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INTERNATIONAL BOWL
Who: South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5)
Where: Toronto
When: Noon, ESPN2
At a glance: South Florida started 5-0, which may explain why Bulls coach Jim Leavitt could be in trouble if the alleged charges of him striking one of his players has any substance. South Florida’s chances rest on the ability of QB B.J. Daniels (12 TD passes, 9 rushing TDs) to make something happen. Northern Illinois also staggered into this game, losing two straight. RBs Chad Spann (20 TDs) and Me’co Brown spark the Huskies’ potent ground game (202.4 yards per game).
The pick: South Florida 10, Northern Illinois 7
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL
Who: Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5)
Where: Birmingham, Ala.
When: 2 p.m., ESPN
At a glance: UConn is ending a tumultuous and emotional season, having endured the stabbing death of cornerback Jasper Howard. The Huskies’ five losses were by a combined 15 points, but they won their last three games, including a win over Notre Dame in South Bend. RB Jordan Todman (14 TDs, 1,152 rushing yards) leads the UConn attack. South Carolina, which lost four of its last six, relies on the Southeastern Conference’s No. 2 passer, Stephen Garcia, who threw for 2,733 yards.
The pick: UConn 17, South Carolina 10
COTTON BOWL
Who: Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4)
Where: Arlington, Texas
When: 2 p.m., Ch. 25
At a glance: Both teams began the season in the Top 10, but the loser probably won’t finish in the Top 25. QB Zac Robinson is the man for Oklahoma State, entering his final game owning school records for total offense (10,048 yards), passing yards (8,199), and TD passes (66). Mississippi relies on the passing combination of Jevan Snead to Shay Hodge, as well as the running prowess of Dexter McCluster. It won’t be enough.
The pick: Oklahoma State 23, Mississippi 16
LIBERTY BOWL
Who: Arkansas (7-5) vs. East Carolina (9-4)
Where: Memphis
When: 5:30 p.m., ESPN
At a glance: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett will have to put the ball in the air if the Hogs are going to win this one. And the feeling here is that he will be successful enough to knock off Skip Holtz’s Pirates. Mallett was the No. 1 QB in the SEC, with 3,422 yards and 29 TD passes.
The pick: Arkansas 34, East Carolina 17.
ALAMO BOWL
Who: Texas Tech (8-4) vs. Michigan State (6-6)
Where: San Antonio
When: 9 p.m., ESPN
At a glance: Both teams arrive in shambles. The Spartans suspended or dismissed 14 players after a dormitory brawl in November, and nine players face assault charges, including cornerback Chris Rucker. The Red Raiders are still absorbing the firing of coach Mike Leach this week for his alleged mistreatment of a player. Texas Tech brings its usual high-powered passing attack, led by Taylor Potts (3,068 yards, 20 TDs). Michigan State was 103d in the nation in pass defense, even before Rucker was dismissed. It will be a long night for the Spartans.
The pick: Texas Tech 42, Michigan State 14.
Mark Blaudschun 
