College Football Bowl Schedule: Unknown Stars You Should Tune in to Watch

After spending the entire season focused on the nation's elite teams, bowl games are a terrific opportunity for casual fans to watch some hidden gems around college football. Here are three players who racked up big numbers in 2011 that are worth watching.

RB Ronnie Hillman – San Diego State

Hillman was the driving force behind San Diego State's offense. He averaged 138 yards per game and scored 19 touchdowns on the ground while also adding a receiving touchdown. It's hard to imagine the Aztecs making a bowl game without him.

He pulled off the rare feat of a 99-yard TD run against Wyoming and scored four times in a game twice. The sophomore has topped 1,500 yards in both of his seasons. He should be around to haunt Mountain West defenses for two more years.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 p.m.

RB Bernard Pierce – Temple

Hidden in the Mid-American Conference, Pierce posted another huge season at Temple. He finished third in rushing touchdowns behind only Montee Ball and Collin Klein. What makes that even more impressive is that he missed two games.

With opponent Wyoming giving up more than 230 yards per game on the ground, Pierce could be in line for a monster day to open bowl season. It wouldn't be surprising to top his previous season best of 157 yards and 3 TDs.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

WR Rishard Matthews – Nevada

Matthews is questionable for Nevada's bowl game with a knee injury he picked up vs. Idaho. Given a couple more weeks to rest, hopefully one of college football's most dynamic receivers is ready to tear it up against Southern Mississippi.

He caught 91 passes for over 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, including a 90-yard catch and run against UNLV. It's never easy for a wide receiver who has to split time between two quarterbacks during the season to find a rhythm, but Matthews has made the most of it.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.