TODAY

MOTOR CITY BOWL

Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Northwestern (6-6), 2 p.m. (ESPN) -- The Wildcats haven’t won a bowl game since defeating California, 20-14, in the 1949 Rose Bowl. Ending that skid will be a sizable challenge, given that the Falcons have Josh Harris, a playmaking quarterback who as a sophomore in 2001 rallied Bowling Green to a 43-42 victory over the Wildcats. In that game, the Falcons scored 29 fourth-quarter points, an NCAA record for most points in the fourth quarter by a trailing team. Harris needs only 79 yards to break the Mid-American Conference season record of 4,267 set by Marshall’s Byron Leftwich. Northwestern’s Jason Wright rushed for 1,151 yards, including 251 and four touchdowns in a 37-20 victory over Illinois. Wildcat safety Torri Stuckey was suspended for violating team rules, and his loss could be damaging.

Jay Christensen

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INSIGHT BOWL

California (7-6) vs. Virginia Tech (8-4), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) -- When last spotted, these teams were headed in opposite directions. The Golden Bears needed to win four of their last five to become bowl eligible. The Hokies, with a 6-0 record and designs on a national title, lost four of their last six. California has a balanced offense, with Adimchinobe Echemandu rushing for 1,161 yards, but standout receiver Geoff McArthur’s status is doubtful after he broke his right forearm in practice Sunday. The Golden Bears’ rush defense will be tested by the nation’s No. 8 runner, Kevin Jones, who possesses a rare blend of size and speed. Good news for USC, which plays Virginia Tech on Aug. 28: Jones is giving up his final year of eligibility. He could be the top running back selected in the NFL draft.

-- Jay Christensen