College Football Bowl Games 2011: The Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects from Every Game

The 2011 college football bowl season brings some interesting matchups. Stanford vs. Oklahoma State, Wisconsin vs. Oregon, Georgia vs. Michigan State and—that's pretty much it.

If we are honest about this bowl season, it is one of the least attractive postseasons in recent memory.

You have a rematch for the title game, a Sugar Bowl matchup that no one wants to see, a Vegas Bowl between an 11-1 Boise State team and a 6-6 Arizona State team and various other bowls that have little appeal or anticipation.

However, there are reasons beyond the games themselves to be intrigued.

This year, like any other, there's a load of talent participating in every contest. In this universe of 35 bowl games to be played, there are some future NFL stars just looking to shine bright.

This dimension alone makes an otherwise lackluster bowl season a bit more interesting, and it might give us a reason to watch a game we might otherwise ignore.

With that in mind, let's look at the top five NFL draft prospects playing in every game.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Temple vs. Wyoming

Bowl Game: Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Teams: Temple vs. Wyoming

Date: December 17, 2011

Time: 2:00 PM ET on ESPN

This game isn't full of NFL talent, but it should be a good game.

NFL teams can usually find good value from teams like Wyoming and Temple. Often overlooked, come bowl time all eyes will be on them. Who knows what a scout might find?

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Josh Biezuns, a DE for the Cowboys, starts off our list. He has 60 tackles on the year and is quick and strong. Expect him to be signed as a free agent.

4. Tahir Whitehead is a linebacker for the Owls. He is fast, strong and competitive. Some see him going in the seventh round, but more likely he signs as a free agent.

3. Evan Rodriguez plays TE for the Owls. He is big and strong and can block. Expect him to go as a free agent.

2. Clayton Kirven is a big OT for the Cowboys. At 6'6" and 305 lbs, he has improved his stock this year, and you could see him go as high as the sixth round.

1. Adrian Robinson, a LB for the Temple Owls, hasn't lived up to expectations, but he probably will still go as high as the fifth round.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs. Utah State

Bowl Game: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Teams: Ohio vs. Utah State

Date: December 17, 2011

Time: 5:30 PM ET on ESPN

Utah State has been a scrappy team all year, while Ohio has been a nice surprise.

Well, in this game there might be some nice surprises for NFL scouts.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. A.J. Strum, OT for Ohio. He has nice size and good skill but will probably be fortunate to be signed as a free agent.

4. Tanner Richins, OT from Utah State, is in the same boat as Strum.

3. LaVon Brazill, WR from Ohio, is an excellent player. He will probably land as a free agent somewhere.

2. Tarren Lloyd is a TE for Utah State. He is big, can block and knows how to catch a ball—just what scouts are looking for. He will probably land as a free agent.

1. Donte Harden is a RB for Ohio. He missed two games this year and still put up decent numbers. His size might be an issue for some teams, but he is a good talent. He will probably land as a free agent just like the others on this list.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Bowl Game: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Teams: San Diego State vs. La-Lafayette

Date: December 17, 2011

Time: 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

San Diego State travels across the country to play in the New Orleans Bowl.

It will be a decent matchup in an NFL city.

Will scouts have a reason to attend this game?

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Abelardo Perez is a kicker for SDSU. Expect him to sign as a free agent somewhere.

4. Miles Burris, linebacker from SDSU. He has had 72 tackles this year, and 45 of those tackles were solo. If he doesn't go late, he will go somewhere as a free agent.

3. Brian Stahovich is the punter for SDSU, and he will probably be signed as a free agent.

2. Ryan Lindley is the QB for SDSU, and he should go somewhere late. Expect him to end up being picked in the sixth or seventh round. If not, he will certainly be signed by someone as a free agent.

1. Ladarius Green plays TE for La-Lafayette. He could go as high as the fourth round, but it won't be surprising if he hits the sixth or seventh.

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg: Florida International vs. Marshall

Bowl Game: Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg

Teams: FIU vs. Marshall

Date: December 20, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

This game is a tough one in which to find even five legitimate NFL prospects. There are a couple of excellent players, one on each team, but after that it is a long way down.

But there may be some surprises; we will just have to wait and see.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. James Wiggins, OT for FIU. Could make a team as a free agent.

4. Darriet Perry is a good backup RB for FIU, but it will be hard to see him anywhere except maybe on a practice squad.

3. Kellen Harris is a linebacker for Marshall. He is impressive and may land somewhere as a free agent.

2. T.Y. Hilton is a very impressive wide receiver. He's fast, agile, strong and knows how to fight for a ball. He is expected to go as high as the fourth round.

