Titans Fan Guide: Let's Go Bowling (before Christmas)!

Saturday Dec 21

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl - 3:30 PM ABC

Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans

Location: Las Vegas/Sam Boyd Stadium (home of UNLV)

• This game features plenty of good draft eligible talent on both sides. Fresno State senior QB Derek Carr is quickly making a case for being the second quarterback taken after Teddy Bridgewater. Carr's excellent senior season has vaulted him into the top 10 discussion. Assisting him in his efforts is receiver Davante Adams (Sophomore). As for the Trojans, well, they are a program in transition. Former Washington coach and USC assistant Steve Sarkisian will take over after the bowl game. The most talented player USC has could be WR Marqise Lee (Junior).

Matchups to watch:

Carr vs USC DL George Uko (Junior), Morgan Breslin (Senior), Leonard Williams (Sophomore)

Adams vs USC S/LB Dion Bailey (Junior)

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - 5:30 PM ESPN

Buffalo Bulls vs San Diego State Aztecs

Location: Boise, Idaho/Broncos Stadium

• This game is worth watching as one of the hottest draft names will play a significant role. Bulls LB Khalil Mack (Senior) is a great athlete and pass rushing terror. He has racked up 94 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions thrown in. Mack was a 2013 Butkus Award finalist as well. He's currently projected to go in the top twenty picks if not earlier.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - 9 PM ESPN

Tulane vs Louisiana-Lafayette

Location: New Orleans, Superdome

• This game has traditionally been a high scoring affair and this year's edition promises to be the same. The battle for Louisiana's hearts and minds will commence in New Orleans. Tulane is playing a de facto home game as it calls the Superdome its home (until next year, that is).

Monday December 23

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl - 2 PM ESPN

East Carolina Pirates vs Ohio Bobcats

Location: Tampa, Florida

• The first of the baseball stadium bowl games as Tropicana Field are the gracious hosts. A reeling Pirates squad comes to Tampa after being walloped by Marshall in the C-USA title game. Can they bounce back against a good Ohio team? This game has the potential for fireworks as two unknown QBs look to make their mark in the draft world. ECU's Shane Carden squares off against Tyler Tettleton. ECU did upset North Carolina early in the year.

Tuesday December 24

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - 8 PM ESPN

Boise State Broncos vs Oregon State Beavers

Location: Hawaii

• Can the Blue Turf Warriors show the world that they can play despite sending coaches to bigger programs? Chris Petersen recently left for the much greener pastures of Washington. Former Broncos assistant Bryan Harsin returns home after a cup of coffee with Texas (OC) and Arkansas State (HC). Oregon State features one of the nation's best quarterback-receiver combos in Sean Mannion and Brandin Cooks. Both are juniors and could go pro with a huge game. Also trying to get noticed by scouts is RB Storm Woods. He looks to shake his sophomore slump and build for a better junior campaign after a sensational freshman season. Defensively, the Beavers have a pro ready DE in Scott Crichton. His stock is rapidly rising through the ranks and should show well during the draft process. This game should be a fun one to watch as a visit from Santa draws near. It's baaack!!