Notre Dame Football: 5 Reasons the Champs Sports Bowl Is a Must-Watch

Although Notre Dame failed to achieve its goal of receiving a BCS bowl bid, the Irish have plenty to play for when they meet Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29. The teams are mirror images of each other, as early season struggles humbled the programs that were expected to return to their glory days.

Strong performances in bowl games do not always springboard success in the following season, as proven by Notre Dame's 0-2 start after a blowout of Miami in last year's Sun Bowl. That said, there is a lot learn for the player, coaches, and fans from the showdown with the Seminoles.

Here are five reasons why, despite a disappointing season, the Champs Sports Bowl is a game you can't afford to miss.

The Quarterbacks

Brian Kelly has publicly stated that Tommy Rees will get the start against Florida State, after benching the sophomore for the second half of the loss to Stanford in the regular season finale. Andrew Hendrix is expected to play significant minutes after providing the Irish with a spark against the Cardinal.

The quarterback derby for next season's opener against Navy in Ireland begins in Orlando. Rees' physical limitations were never more evident than against a Stanford defense that brought constant pressure. The mobility and arm strength that Hendrix possesses gives him a much higher ceiling.

While there are still 15 spring practices and fall camp to prepare Hendrix, giving the redshirt freshman extended playing time will help gauge whether he can be the No. 1 guy next September in Dublin.

The Draft Candidates

Notre Dame will have some key pieces to replace next season due to graduation, but there are two others who could depart with eligibility remaining. Junior linebacker Manti Te'o and redshirt sophomore tight end Tyler Eifert will both face decisions after the bowl game on whether or not to return for a fourth season in South Bend.

While not based simply on one game, how they fare in the Champs Sports Bowl will certainly impact their decisions, which must be made by Jan. 15. The two potential 2012 All-Americans are certain to have Irish fans on pins and needles as the draft deadline approaches.

Recruiting

While the loss to Stanford ruined hopes of ending a second straight season on a long winning streak, Notre Dame could still gain some momentum with a win over Florida State. A win would not only benefit current members of the team, but potential future members as well.

It's no secret that the Irish would likely have missed out on freshmen Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, and Ishaq Williams had they not won their final four games of 2010. With only 15 commitments to date in the 2012 class, there are a number of scholarships left to fill.

Whether Notre Dame can close as strongly as they did in 2010 will help determine the quality of players who fill those open spots.

The Running Backs

The Irish were fortunate to have two elite running backs this season, as both Wood and Jonas Gray emerged as dangerous weapons. Gray was lost for the season in a win over Boston College, his final year in South Bend.

Wood was thought to be the clear No. 1 running back going into the season, with Gray used mostly on the goal line. Only against Stanford was he finally given the majority of the workload.

With a lack of depth behind Wood, Theo Riddick saw some playing time at running back against Stanford, and could switch permanently to the backfield. How he fares against a strong Florida State defensive front will be a major factor in Brian Kelly's decision of where Riddick will play in 2012. 

Floyd's Finale

Michael Floyd has been the most dynamic offensive player Notre Dame has had since Rocket Ismail almost a quarter-century ago, and the senior will don a gold helmet for the final time in Orlando.

We've all come to expect big plays from Floyd, and his true value may not be realized until next season when he's no longer around. With the NFL Combine less than two months after the game, Floyd will want to be at his best against the Seminoles. Irish fans should get one last great performance from the school's all-time leading receiver.