2011 Bowl Schedule: Unheralded Stars to Watch Before National Title Game

There are three games left before the BCS national championship game next Monday night. Even though the talent level won't match Alabama vs. LSU, there are still plenty of star players to watch, including the three below, that don't get enough credit on the national level.

Cotton Bowl: Collin Klein

If you look at Klein's stat line, it seems like the numbers of someone who belonged in the Heisman hunt. The Kansas State quarterback had more than 2,800 total yards and 38 touchdowns while leading the Wildcats to a 10-2 overall record.

The dual-threat dynamo should have plenty of room to operate against an Arkansas defense that allowed nearly 175 yards per game on the ground. Putting up big numbers against an SEC defense would illustrate that he deserved more respect for his regular-season performance.

As if Klein needed any more motivation, both teams will be playing to show the BCS bowls were wrong to overlook them on selection day.

BBVA Compass Bowl: Cole Beasley

The SMU program has made a lot of progress over the last three seasons and Beasley, a senior wide receiver, certainly deserves some credit for that rise. His development continued this season as he caught 79 passes for nearly 1,000 yards.

It was his second straight season leading the team in receptions, which is no small feat considering the team's quarterback woes this season. Beasley's a small receiver at 5'9'', but he's able to find space and create plays with his quickness.

He should have another good performance against a Pittsburgh defense that lacks playmakers in the secondary. The Panthers picked off just eight passes all season.

GoDaddy.com Bowl: Chandler Harnish

Harnish was hidden away in the Mid-American Conference all season, but he's a quarterback in the same mold of Klein, who had little trouble tearing up inferior defenses this season. All told, he had 4,300 yards and 37 touchdowns for Northern Illinois.

The Huskies didn't have many game-changing players outside of Harnish, which makes his campaign all the more impressive. There were plenty of weeks that he was a one-man show and still managed to pick up the win anyway.

Arkansas State has a pretty solid defense, so it'll be a good test for Harnish, but he seems to step up when it matters most. Look for him to do it again vs. the Red Wolves.