Today’s bowl games
FENWAY BOWL
Louisville (7-5) vs. Cincinnati (9-3)
8 a.m.: Fenway Park, Boston
On the air: ESPN
Line: Louisville 11 ⁄2
What’s at stake: The rivals have played for the Keg of Nails since 1929. It's the 54th meeting between the teams, which are about 100 miles apart along the Ohio River, but the first in the postseason.
Key matchup: Louisville interim coach Deion Branch vs. Cincinnati interim coach Kerry Coombs. With Scott Satterfield leaving Louisville to take the Cincinnati job, both sidelines will have temporary leaders. Coombs was the Bearcats cornerbacks coach and special teams coordinator.
CELEBRATION BOWL
Jackson State (12-0) vs. N.C. Central (9-2) 9 a.m.: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
On the air: Ch. 10
Line: Jackson State by 15 1⁄2
What’s at stake: North Carolina Central is trying to win its first HBCU national championship since 2006 and become the third team in school history to win 10 or more games. Jackson State is looking to wrap up its first undefeated season in its final game under coach Deion Sanders, who has been hired as Colorado's coach.
Key matchup: North Carolina Central QB Davis Richard vs. Jackson State's defense. Richard (MEAC offensive player of the year) leads the Eagles with 691 rushing yards and 13 TDs while passing for 2,486 yards and 24 TDs. Jackson State leads FCS in seven defensive categories, including averages of 11.2 points and 233.2 yards allowed per game.
LAS VEGAS BOWL
Florida (6-6) vs. No. 17 Oregon State (9-3) 11:30 am.: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
On the air: ESPN
Line: Oregon State by 101 ⁄2
What’s at stake: The Beavers hope to achieve the third 10-win season in program history. Florida hopes to avoid its second losing season in a row.
Key matchup: Florida RBs RB Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne vs. Oregon State's front seven. Especially with the Gators starting backup QB Jack Miller, they will need to establish a strong running game. Oregon State is 20th nationally against the run, allowing 114 yards a game.
LA BOWL Washington St. (7-5) vs. Fresno St. (9-4) 12:30 p.m.: On the air: Line: What’s at stake:
Sofi Stadium, Inglewood
Ch. 10
Fresno State by 31 ⁄2
The Mountain West champion Bulldogs can become the first FBS team to win 10 games after starting the season 1-4. Cougars are trying to win a bowl game for the first time since the 2018 Alamo Bowl. Key matchup: Fresno State QB Jake Haener vs. Washington State's secondary. Haener has been sensational since returning from the fractured ankle he sustained Sept. 17 against USC, throwing 14 touchdown passes to two interceptions in six games.
LENDINGTREE BOWL Southern Miss (6-6) vs Rice (5-7 2:45 p.m.:
Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Ala.
On the air: ESPN
Line: Southern Miss by 61 ⁄2
What’s at stake: Southern Miss wants to finish with a winning record and Rice is hoping to capitalize on its first bowl appearance since 2014.
Key matchup: Rice's blockers against a Southern Miss pass rush that ranks sixth nationally with 3.25 sacks per game and third with an average of 8.4 tackles for loss.
NEW MEXICO BOWL
BYU (7-5) vs. SMU (7-5)
4:30 p.m.: University Stadium, Albuquerque
On the air: Ch. 10
Line: SMU by 4
What’s at stake: The Mustangs have a chance to go into the offseason riding a four-game winning streak and cap coach Rhett Lashlee's first season with a victory. The independent Cougars, who will be joining the Big 12 next season, are also looking to add to a three-game winning streak.
Key matchup: SMU QB Tanner Mordecai vs. recently hired BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Mordecai leads an offense that averages 38.4 points a game (11th nationally). The Mustangs will be without top receiver Rashee Rice, who has opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Hill will be overseeing a beleaguered defense that has allowed 30 points a game and almost 410 yards of total offense.
FRISCO BOWL
North Texas (7-6) vs. Boise State (9-4) 6:15 p.m.: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
On the air: ESPN
Line: Boise State by 101 ⁄2
What’s at stake: Boise State can reach 10 wins for the 18th time in the past 24 seasons. North Texas fired coach Seth Littrell after the C-USA title game loss that gave him a 44-44 record over seven seasons. Defensive coordinator and former SMU head coach Phil Bennett will be the interim coach.
Key matchup: Boise State is fifth nationally allowing only 160.7 yards passing per game and 11 TDs.North Texas QB Austin Aune has thrown a school-record 32 touchdowns while throwing for 254 yards per game.