206 through the air, 108 on the ground) while recording 38 sacks and enticing 22 turnovers.

Antone Exum paces the defense with 85 tackles and two forced fumbles, while James Gayle has a team-high seven sacks. Jayron Hosley has three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

The Hokies rank 55th nationally in points (28 ppg) while compiling 416 yards per game (227 via the pass, 189 rushing).

David Wilson paces the ground attack with 1,627 yards and nine touchdowns on 6.1 yards per attempt, while Logan Thomas connects on 59 % of his throws for 2,799 yards and 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 15 sacks. Jarrett Boykin paces the pass catchers with 57 receptions for 731 yards and five touchdowns, while Danny Coals has 52 receptions for 787 yards and three touchdowns.

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The military schools have their own bowl-game opportunity. The nation’s capital is the location of the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman, being played in the shadow of the Pentagon.

In this season's edition of the game, the U.S. Air Force Academy will be making its first appearance in this bowl game as it represents the military against MAC power Toledo.

These two squads have never squared off before on the football field.

The latest Miliatry Bowl odds have Toledo as a 3-point chalk, while the total sits at 70 points.

Toledo

After starting the season 1-3, Toledo came back with seven victories in its last eight contests to tie Northern Illinois for the MAC West Division title (7-1). Most recently, Toledo posted consecutive road victories over Central Michigan (44-17) and Ball State (45-28) en route to a 4-2 mark away from home (winning the last four).

The Toledo offense lists a strong eighth in the country in scoring (42 points per game), gaining 493 yards per game (272 passing, 221 rushing). Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams pace the running attack with a total of 1,634 yards and 22 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per attempt.

Terrance Owens and Austin Dantin have combined to connect on 68 % of their passes for 3,210 yards and 30 TDs with just six interceptions. The offensive line has surrendered nine sacks. Eric Page is one of the national receiving leaders with 112 receptions (76 more than any other player on the squad) for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Toledo rates just 89th in the nation in points allowed (31 ppg), allowing 401 yards per game (278 passing, 123 via the run) while recording 22 sacks and enticing 28 turnovers – three of which were returned for TDs (Dan Molls and Robert Bell, two fumbles; Jermaine Robinson, pick).

Desmond Marrow paces this unit with 78 stops and three interceptions, while Bell has 70 stops to go with a team-best four forced fumbles, a team-high three recoveries, an interception and a sack. Ben Pike has five sacks, 11 stops and a forced fumble, with Molls recording three fumble recoveries and 58 stops.

Air Force

Air Force won four of their last five contests to finish fifth in the conference (3-4) and to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for a second consecutive year with a 2-0 record vs. Army and Navy. Most recently, Air Force managed victories over UNLV (45-17) and Colorado State (45-21). The Falcons are 3-2 as a visitor, winning the last two.

With one of the best running offenses in the country, Air Forced ranks 22nd in the nation in scoring (34 ppg) while compiling 459 yards per game (320 rushing, 139 via the pass).

The triple-option offense is paced by the three prongs – Asher Clark (1,036 yards, six scores, 7.3 yards per attempt), Mike Dewitt (543 yards, 10 touchdowns, 4.9 ypc) and Tim Jefferson (492, 10, 3.5 ypc), while Jefferson connects on 61 % of his throws for 1,478 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions. The offensive line has given up nine sacks. Jonathan Warzeka and Zack Kauth lead the receiving corps with 55 catches for 935 yards and seven touchdowns.

Defensively, Air Force rates 67th in the nation in points given up (27 ppg), surrendering 391 yards per contest (228 on the ground, 163 through the air) while recording 17 sacks and forcing 24 turnovers.

Brady Amack anchors the defense with 125 total stops (36 more than any other player), adding a team-best four forced fumbles, one sack and a fumble recovery. Alex Means has six sacks, 71 stops, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries and an pick, while Davis has four picks, 89 stops, a forced fumble and recovery.

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The opponents in the 2011 Belk Bowl this year did not venture far from home. The contest is being held in Charlotte, N.C. and will feature an in-state team in NC State, representing the ACC, taking on Big East co-champ Louisville, from neighboring Kentucky.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1994, when the Cardinals posted a 35-14 victory at home.

Our Belk Bowl odds show the Wolfpack as a 2.5-point chalk, while the total has been set at 44.5 points.

Louisville

Louisville won their final three contests and five of their final six to end up as a three-way conference co-champion (5-2) with Cincinnati and West Virginia. Most recently, Louisville accomplished two straight road wins at UConn (34-20) and South Florida (34-24) to post a 4-2 mark as a visitor, including a current three-game win streak in such contests.

The Cardinals rank a stellar 14th nationally in points surrendered (19 points per contest), surrendering 328 yards per matchup (224 passing, 104 rushing) while racking up 32 sacks and generating 18 turnovers – with three returned for touchdowns (Andrew Johnson and M Mitchell, fumbles; Mike Evans, interception).

The defense is led by three guys – Dexter Heyman with 83 tackles (four sacks, team-best three picks, forced fumble), Hakeem Smith with 81 stops (team-best three forced fumbles, one pick, one fumble recovery) and Preston Brown with 81 (1.5 sacks). William Savoy and Marcus Smith each have five sacks, chipping in a combined 34 stops, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and blocked kick.

On offense, Louisville rates just 100th in the nation in points surrendered (22 ppg) while generating 328 yards per matchup (206 passing, 122 rushing). Teddy Bridgewater hits on 66 percent of his passes for 1,855 yards and 12 touchdowns with nine picks. The offensive line has allowed 36 sacks.

Michaelee Harris and Eli Rogers pace the receiving targets with 71 combined catches for 855 yards and three scores, while Dominique Brown and Victor Anderson lead the rushing game with 960 combined yards and seven touchdowns on 4.1 yards per attempt.

North Carolina State

NC State recovered from a poor start, winning three of its final four games and five of seven to end up fourth in the ACC Atlantic Division (4-4). Most recently, the Wolfpack beat top-10 Clemson (37-13) and Maryland (56-41). The Wolfpack were 6-1 at home and 6-2 in its home state of North Carolina, where this bowl game is being held.

The Wolfpack rank 56th in points allowed (25 ppg), surrendering 352 yards per contest (220 through the air, 132 on the ground) while racking up 33 sacks and enticing 36 turnovers – four of which were taken back for touchdowns (Brian Slay and Brandon Bishop, fumbles; David Amerson and C.J. Wilson, picks).

Earl Wolfe and Audie Cole pace the defense with 99 and 98 tackles, respectively, chipping in a combined seven forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Terrell Manning and Darryl Cato-Bishop have 11 combined sacks to go with 91 stops, five forced fumbles, three recoveries and three picks, while Amerson has 11 picks and 54 stops.

On offense, NC State lists 58th in points surrendered (28 ppg) while generating 346 yards per contest (238 through the air, 108 on the ground). Mike Glennon has connected on 62 % of his throws for 2,790 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. The offensive line has surrendered 32 sacks.

Five players have caught at least 30 passes this year, led by T.J. Graham and James Washington with 39 catches each for a combined 941 yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Washington anchors the ground attack with 852 rushing yards and seven scores on 4.0 yards per carry.

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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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