1. Vinny Curry is a DE for Marshall, and he is a legitimate first-round pick. However, he will probably fall to the second round, but whoever gets him there will probably get a bargain.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: TCU vs. La Tech

Bowl Game: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Teams: TCU vs. Louisiana Tech

Date: December 21, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

Most people don't give La. Tech any chance in this game, but you might want to tune in anyway. This game could be closer than many expect.

What isn't closer is the level of talent on these teams. TCU has a few legitimate NFL prospects, but the Bulldogs may only have have one or two on the entire team.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Adrien Cole, LB, Louisiana Tech. At 5'11", 250 he is not the tallest, but he is stout. Look for someone to take a chance on him as a free agent.

4. Kyle Dooley, OG, TCU. A big man, strong and competitive. Expect him to sign somewhere as a free agent.

3. Anson Kelton is the punter for TCU. He is excellent and could be a valuable weapon for an NFL team that needs help with field position. Expect him to go in the sixth round.

2. Lennon Creer is a RB for La. Tech. He runs a 4.5 40 and at 6'0", 215 lbs, he could actually go as high as the sixth round.

1. Tank Carder, LB for the Horned Frogs. This guy has had an excellent career at TCU, and you can expect the same at the next level. He will probably go as high as the fourth round.

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas: Arizona State vs. Boise State

Bowl Game: MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Teams: Arizona State vs. Boise State

Date: December 22, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

This game is a tragedy. This excellent senior class from Boise State certainly deserves more than a trip to play a 6-6 ASU team with a coach on his way out. At 11-1 it is the second year in a row that the Broncos missed a BCS game and perhaps a national title game by a single kick.

One thing for sure: This game will be full of NFL prospects.

So many that the top five are hard to figure out.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. George Iloka, safety from Boise State. Big, fast, strong, smart—what else can you say about this guy? He will probably go as high as the fourth or fifth round.

4. Kellen Moore, QB for the Broncos. Going for his 50th career win in this one, Moore has been impressive. At 6'1", some teams don't like him because he is simply a pocket passer. However, expect someone to take him in the third or fourth round.

3. Vontaze Burfict, LB for ASU. An excellent tackler and smart. Burfict will have a lot of success at the next level. You can expect him to go as high as the second round.

2. Billy Winn, DT for Boise State. The heart of the Bronco defense, Winn will certainly go in the first round.

1. Nate Potter, OT for Boise State. Most experts see Potter going as a top-10 pick in next year's draft.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. Southern Miss

Bowl Game: Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Teams: Nevada vs. Southern Miss

Date: December 24, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET

This will be an interesting game. Southern Miss just upset Houston, but the Wolf Pack limped through the last part of the season.

If Nevada shows up healthy, expect a barn-burner.

If nothing else, there is some good talent in this game to check out.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Kendrick Presley, DB, Southern Miss. With 50 tackles on the year and one interception, Presley has not left the building. Look for him to go in the seventh round or at least as a free agent.

4. Danny Hrapmann, kicker for the Golden Eagles. He makes over 71 percent of his field goals and only missed one extra point all year. Expect him to go as a free agent.

3. Rishard Matthews, WR for the Wolf Pack. With 1,364 yards on 91 receptions and eight touchdowns, Matthews has been very productive for Nevada this year. Expect him to go in the sixth or seventh round.

2. Brett Roy, DT for Nevada. This big man is expected to go as high as the fifth round. He is very strong and could play well at the next level.

1. James-Michael Johnson, LB for Nevada. He is the right size for an NFL linebacker and runs a 4.5 40. He had an amazing 82 tackles on the year, but that was actually down from 88 the year before. Expect him to go anywhere from the third round up to the fifth.

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Missouri vs. UNC

Bowl Game: AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

Teams: Missouri vs. UNC

Date: December 26, 2011

Time: 5:00 PM ET on ESPN2

Two 7-5 teams play in this one, but from the level of NFL talent on each team you can't understand how either of these teams didn't win more games.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri. He might have actually fallen a little in draft stock over the course of the year, but Smith will still probably go in the fifth or sixth round.

4. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri. An excellent position player. You can expect him to go in the fifth or sixth round as well.

3. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina. He has been very impressive all year, and the way it looks now he will go as high as the second or third round.

2. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina. Brown has worked his way to a first- or second-round choice. It will not surprise the experts if he goes in the first round.

1. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. At 6'6", 285 lbs, this big man runs a 4.6 40 and can devastate an offensive lineman. He will most likely go in the first round.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Purdue

Bowl Game: Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Teams: Western Michigan vs. Purdue

Date: December 27, 2011

Time: 4:30 PM ET on ESPN

Who would have thought we would see Purdue vs. Western Michigan in a bowl game? Well, here it is, and though there aren't a lot of top NFL prospects in this game, there are a few late-rounders.

It will be interesting watching how a MAC team stacks up against a Big Ten team.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Dennis Kelly, OT for Purdue. At 6'8" and 306 lbs, this big man will make a great addition to an NFL roster as a late-round bargain or free agent.

4. Cody Webster is the punter for Purdue, and a team might take a chance on him as a free agent.

3. Alex Carder, QB for Western Michigan. This is a talented quarterback, and some NFL team might get a nice surprise if it picks him up in a late-round or free-agent deal.

2. Jordan White, WR for Western Michigan. A fast, methodical and tough receiver, White may see his number called as high as the fifth round.

1. Kawann Short, DT for Purdue, was a second-round projection. His stock has slipped a bit, but expect someone to take him as high as the third round.

Belk Bowl: Louisville vs. NC State

Bowl Game: Belk Bowl

Teams: Louisville vs. NC State

Date: December 27, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

They should try to come up with a better name for this game.

Now, there is nothing wrong with this matchup. It will be interesting to see two 7-5 teams that should have been better go head-to-head.

There is certainly no shortage of talent in this game.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville. With an amazing 83 tackles this year and 53 of those solo, this guy can play the position. Someone will probably take a chance on him as a free agent, and it will get a great deal.

4. Victor Anderson, RB, Louisville. After a disappointing 2010, Anderson has bounced back to have a great year. He would be a great addition to any team as a free agent or seventh-round pick.

3. George Bryan, TE, NC State. Expect him to go in the seventh round or as a free agent.

2. Josh Chichester, TE, Louisville. Big and strong and catches the ball fearlessly. Expect him to go as high as the fifth round. More likely he goes in the sixth or seventh, but he will make an NFL roster.

1. Audie Cole, LB, NC State. He had 97 tackles on the year and was the heart of the NC State defense. It will be hard to see him slip past the fourth round.

Military Bowl: Toledo vs. Air Force

Bowl Game: Military Bowl

Teams: Toledo vs. Air Force

Date: December 28, 2011

Time: 4:30 PM ET on ESPN

Air Force isn't known for its NFL recruits, and this year is no different. Toledo has a few, but to get five NFL prospects from this game you have to stretch it a bit.

Overall, it should be a good game, but don't expect too many from this game to be playing on Sundays.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. The Air Force mascot, "The Bird."

4. Morgan Williams, RB, Toledo. He plays backup to Adonis Thomas, but he is impressive and could start for many college teams. Expect someone to give him a free-agent deal.

3. Phillipkeith Manley, OG, Toledo. 6'5" and 310 lbs, and someone might be willing to take a chance on him as a free agent.

2. Desmond Marrow, CB, Toledo. He is fast, strong and knows how to play the position. He has turned some heads this year with his impressive play. His draft stock is certainly rising, but he will still probably land as a free agent.

1. Adonis Thomas, RB, Toledo. At 5'10" and 185 pounds he is a bit undersized, but he does run a 4.4 40.

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Cal vs. Texas

Bowl Game: Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

Teams: Cal vs. Texas

Date: December 28, 2011

Time: 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

California versus Texas—it sounds like a vacation blog. You can expect it to be a trip of sorts.

There are quite a few NFL prospects on both teams in this one. It will be interesting to see who helps themselves and who helps others look good in the eyes of the NFL scouts.

It's hard to narrow down to just five. There are certainly many more who could be on this list.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Cal. Big and strong and knows how to block. That pretty much sums up what scouts are looking for. Expect Schwartz to go in the fifth or sixth round.

4. Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas. Robinson is one of two great linebackers going in the draft for the Longhorns. Robinson is impressive and should go in the fourth or fifth round.

3. Sean Cattouse, safety, Cal. A fast, agile and strong safety. Cattouse will go in the third round or so. He will have a good NFL career if he stays healthy.

2. Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas. Some say Acho is the second-best linebacker on the Longhorns, but still many others see him as the better NFL prospect. He will probably go in the third round.

1. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas. Randall may have lost a little draft stock. He was an early first-round projection. However, he should still go by the second round.

Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Notre Dame

Bowl Game: Champs Sports Bowl

Teams: Florida State vs. Notre Dame

Date: December 29, 2011

Time: 5:30 PM ET on ESPN

In former years, this game would have meant something much more. It will still be a decent matchup, but it's not what either team hoped for at the start of the year.

As far as the talent on the field, there will be several NFL prospects. Again, it is hard to keep it to just five.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Nigel Bradham, LB, FSU. Expect him to go as high as the fourth round.

4. Xavier Rhodes, CB, FSU. An outstanding player with good speed, he should be able to transition well to the next level. Expect him to go in the third or fourth round.

3. Harrison Smith, safety, Notre Dame. The scouting report says he will go as high as the third round.

2. Brandon Jenkins, DE, FSU. With seven sacks on the year, this big defensive end will land somewhere in the NFL—the only question is what round. Some experts say he could be a late first-round or second-round pick.

1. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. It will be exciting to see Floyd play at the next level. He should be a solid second-round pick, but he could sneak up to the first round if the right situation occurs.

Valero Alamo Bowl: Washington vs. Baylor

Bowl Game: Valero Alamo Bowl

Teams: Washington vs. Baylor

Date: December 29, 2011

Time: 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

This will probably be the last college game of Robert Griffin III, better known as RGIII. Some say he will stick around, but after winning the Heisman, he is going to the NFL.

It will be good to see some of these matchups all game long.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game:

5. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington. Expect Trufant to go somewhere in the late rounds.

4. Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington. Kearse is a great receiver, and he will probably land somewhere around the fifth round.

3. Senio Kelemete, OG, Washington. He has shown himself worthy and moved up quite a bit in the eyes of most NFL scouts. It looks like he will go as high as the third round.

2. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington. Ta'amu will be explosive come NFL career time. Expect him to go in the second round.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. If he comes out for the draft, he will go in the first round. If not, put Kendall Wright here. Wright is a WR who was one of the key reasons RGIII looked so good. Either one goes in the first round.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: BYU vs. Tulsa

Bowl Game: Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Teams: BYU vs. Tulsa

Date: December 30, 2011

Time: 12:00 PM ET on ESPN

This will be a matchup between two well-coached teams. Both teams are coming off good regular seasons, and both would love to finish it all with a win.

As far as NFL prospects are concerned, there are a few, but some might surprise you.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Braden Hansen, OG, BYU. If he comes out for the draft, Hansen will be taken.

4. Damaris Johnson, WR, Tulsa. An excellent playmaker, an NFL team may sign him as a free agent.

3. G.J. Kinne, QB, Tulsa. Some team may take a chance on Kinne.  He is talented, fast, has a good arm and knows how to play the position. Look for him to go in the seventh round or as a free agent.

2. Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU. A big blocker and strong tackle. He will probably go in the third or fourth round.

1. Curnelius Arnick, LB, Tulsa. You might be asking, who? Well, Arnick is a truly amazing player. He had 142 tackles on the season, and 91 of those were solo. Any team that sneaks Arnick on its roster won't be disappointed.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs. Iowa State

Bowl Game: New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Teams: Rutgers vs. Iowa State

Date: December 30, 2011

Time: 3:20 PM ET on ESPN

This is a game between a team that was a spoiler and one that had its season spoiled. Rutgers is not happy to be in this bowl after losing an Orange Bowl opportunity.

Iowa State, which spoiled Oklahoma State's season, is just happy to be here.

There is some NFL talent in this game as well, and it will be interesting to see how all those guys play.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Manny Abreu, LB, Rutgers. Abreu should get a chance at the next level, even if it is as a free agent.

4. Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers. He is fast and plays the position with passion. Scouts say he may go in the seventh round.

3. Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers. Most scouts have Wynn going in the sixth or seventh round.

2. Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State. An excellent position player, he should be able to transition to the NFL according to most NFL scouts. Look for Johnson to go in the third or fourth round.

1. Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State. This guy will go in the first round. If you saw him play, you know why. He is big and explosive, and he does the right things.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest

Bowl Game: Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Teams: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest

Date: December 30, 2011

Time: 6:40 PM ET on ESPN

No one really wants to see two 6-6 teams go at it, but that's what we get in this one. However, there will be some interesting matchups on the field.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest. Most scouts have him as a free agent or a seventh-rounder.

