Five Bowl Games That Will Make or Break 2011 College Football Recruiting Classes

College football recruiting is probably the last thing on anyone's mind from Auburn or Oregon, but besides winning a national championship, a victory on January 10 could be the difference maker for either school's 2011 recruiting class. 

The Tigers and Ducks aren't the only ones either. 

Here are five bowl games that will make or break a few 2011 recruiting classes and could well prove the difference between landing a top-rated recruit or watching one of your own decommit. 

Autozone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. UCF

After a 1-4 start that had Mark Richt's coaching seat burning, Georgia won five of its last seven to close the regular season strong.

The Bulldogs have a solid recruiting class in place, but haven't added many pieces since the summer. With 5-star running back Isaiah Crowell waiting in the wings, there's still a lot at stake here. 

Should Georgia drop the Liberty Bowl to UCF, the chances of landing Crowell will plummet. Crowell has been riding a seesaw, deciding between the Bulldogs and Alabama for months, and a UGA loss could be just the push he needs to join up with the Tide. 

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington

Nebraska doesn't have to worry much about its recruiting class, because win or lose there shouldn't be many changes for the Cornhuskers from this point out. 

Washington on the other hand needs to make a statement, not just for potential prospects still out there such as 5-star defensive end Greg Townsend, but also to make sure that a class that contains 5-star wide receiver Kasen Williams and 5-star tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins remains intact. 

Should Washington get embarrassed in Jake Locker's final game, which very well may be the case, it could trigger a key decommitment and then open the floodgates. 

Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State

Florida and Penn State are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to 2011 recruiting.

The Gators are trying to keep their top-10 class from crumbling in the wake of Urban Meyer's decision to leave, and the Nittany Lions are trying to improve their horrendous class despite the fact that no one really thinks Joe Paterno is going to be around much longer. 

The stakes are huge for both teams in this one. Florida needs a statement win to stop more recruits from jumping ship. Penn State simply needs a win to try and build something that resembles its normal recruiting classes. 

Chick-fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs. Florida State

For South Carolina, as far as recruiting is concerned, there is one item on the agenda that weighs heavier than any other: Jadeveon Clowney. 

Get Clowney and we're talking. Clowney is the No. 1 overall prospect for a reason and he'd instantly upgrade the Gamecocks' entire program. 

The South Carolina native is already leaning toward staying at home, but a win against a tough Florida State team in the Chick-fil-A Bowl could be just the sign he needs to make his decision.  

Tostitos BCS National Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon

Obviously recruiting is the last thing on Auburn and Oregon's minds as they prepare for the National Championship Game, but it's worth noting how important this aspect is as well. 

Both teams have top-25 classes and are in the running for a lot of talent that could propel them into the top 10 or 15. 

But especially for Auburn, the competition for recruits is fierce, and winning the championship could be the real difference between a great class and a decent one.