2011 Bowl Predictions: Underclassmen Who Will Achieve Star Status

While not every bowl game is as important as the next, they all serve some sort of purpose. One of those purposes is to build toward next season. With that said, many coaches like to give their younger players a chance to shine in bowl games, and there have been plenty of future stars who have made their presence known that way.

This has already been the case for several teams, but there are quite a few bowls left and plenty of potential for break-out stars. Here are three underclassmen that will achieve star status with huge performances in the coming days.

Isaiah Crowell - Georgia

Entering the season as the top running back recruit in the country, there were huge expectations for Georgia Bulldogs freshman Isaiah Crowell. While he may not have lived up to some of the more unrealistic expectations, Crowell had a fine season, rushing for 847 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to garner SEC Freshman of the Year honors.

With that said, Crowell has yet to have his break-through performance. That could change on Monday when the Bulldogs take on the Michigan State Spartans in the Outback Bowl. Sparty has an excellent defense, but Crowell is one of those rare talents that can excel against anyone. Crowell hasn't been utilized heavily as of late, but I get the feeling that he'll have an increased role against the Spartans.

Braxton Miller - Ohio State

It may be true that the Ohio State Buckeyes ranked 117th in the nation in passing this season, but freshman quarterback Braxton Miller has the potential to be a star. The shackles were on him for much of the season as he operated as more of a runner, but Miller showed that he could be the total package in racking up 335 total yards and three touchdowns in a near upset of Michigan.

Miller will be thrust onto the big stage once again as he and the Buckeyes face the Florida Gators in the Gator Bowl. While the Gators ranked 25th in total defense this season, they simply aren't as daunting as they once were. With nothing to lose and no possibility for another bowl game until 2014, I believe Miller will be given free reign against Florida, and I think he'll offer a glimpse into Ohio State's bright future.

Sammy Watkins - Clemson

You could certainly argue that Clemson freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins is already a star, as he racked up 1,153 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season, but I don't think he is yet in the national awareness. That could change in a heartbeat, however, with a big performance in the Orange Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

As both the Tigers and Mountaineers rank in the 60s in total defense this season, the Orange Bowl should feature tons of offensive fireworks. No player on either team is more explosive than Watkins as he routinely makes extraordinary plays down the field. With quarterback Tajh Boyd throwing to him, Watkins is poised to have the best game of his young career, and that is truly saying something.