Saturday’s bowl games

NEW MEXICO BOWL

WYOMING (6-6) VS. FRESNO STATE (8-4)

* Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. PST, Albuquerque, ESPN.

* About Wyoming: The Cowboys were preseason picks to finish last in the Mountain West Conference but went 4-4, good for fifth in the nine-team league. They earned a bowl invitation in their first year under Coach Dave Christensen while playing the eighth-toughest schedule in the country.

* Worth noting: Fresno State, which has won seven of its last eight games, has 15 wins over schools from BCS conferences since 2000, tied with Utah for the most of any non-BCS team.

* Prediction: Fresno State 45, Wyoming 44.

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

CENTRAL FLORIDA (8-4) VS. RUTGERS (8-4)

* Kickoff: 5 p.m PST, St. Petersburg, Fla., ESPN

* About Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights are making their fifth consecutive bowl appearance thanks to a stout defense that ranks 15th nationally in scoring defense. Freshman QB Tom Savage leads the offense, often connecting with standout WR Tim Brown.

* About Central Florida: Junior DE Bruce Miller, the Conference USA defensive player of the year, anchors a strong defense that is No. 4 nationally in rushing defense (82.5 ypg). Senior QB Brett Hodges, a transfer from Wake Forest, leads the offense, and sophomore Brynn Harvey powers the rushing attack.

* Prediction: Rutgers 20, Central Florida 17.

-- Orlando Sentinel