4. Kyle Wilber, LB, Wake Forest. An excellent tackler, Wilber will probably go in the sixth round.

3. Charles Mitchell, safety, Miss State. Mitchell's draft stock has continued to climb. Look for him to find a spot on an NFL roster as at least a sixth-round pick.

2. Quinton Saulsberry, center, Miss State. A great position player, Saulsberry should have no problem in transition. Look for him to go in the fifth or sixth round.

1. Vick Ballard, RB, Miss State. An all-around back, Ballard will land somewhere as high as the third or fourth round.

Insight Bowl: Iowa vs. Oklahoma

Bowl Game: Insight Bowl

Teams: Iowa vs. Oklahoma

Date: December 30, 2011

Time: 10:00 PM ET on ESPN

A classic game in the Insight Bowl, but without key players Oklahoma will not be the same team it was early on.

Still, the Sooners will probably win, and with the amount of NFL talent on their roster, they probably should.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma. He is a great player and will have no problem playing the position on Sundays. Look for Fleming to go as high as the third or fourth round.

4. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa. This guy is crazy good. He catches anything near him and has the size at 6'4" and 215 lbs to be successful at the NFL level. Look for him to go in the third round.

3. Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa. Prater is a great corner. He is fast and doesn't shy away from a hit. Expect him to go in the second round.

2. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma. A great presence in that defense, people shy away from hitting this guy. Expect him to go in the second round.

1. Ryan Broyles will not be playing in this game. However, if he were he would be first on the list and a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver. He will still get his chance.

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: Texas A&M vs. Northwestern

Bowl Game: Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Teams: Texas A&M vs. Northwestern

Date: December 31, 2011

Time: 12:00 PM ET on ESPN

It will be interesting to see if Northwestern can hang with Texas A&M. The Wildcats have surprised people a few times this year, so how will the Aggies handle it?

One thing is for sure: There will be some NFL talent on the field. Sadly, there will also be some that won't be because of injuries.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Drake Dunsmore, FB, NW. A prototypical NFL fullback who should land in the late rounds to a team in need of a solid player.

4. Vince Browne, DE, NW. He will be a nice addition to any NFL roster, but he probably won't go higher than the seventh round.

3. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M. Injured, and it's too bad. It would be nice to see him play. However, he will still go mid-rounds in the draft.

2. Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M. Injured as well, but like Gray, he will still be drafted. Look for him to go as high as the second round.

1. Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M. Tannehill will be a steal in the second round. If he slips to the third, some team will land one of the best deals of the draft.

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Utah

Bowl Game: Hyundai Sun Bowl

Teams: Georgia Tech vs. Utah

Date: December 31, 2011

Time: 2:00 PM ET on CBS

Utah's first year in the Pac-12 wasn't bad; it wasn't good, but it wasn't bad. It is a lot like the Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech.

Of course, if the game isn't that exciting, you can check out the NFL prospects on the field.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Michael Peterson, CB, GT. Good corner but needs to improve coverage. Looks like a free agent.

4. Roddy Jones, RB, GT. A good running back and may make a team late or as a free agent.

3. Derrick Shelby, DE, Utah. Will probably land in the very late rounds. Some have him as high as the sixth round, but the majority say seventh.

2. John Cullen, OT, Utah. A good line guy with size and strength. Look for him to go as high as the fifth round.

1. Tony Bergstrom, OT, Utah. The best NFL prospect for Utah, Bergstrom will no doubt be a third- to fourth-rounder.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt

Bowl Game: AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Teams: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt

Date: December 31, 2011

Time: 3:30 PM ET on ABC

The Liberty Bowl gives us a somewhat interesting matchup. Vanderbilt has played tough most the year, while Cincinnati is hard to figure out.

One thing not hard to figure out is the fact that there is some serious talent involved in this contest. NFL scouts will no doubt be watching.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Chris Marve, LB, Vanderbilt. A good run-stopper, Marve will or should land in the seventh round but will probably go as a free agent.

4. Sean Richardson, safety, Vanderbilt. A possible sixth-round pick, Richardson has played well at the safety position.

3. Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincy. A strong and forceful player, Wolfe should find himself going as high as the fourth or fifth round.

2. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt. Hayward has proven that he is NFL-ready. He can expect to be drafted as high as the fourth round.

1. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincy. A great running back, Pead will find a roster spot in the big time. He may go as high as the second round, but some say it will be more like the third.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Illinois vs. UCLA

Bowl Game: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Teams: Illinois vs. UCLA

Date: December 31, 2011

Time: 3:30 PM ET on ESPN

This game is a funny one. You have one team with a losing record, UCLA 6-7, and one that is even at 6-6.

These two teams are in similar situations. Both had very lackluster seasons, and both teams saw their head coach fired.

But even with all that going on, there is some talent still playing in this game.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Jason Ford, RB, Illinois. He has lost some draft stock lately, but he should get a free-agent deal.

4. Tony Dye, safety, UCLA. He plays the position well, but on a team that struggled like UCLA did, his draft stock took a hit. Still, he may go late or as a free agent.

3. Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois. A good position player, he should go as high as the sixth round.

2. Tavon Wilson, CB, Illinois. He is a good corner with speed and coverage skills. He should go as high as the sixth round.

1. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois. A very elusive receiver with great pure receiving skills, Jenkins should go anywhere from the second to the fourth round.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Virginia vs. Auburn

Bowl Game: Chick-fil-A Bowl

Teams: Virginia vs. Auburn

Date: December 31, 2011

Time: 7:30 PM ET on ESPN

A good old-fashioned football game. It's like the kind Grandpa used to watch. Let's just hope it is a bit more exciting.

There is lots of NFL talent in this one.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Corey Mosley, safety, Virginia. Look for Mosley to go in the late rounds or as a free agent.

4. Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia. Conrath is the real deal, and NFL scouts know that. He will probably go as high as the fifth round.

3. Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn. A big old-fashioned lineman. He will most likely go in the fourth or fifth round.

2. Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia. Johnson is a dominant player, and he will be a good NFL player as well. You can expect him to go in the second round.

1. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia. Minnifield has proven himself time and time again. This will be no different. Expect him to be a first- or second-round choice.

TicketCity Bowl: Houston vs. Penn State

Bowl Game: TicketCity Bowl

Teams: Houston vs. Penn State

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 12:00 PM ET on ESPNU

It will be interesting to see what Houston does against that Penn State defense. It will be just as interesting to see what Penn State does in response to the Houston offense.

History tells us defense often wins these kind of matchups.

We will just have to see if history repeats itself.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Sammy Brown, LB, Houston. Brown is a good linebacker, and he will probably go very late in the draft or as a free agent.

4. Case Keenum, QB, Houston. This might surprise some, but Keenum will probably only go as high as the sixth round.

3. Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State. Crawford is an effective defensive player, and he should land on an NFL team somewhere in the fifth round.

2. D'Anton Lynn, CB, Penn State. Lynn, like Crawford, will probably go in the fifth round.

1. Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Still will be a great choice for any team. He is dominant and aggressive. Expect him to go in the first round.

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Bowl Game: Outback Bowl

Teams: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM ET on ABC

This will be one of the few real intriguing matchups of the bowl season. Both these teams are coming off a loss in their respective conference championship games.

It will be interesting to see which team wants it more.

One thing for sure: There is enough talent on these two teams to fill up an NFL scout book.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Drew Butler, punter, Georgia. Yes, a punter makes this list, but it is only because he is incredible—so much so that an NFL team may choose him as high as the sixth round.

4. Brian Linthicum, TE, Michigan State. Linthicum is an exceptional player with all the right skills. At 6'4" and 245 lbs, he will make the transition well. Expect him to go as high as the fifth round.

3. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State. A seasoned quarterback with good skills, Cousins will no doubt land on an NFL roster. Expect him to go as low as the third round.

2. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia. An excellent corner and great punt returner, expect Boykin to go in the second round.

1. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia. Big, strong and has a love for the game. Glenn will go in the first round.

Capital One Bowl: Nebraska vs. South Carolina

Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl

Teams: Nebraska vs. South Carolina

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM ET on ESPN

This will be a fun one to watch. Of course, it all depends on which Cornhusker team will show up. If the team that got blown out against Wisconsin shows up, it might be a channel turner.

Both teams have numerous NFL prospects, and they will be good to watch no matter what.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Antonio Allen, safety, South Carolina. He is an excellent safety and will no doubt go as high as the third round.

4. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska. A fierce competitor and angry tackler, David will be an excellent NFL player. Expect him to go in the second or third round.

3. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina. He is a great competitor, and it is no secret that NFL teams are high on this guy. He will go as high as the second round.

2. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska. Just like David, Crick is no secret. He should go in the second round. However, he may even slip into the first.

1. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska. He is a shut-down corner with speed and strength. Look for him to go in the first round.

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl: Ohio State vs. Florida

Bowl Game: TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

Teams: Ohio State vs. Florida

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM ET on ESPN2

This will be the Urban bowl, even if the teams try to ignore it. It will be funny to watch camera shots of someone peeking out of the luxury box curtain. You know that will be Urban Meyer.

Still, it does have a bunch of NFL talent.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Jeff Demps, RB, Florida. A good running back, he should land on an NFL roster. Look for him to go in the fifth round.

4. Jaye Howard, DT, Florida. A solid position player, Howard has been getting serious looks. He will no doubt go as high as the third or fourth round.

3. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State. Another great all-around back with good speed. He will probably go in the third or fourth round.

2. Michael Brewster, center, Ohio State. This is the kind of guy that doesn't get the headlines, but he is about to get a paycheck. Look for Brewster to go in the third or fourth round.

1. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. Another lineman makes good. You can expect this one to go in the first or second round.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Bowl Game: Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio

Teams: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 5:00 PM ET on ESPN

Another premier game with some big-game atmosphere. It will be interesting to see if Wisconsin can shut down that Oregon offense or if Oregon can handle the sheer size of the Badger line.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin. Some think Wilson is a top prospect, and while he is good, he will probably go in the fourth or fifth round.

4. David Paulson, TE, Oregon. A good position player, Paulson should go in the fourth round.

3. Aaron Henry, safety, Wisconsin. Henry should probably be drafted in the third round. However, if he does slip to the fourth, it won't be because of a lack of talent.

2. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin. At 6'4" and 318 lbs, Zeitler is the right size for the NFL. He also plays that kind of game. Expect him to go in the second or third round.

1. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin. Fast, big, agile—you name it. Toon will no doubt go as high as the second round.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

Bowl Game: Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

Date: January 2, 2012

Time: 8:30 PM ET on ESPN

Stanford versus Oklahoma State is probably the best bowl game of the season, or at least the most interesting to watch.

There will be so much NFL talent on that field, and it is hard to narrow it down to just five.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford. A good target at 6'6", Fleener will make some NFL quarterback happy. He will probably land in the second or third round.

4. Levy Adcock, OT, OK State. Adcock will no doubt hit at the second or third round.

3. Markelle Martin, safety, OK State. Martin will take his game to the next level with no problem. He is fast and can cover and tackle well. Look for him to go in the second round.

Addition: Justin Blackmon of OK State will be going pro. Expect him to go in the early rounds.

2. Brandon Weeden, QB, OK State. So he is older than everyone else. He will still make an NFL roster. A team will get his maturity, athletic ability and gun for an arm. Look for him to go in the second round.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. He is only a junior, but he will no doubt be the first pick in the NFL draft.

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

Bowl Game: Allstate Sugar Bowl

Teams: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

Date: January 3, 2012

Time: 8:30 PM ET ESPN

The Sugar Bowl that no one really wanted—but this is the matchup we got, so let's make the best of it. One thing is for sure: There will not be any shortage of sweet talent in this game.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Kevin Koger, TE, Michigan. Koger will be a good addition to any NFL roster. He will probably go in the sixth round.

4. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan. A good player who will have no problem making the transition. He probably is picked in the fourth or fifth round.

3. Eddie Whitley, safety, Virginia Tech. Whitley has been a reliable player. He should be the same at the next level. Fourth or fifth round is where he will probably go.

2. Jaymes Brooks, OG, Virginia Tech. Look for Brooks to land in the third or fourth round.

1. David Molk, center, Michigan. Molk is very consistent and will bring the same to the NFL. He should go in the second or third round.

Discover Orange Bowl: West Virginia vs. Clemson

Bowl Game: Discover Orange Bowl

Teams: West Virginia vs. Clemson

Date: January 4, 2012

Time: 8:30 PM ET on ESPN

West Virginia may be better than people think. Clemson will find out if that is true or not in this bowl.

Both teams have a number of legitimate pro prospects, and they will be fun to watch.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Julian Miller, DE, WV. A great DE, Miller will be fun to watch at the next level. Expect him to go in the fifth round.

4. Chad Diehl, FB, Clemson. Diehl will be someone's pick around the fourth or fifth round.

3. Keith Tandy, CB, WV. A very good corner, Tandy will get the recognition he deserves come draft day. He will most likely go as high as the fourth round.

2. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson. Scouts say that Branch will be a third-round pick or better. If you have seen him play, you know why.

1. Bruce Irvin, LB, WV. A solid linebacker, and at 6'3" and 245 lbs, he will fit right in. Look for him to go as high as the second round.

AT&T Cotton Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arkansas

Bowl Game: AT&T Cotton Bowl

Teams: Kansas State vs. Arkansas

Date: January 6, 2012

Time: 8:00 PM ET on FOX

The Cotton Bowl should be a BCS game, and with this matchup, it is better than most of them this year. It will be a great game with plenty of offense.

A lot of NFL talent will shine in this game.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Tramain Thomas, safety, Arkansas. Thomas will probably be drafted in the sixth round.

4. Tysyn Hartman, safety, Kansas State. Hartman is the safety on the other side of the field, and he will probably go in the sixth round as well.

3. Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas. When you are 6'5" and 271 lbs and you can run a 4.6 40, you are going to get someone's attention. Expect Bequette to get all the attention he needs in Round 4.

2. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas. He has worked his way up the NFL ladder. With all his hard work, it will probably pay off with a fourth-round pick.

1. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas. Adams has been amazing this year, and he will no doubt find himself on an NFL roster. Expect him to go in the second or third round.

BBVA Compass Bowl: SMU vs. Pitt

Bowl Game: BBVA Compass Bowl

Teams: SMU vs. Pitt

Date: January 7, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM ET on ESPN

SMU vs. Pitt in the BBVA Compass Bowl. It sounds like alphabet soup, but the game should be better than that.

Southern Methodist started the year on fire but had a few issues along the way. Meanwhile, Pitt had a season that was less than expected.

The two teams will meet in the BBVA Compass Bowl in hopes of finding direction. Meanwhile, let's direct our attention to the top five NFL prospects that will be playing in the game.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Kelvin Beachum, OG, SMU. A good lineman, he will probably go in the seventh round or land as a free agent.

4. Taylor Thompson, DE, SMU. Thompson is 6'6" and 287 lbs, and he runs a 4.8 40. He will be a seventh-round pick.

3. Max Gruder, LB, Pitt. A sixth-rounder, Gruder will make a good addition to any roster.

2. Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt. Nix will be a second-round pick at worst. He is a good position player, and most scouts see him going high.

1. Brandon Lindsey, LB, Pitt. Lindsey could be a first-round pick. Only time will tell, but it will be surprising if he slips past the second.

GoDaddy.com Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois

Bowl Game: GoDaddy.com Bowl

Teams: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois

Date: January 8, 2012

Time: 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

Both of these teams have had excellent seasons, each having won 10 games.

It will be interesting to see how they match up.

While they don't have a lot of NFL prospects on their rosters, they do have some.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Scott Wedige, center, Northern Illinois. Scott Wedige will most likely get his chance somewhere, but it will probably be as a free agent.

4. Demario Davis, LB, Ark State. Davis is a good solid player, and he may get a chance to make a roster as a free agent.

3. Kelcie McCray, safety, Ark State. Probably goes in the seventh round or as a free agent.

2. Mathew Sims, kicker, Northern Illinois. A solid kicker, Sims may land on a NFL roster.

1. Chandler Harnish, QB Northern Illinois. If you don't know this guy's name, you should. He is an incredible player, and you can expect some NFL team to take a chance on him. He could go as high as the fifth round.

Allstate BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. LSU

Bowl Game: Allstate BCS National Championship Game

Teams: Alabama vs. LSU

Date: January 9, 2012

Time: 8:30 PM ET on ESPN

The hope for this game is that it won't be like the first one. Defensive battles are good once in a while, but let's hope both offenses get in the game this time.

Another thing to consider is that most of the NFL prospects that are entering the draft next year come from the Crimson Tide—which should scare the rest of the nation to realize that LSU is a fairly young team with a lot of talent coming back.

Top five NFL prospects in this bowl game

5. Brandon Taylor, safety, LSU. Part of that incredible defense, Taylor will most likely go in the fifth or sixth round.

4. William Vlachos, center, Alabama. A very consistent player and steady at the position, Vlachos will no doubt go as high as the fifth round.

3. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama. An impressive player, Chapman will be impressed come draft day when he goes in the second or third round.

2. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama. Upshaw is a very impressive 'backer. He will no doubt go in the second round.

1. Mark Barron, safety, Alabama. Barron is good enough to be chosen in the first round. Will he? Only time will tell, but he won't slip past the second round.