Bowl capsules

ARMED FORCES BOWL

Southern Methodist vs. Army

When: Thursday, 9 a.m. PST.

Where: Dallas.

On the air: ESPN.

About Southern Methodist (7-6): The Mustangs have completed a remarkable turnaround under Coach June Jones. The SMU program went 25 years without earning a bowl bid and suffered some of the most severe sanctions in NCAA history. Jones, who is in his third season at SMU, is leading the program to its second consecutive bowl. The Mustangs are coming off a 17-7 loss to Central Florida in the Conference USA championship game. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Padron and sophomore running back Zach Line are among a wave of underclassmen leading SMU’s resurgence.

About Army (6-6): The Black Knights are playing in their first bowl game since 1996. Army relied on a strong rushing attack, ranking ninth nationally with 260.3 yards a game. A potent offensive line and the steady play of sophomore dual-threat quarterback Trent Steelman resulted in the Black Knights giving up seven sacks all season.

Watchability: 3 out of 5 stars.

PINSTRIPE BOWL

Syracuse vs. Kansas State

When: Thursday, 12:30 p.m. PST.

Where: New York.

On the air: ESPN.

About Syracuse (7-5, 4-3 Big East): The Orange will be making its first bowl appearance since the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl. For the third time in its program’s history, the Orange will face Kansas State in a bowl (1997 Fiesta, 2001 Insight).

About Kansas State (7-5, 3-5 Big 12): The Wildcats are back in a bowl for the first time since 2006. Daniel Thomas leads the Kansas State attack. The senior running back rushed for a career-high 1,495 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Watchability: 3 out of 5 stars.

MUSIC CITY BOWL

Tennessee vs. North Carolina

When: Thursday, 3:30 p.m. PST.

Where: Nashville.

On the air: ESPN.

About Tennessee (6-6, 3-5 SEC): The Volunteers struggled through the first two months of the season but went unbeaten in November to become bowl eligible. Along the way, freshman Tyler Bray replaced Matt Simms at quarterback and helped Tennessee rank fourth in the Southeastern Conference in passing.

About North Carolina (7-5, 4-4 ACC): An NCAA investigation linking former assistant coach John Blake to agent Gary Wichard as well as academic violations at the school depleted the Tar Heels’ roster and crippled an otherwise promising season. Quarterback T.J. Yates has been a bright spot in his senior year, passing for 265.3 yards a game.

Watchability: 3 out of 5 stars.

HOLIDAY BOWL

Nebraska vs. Washington

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Where: San Diego.

On the air: ESPN.

About Nebraska (10-3, 6-2 Big 12): The Cornhuskers traveled to Washington on Sept. 18 and routed the Huskies, 56-21. Nebraska rushed for 383 yards and limited Washington quarterback Jack Locker to four completions in 20 attempts.

About Washington (6-6, 5-4 Pac 10): The Huskies posted an 0-12 record during the 2008 season, prompting Washington administrators to make a coaching change. Second-year Coach Steve Sarkisian’s team completed its comeback from college football’s cellar with a 35-28 last-minute win over rival Washington State in the Apple Cup to claim bowl eligibility for the first time since 2002.

Watchability: 1 of 5 stars.

— Orlando Sentinel