Bowl game previews

TODAY’S BOWL GAMES

Military Bowl

Maryland vs. East Carolina

When: 11:30 a.m. PST.

Where: Washington.

On the air: ESPN.

About Maryland (8-4): Outgoing Coach Ralph Friedgen earned Atlantic Coast Conference coach-of-the-year honors from the media after completing a dramatic turnaround, leading the Terrapins to eight wins after a 2-10 season in 2009. It just didn’t save his job. Maryland was among the contenders for the ACC title thanks to the strong play of freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien, who completed 179 of 315 passes for 2,257 yards and 21 touchdowns with six interceptions.

About East Carolina (6-6): First-year Coach Ruffin McNeill dramatically overhauled his team’s mind-set for offense, importing a passing game similar to that used by his former boss at Texas Tech, Mike Leach. Quarterback Dominique Davis, a Boston College transfer, leads the nation in passing with an average of 308.2 yards a game. The Pirates had a shot at their third consecutive Conference USA Eastern Division title despite massive turnover on the roster, but a suspect defense ultimately derailed those hopes.

Watchability: three out of five stars.

Texas Bowl

Illinois vs. Baylor

When: 3 p.m. PST.

Where: Houston.

On the air: ESPN.

About Illinois (6-6): The Fighting Illini finished on a down note, losing three out of their final four games, but still managed to make the postseason for the first time since the 2008 Rose Bowl. Running back Mikel LeShoure is second in the Big Ten in rushing with 1,513 yards.

About Baylor (7-5): After a 7-2 start, the Bears stumbled down the stretch. Baylor still secured its first bowl berth since 1994. Quarterback Robert Griffin has had a big season, totaling more than 3,600 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Watchability: three out of five stars.

Alamo Bowl

When: 6:15 p.m. PST.

Where: San Antonio.

On the air: ESPN.

About Arizona (7-5): The Wildcats lost their final four games, including a 30-29 double-overtime decision to rival Arizona State in the season finale. Junior quarterback Nick Foles leads a strong passing attack. Arizona ranks No. 9 nationally with an average of 310 passing yards a game.

About Oklahoma State (10-2): The Cowboys lead the nation in total offense, averaging 537.6 yards a game. Most of those yards, 354.7 to be exact, come through the air. Junior quarterback Brandon Weeden and sophomore receiver Justin Blackmon are a prolific combination. Oklahoma State’s defense just couldn’t keep up in key games. The Cowboys lost, 51-41, to Nebraska and 47-41 to Oklahoma.

Watchability: four of five stars.

Orlando Sentinel