College Football Bowl Games Today: The schedule includes three matchups

Our main aim is to provide information here on the website of your country’s newspaper. That’s why we think we should inform you about something important to know about the holidays. Contrary to popular belief, Boxing Day has nothing to do with fistfights. Shocking, I know. In reality, it’s all about football.

Well, that’s probably only the case in the United States. But if you like the college game, there are three competitions to help you pass the time. Here’s Thursday’s bowl lineup, with action taking place from the Great Lakes to the desert Southwest to the Gulf Coast.

We explain each of them and explain why they are worth seeing.

Time/TV/Location: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN, Detroit.

Why watch: The Boxing Day tripleheader begins with this clash of industrial cities in the Motor City. It was the story of two seasons for the Panthers, who started 7-0 and appeared to be in the hunt for the ACC title before ending with a five-game losing streak. The Rockets also stumbled late, losing their last two games, but had some better results early in the campaign. Pitt’s struggles down the stretch were due in part to QB Eli Holstein missing time with various injuries, and his recent ankle issue leaves his status for this contest uncertain. If he can’t go, the offense will likely be in the hands of little-used rookie David Lynch, with backup Nate Yarnell in the portal. Toledo should have most of its starters available, including QB Tucker Gleason and WRs Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross.

Why it might disappoint: A mismatch is always possible when the group of four meets the group of five. But the Rockets have picked up a win in SEC country before, so hopefully it will be a competitive affair.

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Time/TV/Location: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Phoenix.

Why watch: We could have a case here where the team with the better record is actually less happy with it. The Wildcats were expected to compete for the Big 12 crown and they were there for most of the season before losing three of their last four. The Scarlet Knights have already secured consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2011-12 and are now seeking their first consecutive bowl victories since 2009. K-State QB Avery Johnson is an outstanding athlete who still makes ill-advised decisions at times. He should still have primary RB DJ Giddens with him in the backfield, but top WR Jayce Brown is in the portal. Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis will be without draft-eligible workhorse RB Kyle Monangai and will have to shoulder more of the load.

Why it might disappoint: Any contest with Rutgers could end in a defensive battle – that’s just the Scarlet Knights’ style. But the Wildcats’ games have rarely been dull this season. Yes, there were a few exceptions, but in both cases it doesn’t look like a defeat.

Time/TV/Location: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN, Mobile, Ala.

Why watch: The day ends with this potentially entertaining shootout in the Yellowhammer State. The Red Wolves suffered some setbacks in non-conference play, but picked up enough wins in the Sun Belt to reach the postseason. The Falcons also have star power, but were slow early in MAC competition and missed the title game. QB Jaylen Raynor is the driving force for Arkansas State and its main big-play weapon is WR Corey Rucker. Bowling Green counters with TE Harold Fannin JR., one of the best players in the country at his position with 100 catches for 1,342 yards and deliveries from QB Connor Bazelak.

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College Football Bowl Games Today: The schedule includes three matchups

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