2011 Bowl Predictions: Which Stars Will We Say Goodbye to Before New Years?

The college bowl season is off and running, and while it is a great time of the year, it also has a negative side of things. Yes, it does mean that football season is rapidly coming to a close, but it also means that some of the top players could be playing their last collegiate game.

Some will graduate, and others may leave for the NFL a little bit early. All have different reasons for leaving, but it's always somewhat disappointing to see some of the top players leave for the next level.

With several games taking place before the new year, here are some of the stars who will or probably be playing in their last college football games.

Temple RB Bernard Pierce

Pierce will probably leave early because his draft stock is as high as it's ever been. He's rushed for over 1,300 yards for the second time in three seasons and had 27 touchdowns. There's really not much more he can do for Temple, and he should be high on most draft boards. He has great size at 6'1", 218 pounds and is a tough runner. Expect him to be one of the first five backs taken in April.

FIU WR T.Y. Hilton

Hilton is a senior wide receiver who pretty much did everything offensively for the Panthers in four seasons. He was a solid receiver, ran the ball well and, of course, was a force on special teams. It's really a shame his last game was a fumble that probably cost the Panthers a bowl victory over Marshall. Hilton is a small receiver, but there is a place for him at the next level—especially with his speed and big play ability. He should be drafted in the third or fourth round.

Boise State QB Kellen Moore

We all know who Kellen Moore is, one of the most successful quarterbacks in recent memory and a big reason for why Boise State is where they are now. He has a 49-3 record as a starter and has thrown for over 3,000 yards in all four seasons. He is a senior, and this will be his last game ever played for the Broncos. Despite all of his success on the college level, there are a lot of questions on whether he can do well in the NFL. Regardless, he is a top 15 quarterback in this draft, and somebody will take a chance on him.

North Carolina DE Quinton Couples

Couples is the top defensive end in the country and will be a very high draft pick in this years draft. He has great size at 6'6", 285 pounds and is very strong. He is fantastic at pass-rushing and can instantly generate pressure on the quarterback with his explosiveness. In four seasons, Couples has 140 tackles, 24 sacks and 32 tackles for loss. He looks to be the next great defensive end for some lucky team.

Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd 

Floyd is the best wide receiver in Notre Dame history, and I know it's going to kill Irish fans to see him go. He has over 250 career receptions, over 3,500 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns in four seasons. Floyd dominated the opposition, and despite being the main receiver on the team, he often finished the game with at least 10 catches. He is one of the top wide receivers in a class loaded with talented wideouts. Expect him to be one of the first few taken.

Baylor QB Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin would be smart to leave on top. He gave Baylor one of the most successful seasons ever, made them relevant and won a Heisman trophy. He also increased his stock through the roof and is considered a top quarterback in this year's draft. He is considered a dual-threat quarterback, but Griffin always looks for the pass first and only runs when he has to. He has a very strong arm and is extremely accurate with the football. Griffin is likely a first-round pick and should have a very successful career in the NFL.

Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles

Broyles has dominated college football, as he's topped 1,000 receiving yards in three straight years. Although, he did suffer an injury this year that required him to miss the remaining three games and the bowl game. He's probably the best receiver in Sooners history, as he broke all kinds of receiving records. He is a strong receiver that has great hands. He should get a shot in the NFL as a slot receiver, but don't expect him to dominate, as he's only 5'10", 188 pounds.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]