2011 Bowl Games: 5 Bowl Games That Will Impact 2012 Recruiting Classes the Most

With signing day a few months away, the recruiting classes are starting to take shape. 

While a lot of recruits have already committed to their respective schools, there are still big name players who have yet to decide what school they will attend. 

A bowl win or loss for a certain team can have an impact on a recruit's decision. 

Here are five bowl games that will impact the 2012 recruiting classes the most. 

Gator Bowl: Ohio State vs. Florida

One of the most intriguing bowl matchups of them all is Ohio State and Florida. While Urban Meyer will not yet be coaching for Ohio State, this game could have a huge impact on future recruits. 

Meyer spent a few years in Florida and will have no problem picking talented players out of that state.

A win by Ohio State in the state of Florida will no doubt help recruiting.  

Champs Sports Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Florida State

This bowl game pits two of the most disappointing teams of the season. Both were ranked relatively high to begin the season, and both now find themselves outside of the rankings. 

Notre Dame will travel to the state of Florida, and a big win against Florida State might help Brian Kelly lure a few recruits away.  

A win by Florida State will certainly help them on the recruiting trail as well.  

Belk Bowl: Louisville vs. N.C. State

This may not seem like a bowl game that will impact recruiting, but Louisville coach Charlie Strong is quickly building a program at Louisville, and a win would go a long way toward helping to continue that. 

Louisville recruits heavily out of the state of Ohio, particularly the city of Cincinnati, and North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien has Cincinnati ties.

O'Brien loves to dip into the talent the city of Cincinnati and the state of Ohio produces.

This could be a big game for the recruiting of both of these universities.  

Maaco Bowl: Boise State vs. Arizona State

Boise State head coach Chris Petersen's name has been mentioned for numerous head coaching jobs and taking on a Pac-12 school that is looking for a head coach could significantly impact recruiting. 

The game is in Las Vegas and a win by Boise State will prove once again that they can beat a team from a power conference. 

Arizona State could use a win to prove to some recruits that they are not just a bottom-feeding team from the Pac-12. 

Cotton Bowl: Kansas St. vs. Arkansas

These teams are from different conferences, but are rather close in proximity.

Both are on the rise, and ranked in the top 10 of the final BCS standings.  

Both teams dip into the state of Texas for recruits and a Cotton Bowl game in Arlington, Texas, with a lot of talented high school recruits from the area in attendance or watching could be huge. 

This game has major recruiting implications not only for these teams, but their conferences as well.