BCS Bowl Predictions 2012: Players Who Will Have Legendary Performances

The regular season is a time for players to build up stats, but bowl games are when they become household names.

This year's set of BCS games provides opportunities for great players to have memorable performances.

On the sport's biggest stage, these young men will show the nation what they can do.

Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois

You can question Northern Illinois' place in a BCS bowl, but there is no denying the skill of quarterback Jordan Lynch. 

The junior led the nation in rushing, gaining 1,771 yards on the ground, and threw for almost 3,000 yards. He threw only five interceptions to go with his 24 touchdown passes.

Only once did he fail to break the 100-yard rushing mark. Despite Florida State's great defense, Lynch should be able to reach that mark once again.

If he is able to lead his team past the Seminoles, Lynch will become a MAC immortal.

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

The running back has been inconsistent this year, but when he is good, he is very good.

In the road win over USC, Barner rushed for 321 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that up with two poor games in a row, but finished the regular season with 198 rushing yards against Oregon State.

Barner has shown that when he has room to run, he can score from anywhere.

He should have that opportunity against Kansas State. The Wildcats allowed Baylor to rush for 342 yards and five touchdowns in their only loss of the season.

This could lead to a big day for the senior. 

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Everyone knows about Alabama's great running attack. Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon each have more than 1,000 rushing yards and will continue to be the focal point of the offense.

However,wide receiver Amari Cooper will need to also step up to overcome the impressive run defense of Notre Dame.

Excluding the blowout against Western Carolina whene he was not needed, the freshman has more than 100 receiving yards in his last three games with four touchdowns in that stretch. 

He is one of Alabama's most dynamic players and could be a major factor in the national championship game. 

Follow @TheRobGoldberg