2011 Bowl Schedule: 3 Non-BCS Games You Have to Watch

The college football bowl schedule goes further than just the BCS games. In fact, some of the nation's best talent and most intriguing stories of the year will conclude in non-BCS bowl games.

Here are three bowl games you shouldn't miss, even though they aren't BCS games:

1. Champ Sports Bowl, Dec. 29 - Florida State vs. Notre Dame

Why Is This a Must-See?

If for no other reason than pure nostalgia, this is still a solid college football draw. Twenty years ago, the Seminoles and the Irish were near the pinnacle of the sport. Now things are a bit different.

Notre Dame is still trying to find its place in today's college football landscape. Florida St. is making a move back into prominence, they started the season fast, but injuries and setbacks to Oklahoma and Clemson sent them reeling.

Players To Watch

Florida State QB - EJ Manuel 

Manuel has a decent future as an NFL QB, he is mobile with underrated passing ability and leadership. 

Notre Dame WR - Michael Floyd

This will be Floyd's last college game. Many believe he has as much talent as any receiver in the draft, Justin Blackmon included, but his off the field issues and slow starts have hurt his stock. Still, he is an amazing athlete.

2. Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29 - Washington vs. No. 12 Baylor

Why Is This a Must-See?

The Bears feature the Heisman Trophy winner in what will likely be his last game as a college football player. The Bears offense is electric and among the most exciting in the country.

It will be exciting to see them matched against another high-powered offense like Washington, who averaged 33 points per game. This figures to be a shootout, with all of RG3's amazing physical gifts on display.

Players To Watch

Baylor QB - Robert Griffin III

Obviously, who wouldn't want to see the Heisman Trophy winner's last college game?

Washington RB - Chris Polk

Polk is an underrated rusher. He has eclipsed the 1,300-yard mark and has only miss the century mark in a game three times this season.

3. Outback Bowl, Jan. 2 - No. 17 Michigan State vs. No. 17 Georgia

Why Is This a Must-See?

Wanna get a look at a team that figures to be ranked in the top-five next season? That would be the young and impressive Georgia Bulldogs. After starting the season 0-2, the Bulldogs reeled off 10-consecutive victories. Plus, they have a great young QB in Aaron Murray and freshman RB Isaiah Crowell. The Bulldogs are going to be plenty good.

Michigan State is a solid club with one of the most talented QB-RB tandems in the NFL in QB Kirk Cousins and RB Le'Veon Bell. This game will come down to which defense can stop the run game.

Players To Watch

Georgia QB - Aaron Murray

This is the first game towards possibly making Murray a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, were he to declare. A good showing in this game will get the ball rolling.

Michigan State QB - Kirk Cousins

Cousins has had a bit of an inconsistent career, but he has put together some nice performances in big games this season. The Wisconsin game that was capped off by the Hail Mary was classic, but he needs a strong performance here and at the combine to improve or sustain his draft spot.

Enjoy the games.