Bowl Games 2011: 10 Most Exciting Games Before the New Year

While many analysts and networks are focused on the more high-profile bowl games, there are plenty of early matchups that will be worth watching. 

Whether it's a high-scoring contest, exceptional players or great coaching, it is important to realize that college football goes deeper than just a few teams. 

The student-athletes worked hard all season and should be recognized on national television for a job well done. 

Here are 10 games that you should watch before you change your calendars. 

10. Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt

When: Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.

There are other games that were considered for this list, but Cincinnati deserves its time in the spotlight.

The Bearcats earned a share of the conference title, although lost out on the chance to play in the Orange Bowl thanks to lack of voter support.

It is easy to pick on the Big East, but Cincinnati won nine games and is very good on both sides of the football. It outscored opponents by almost two touchdowns per game this season, despite a 20-point defeat to Tennessee.

Vanderbilt does not have as good of a record, but is battle-tested playing in the SEC. Four of its six losses were by less than a touchdown.

The SEC will try to prove its might by using an average team to take down one of the top teams in another conference.

9. Independence Bowl: Missouri vs. North Carolina

When: Dec. 26, 5:00 p.m.

Missouri fought hard all season and finished fifth in a very competitive Big 12.

James Franklin is tough to contain as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, finishing the regular season with 2,733 passing yards and 839 rushing yards. 

North Carolina finished with the same 7-5 record, but had higher hopes going into the season until the NCAA came knocking on the door, leading to the firing of coach Butch Davis.

Each of these teams played well at home this year, but struggled on the road. It will be interesting to see which team can handle the neutral field.

8. Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Utah

When: Dec. 31, 2:00 p.m.

In its first season in the Pac-12, Utah often struggled to adjust to the speed of the game at that level.

Still, a win over Colorado on the last week of the season could have put Utah in the championship game. The Utes could not get it done and ended up finishing 7-5.

They will struggle to contain Georgia Tech and its high-powered running offense. The team was as high as No. 12 in the country before unraveling towards the end of the season. 

However, the triple-option will be quite a show as quarterback Tevin Washington can run on anybody. The Yellow Jackets could score north of 40 points in one of the final games before 2012.

7. Military Bowl: Air Force vs. Toledo

When: Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m.

If you like points, this will be a great game to watch. 

I am sure few people have seen either of these teams play this year, but it is a matchup of the two best rushing offenses in the country.

Air Force averages 320.2 yards per game, good for third in the nation. Toledo is 14th in FBS, but also can throw the ball for almost 300 yards per game. 

The amazing thing is that these systems are so good that there is not any single player that stands out among the rest. 

Air Force has 11 players who have over 100 yards rushing this season. Toledo has 12 different receivers who have caught a touchdown pass. 

The scoreboard operator will be busy during this game. 

6. Poinsettia Bowl: TCU vs. Louisiana Tech

When: Dec. 21, 8:00 p.m.

TCU was ranked No. 14 in the preseason rankings, but a heartbreaking loss to Baylor in Week 1 caused people to forget all about this team.

Meanwhile, TCU ran through the Mountain West Conference to an undefeated 7-0 record. Most notably, the team team upset Boise State on the road 36-35 and ruined the Broncos' chance at an undefeated season.

Head coach Gary Patterson is one of the most underrated in the country and continues to have his teams ready.

It will not be easy though, as Louisiana Tech also dominated its conference. The Bulldogs have won seven straight games to win the WAC and will provide some tough competition for TCU.

5. Chick-Fil-a Bowl: Virginia vs. Auburn

When: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Virginia surprised almost everyone this season when it came from nowhere to be competitive in the ACC.

Coach of the Year candidate Mike London brought his team one win from the conference championship game, and the Chick-fil-A Bowl is a great reward.

On the other side is the former national champions, the Auburn Tigers. After losing Cam Newton and Nick Fairley to the NFL, many expected the Tigers to struggle mightily, so a 7-5 season is still pretty impressive. 

Neither of these teams put up great statistics, but they are led by very good coaches who know how to win games. 

4. Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Notre Dame

When: Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m.

This contest has two of the most prestigious programs in college football, and the matchup on the field will not disappoint.

After a three-game losing streak in the middle of the season, Florida State got back on track by winning six of its last seven games.

It was led mostly by a defense that is fourth in the nation in points allowed per game. Outside of those three games, the Seminoles did not allow more than 20 points to any opponent. 

They will have to stop a Notre Dame team that is full of skill players. Sophomore quarterback Tommy Rees is trying to hold onto his job, but whoever is behind center will have the opportunity to throw to one of the best receivers in the nation in Michael Floyd.

The teams should sell out the Citrus Bowl and create a very exciting environment.

3. Insight Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Iowa

When: Dec. 30, 10:00 p.m.

These are two teams with polar opposite opinions on this game. 

Oklahoma was the top-ranked team in preseason polls, but continued to lose until it fell to fourth in the Big 12. In the final game against Oklahoma State, the Sooners did not even seem to show up, getting blown out 44-10.

On the other side of the football is Iowa, who should be proud of a solid season in a tough conference. Sophomore running back Marcus Coker is one of the best in the nation at his position, and the Hawkeyes fought hard against a lot of tough defenses in the Big Ten.

We have seen this type of game surprise people in the past, where the more talented team does not stay focused for a lesser bowl game. Oklahoma seems capable of losing focus and dropping this game to Iowa.

2. Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State vs. Arizona State

When: Dec. 22, 8:00 p.m.

This season was déjà vu all over again for Boise State.

For the second year in a row, the Broncos lost one game due to a missed field goal and did not reach a BCS bowl.

However, this is a very talented team led by the winningest quarterback in FBS history. Kellen Moore has led his team to victories over major conference teams many times, and he will try to make Arizona State his latest victim.

One person who might have a problem with that is Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The future first-round NFL draft pick is one of the most terrifying players in football, and could slow down Boise State's seventh-ranked scoring offense.

1. Alamo Bowl: Baylor vs. Washington

When: Dec. 29, 9:00 p.m.

Washington is a solid team that can score some points, but it really did not matter who the Pac-12 sent as a representative in this game.

Whenever you can watch Robert Griffin III play college football, you should jump at the opportunity because you might not get any more chances.

The junior quarterback leads the nation in passing efficiency, has an amazing ratio of 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions and has a solid chance of winning this season's Heisman Trophy.

Thanks to Griffin, Baylor finished the season 9-3 and with a No. 12 BCS ranking, despite having one of the worst defenses in FBS.

If you cannot make it to San Antonio, make sure you are tuned in to ESPN to watch greatness in action.