Today's bowl game lineup

A look at the bowl games on tap for today, featuring five Big Ten teams in action.

TICKETCITY

Northwestern (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-5)

• When: 11 a.m.
• Where: Dallas
• TV: ESPNU
• The buzz: At Cotton Bowl because postseason game of that name moved last season to the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium. The contest itself? It's a Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup, but the teams involved are middling squads from those leagues.
• The line: Texas Tech by 9 1/2
• The pick: Texas Tech, 38-23

OUTBACK

Florida (7-5) vs. Penn State (7-5)

• When: Noon
• Where: Tampa, Fla.
• TV: KCRG
• The buzz: Neither team played all that well, but Urban Meyer's resignation gives this some cachet. Maybe his departure will provide impetus for Florida to have a clue on offense.
• The line: Florida by 7
• The pick: Florida, 23-20

CAPITAL ONE

Alabama (9-3) vs. Michigan State (11-1)

• When: Noon
• Where: Orlando, Fla.
• TV: ESPN
• The buzz: Michigan State irked it's not in the BCS; Alabama miffed it lost three times this season and that archrival Auburn has a chance for the national title. Teams with a chip on their shoulders could provide one of the best postseason matchups.
• The line: Alabama by 10
• The pick: Alabama, 27-23

GATOR

Michigan (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)

• When: 12:30 p.m.
• Where: Jacksonville, Fla.
• TV: ESPN2
• The buzz: Job status of Michigan's Rich Rodriguez the source of numerous rumors. Mississippi State Coach Dan Mullen a hot commodity.
• The line: Mississippi State by 5
• The pick: Mississippi State, 31-27

ROSE

TCU (12-0) vs. Wisconsin (11-1)

• When: 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Pasadena, Calif.
• TV: ESPN
• The buzz: TCU can silence remaining doubters if it can knock off Wisconsin, which has been mauling foes. Strength (Wisconsin's rush offense) vs. strength (TCU's rush defense) and brawn (Wisconsin) vs. speed (TCU) matchup.
• The line: TCU by 2 1/2
• The pick: TCU, 24-20

FIESTA

Connecticut (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (11-2)

• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Glendale, Ariz.
• TV: ESPN
• The buzz: Rules say Big East champ gets a BCS bid. Still, if big Huskies offensive line can carve out some running room for RB Jordan Todman, this could be closer than expected.
• The line: Oklahoma by 17
• The pick: Oklahoma, 31-17

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