Saturday’s college football bowl games

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Nevada (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: New Orleans

TV: ESPN

The buzz: The Ragin’ Cajuns may as well book permanent reservations for the New Orleans Bowl. Louisiana-Lafayette is making its fourth consecutive trip for the game. The team swept the last three matchups. Terrance Broadway has been a strong leader at quarterback as expected, but running back Elijah McGuire also has proved to be a strong threat for a Louisiana-Lafayette offense ranked No. 26 nationally in rushing yards per game (228.4). Nevada has leaned on its own veteran quarterback, Cody Fajardo, to keep the ball moving. Fajardo is 225 of 376 passing this season for 2,374 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also leads the team in rushing with 997 yards and 13 touchdowns on 164 carries. The Wolf Pack nearly upset Arizona early in the season, falling, 35-28. Nevada figured to be a Mountain West title contender, but the team’s defense struggled to stop Boise State, Colorado State, Air Force and Fresno State.

New Mexico Bowl

Utah State (9-4) vs. Texas El Paso (7-5)

Time: 2:20 p.m.

Location: Albuquerque

TV: ESPN

The buzz: Senior linebacker Zach Vigil is an imposing force who anchors the Utah State defense that ranks No. 21 nationally in points allowed (20.8 per game). Vigil led the Mountain West in tackles (145) and tackles for a loss (19.5), earning the league’s defensive player of the year award. Sophomore linebacker Nick Vigil, Zach’s younger brother, also delivered big plays for the Utah State defense, with the brothers both earning first team All-Mountain West honors. UTEP is counting on its offensive line and its variety of rushing weapons to overwhelm the Vigil brothers and the rest of the Utah State defense. The Miners rank No. 34 nationally in rushing yards per game (212.7) and wore down Conference USA defenses with its powerful attack. Sophomore tailback Aaron Jones leads the team with 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns on 217 carries. While most defenses focus on stopping the run, Jameill Showers occasionally surprises with quick passing strikes. He has recorded 1,732 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

No. 22 Utah (8-4) vs. Colorado State (10-2)

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Location: Las Vegas

TV: ABC

The buzz: It’s a meeting of two teams that wildly exceeded expectations but fell short of conference titles. The Utes had struggled to compete in the Pac-12 and are making their first bowl appearance since 2011, while Colorado State is seeking bowl wins to cap consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. Colorado State is playing without coach Jim McElwain, who has taken over running the Florida Gators. Despite his absence, the Rams’ prolific option should still perform at a high level. Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson earned Mountain West offensive player of the year honors after passing for 3,779 yards and 32 touchdowns, while receiver Rashard Higgins picked up All-America honors. The team ranks No. 8 nationally in yards per game (326.3) and No. 22 in points scored per game (35.9). Utah turned heads with wins over UCLA and USC, with the Utes relying on a balanced run and pass attack. Devontae Booker led Utah with 1,350 yards and nine touchdowns on 266 carries, while quarterback Travis Wilson was 173-of-287 passing for 2,012 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Western Michigan (8-4) vs. Air Force (9-3)

Time: 5:45 p.m.

Location: Boise, Idaho

TV: ESPN

The buzz: Air Force is one of the few teams to hand No. 20 Boise State and Colorado State losses this season. The Falcons also topped rivals Navy and Army to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for a record 19th time. The Falcons used a potent ground attack to control time of possession, ranking No. 8 nationally in rushing yards per game (272.2). Quarterback Kale Pearson led a reliable passing attack, delivering 1,513 yards and 14 touchdowns through the air. Coach P.J. Fleck led Western Michigan’s major improvement, going from 1-11 last season to an 8-4 mark this year. The Broncos are 0-5 in bowl games and chasing the first victory in school history. Like many Mid-American Conference teams, Western Michigan sets the tone with its strong offense. The team ranks No. 32 nationally in points per game (34.6) and No. 37 in passing yards per game (264.8). Running back Jarvion Franklin earned MAC offensive player and freshman of the year honors after recording 1,525 yards and 24 touchdowns on 294 carries.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

South Alabama (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (7-6)

Time: 9:15 p.m.

Location: Montgomery, Ala.

TV: ESPN

The buzz: A four-game win streak in September and October helped lift South Alabama to the program’s first bowl game. The school started competing in football in 2009 and has made a quick transition to the highest division of college football. Receiver Shavarez Smith is one of the Jaguars’ top offensive threats, while defensive linemen Jerome McClain and Theo Rich join linebacker Maleki Harris lead the defense. South Alabama enters the bowl game on a two-game losing streak, Bowling Green is looking to snap a three-game skid. The Falcons are also seeking their first bowl victory since 2004. The team won five of six games midseason to help propel its run to the MAC title game and bowl bid. Quarterback James Knapke led Bowling Green with 2,805 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. The Falcons have to set the tone with their offense. The team’s defense has struggled at times this season and ranks No. 109 nationally after giving up 33.9 points per game.