Most important player on every team in each bowl matchup

The SWAC Defensive Player of the Year finished fourth in the conference in tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles this year. Grambling State has allowed a league-low 17 points per game, and Christmas is a huge reason why.

Parker finished the season as the MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, securing the award for the third straight year. He had a dominating year at left tackle, allowing zero sacks and anchoring a line that protected the top aerial attack in the conference. There were two Aggies on opening day NFL rosters in 2017. Parker will probably be the next one.

It’s another year in which Alabama is blessed with one of the best running games. Clemson has one of the best defensive lines in the country to counter, and one of those dominant players in the trenches is Clelin Ferrell. The redshirt sophomore end has 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks for the season. If the Tigers want to contain the Crimson Tide and beat Alabama for the second straight year, he will need him to perform well.

Alabama has been hurting without a number of key linebackers, so the Chuck Bednarik Award winner for defensive player of the year needs to step up. Fitzpatrick is an excellent defensive back in coverage, but he will need to step in to help the backup linebackers with tackles in the open field against a dangerous Clemson team.

When you win the Heisman Trophy, there is no one more important than you. In this bowl game, Mayfield faces the fourth-best defense in the country in terms of points per game. He has been a master at solving coverages this year, throwing for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns. With a spot in the National Championship Game on the line, the Sooners will need him to figure out Georgia’s defense.

Oklahoma will be tough to stop on offense, but sometimes the best defense is the offense. Georgia running back Nick Chubb has been a master at moving the ball in the SEC. If he can keep the chain gang busy with some runs, the ball will be kept out of Baker Mayfield’s hands. Chubb can be both the offensive and defensive MVP this game.

Notre Dame has one heck of a running back in Josh Adams, and LSU will need someone to track him when he comes down the chute. Enter Devin White. The sophomore linebacker leads the Tigers with 127 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, and an interception. He will need to be on his game to stop Notre Dame’s rushing attack.

LSU’s top-20 defense can be suffocating. Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush needs to provide the Fighting Irish with fresh air. He doesn’t have a very accurate arm, but with the Tigers focusing on stopping Josh Adams, he needs to be a threat to keep LSU honest.

While his availability for the Peach Bowl is in question, Kerryon Johnson will be the most important player on or off the field. Johnson has gained 1,508 yards from scrimmage and scored 19 times. He is the key for Auburn to move the chains while running the clock and keeping the UCF offense on the sideline. The game will be completely different if he is not on the field.

The AAC Offensive Player of the Year made a name for himself with huge throws and late-game heroics. Milton guided UCF to a New Year's Six Bowl by slinging the ball for 3,795 yards and 35 touchdowns. With the Knights running into a dangerous Auburn defense, the team will need his accurate arm to move the ball.

The Gamecocks have only given up 20.8 points per game this season, and at the center of it all is their senior linebacker. Moore has accounted for 88 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions, including one he took to the house. Michigan has a stable of running backs to deal with, and Moore will be tasked as the one to stop the rushing attack.

Not a lot has gone right for the Wolverines, but Rashan Gary has been a bright spot for the team. Gary heads into the Outback Bowl with 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He is a load to deal with in the trenches, and South Carolina will have a lot of trouble trying to stop him.

Wisconsin has a knack for picking up good running backs, and Taylor is just the next man to wow Badgers fans from the backfield. The freshman didn’t run like a fish out of water, gaining 1,847 yards with 13 touchdowns in his first year on campus. Miami has stuffed the run most of the year, only allowing 3.6 yards per carry, but Taylor can shatter the Hurricanes' hopes of victory if he has a big game

No one held the turnover chain more than Jaquan Johnson this year. The Miami defensive back comes into the Orange Bowl with four interceptions and recovered two fumbles. He can also mix things up with three tackles for loss and a sack. The Badgers are averaging over one interception per game this year, and Johnson can be the man to break the hearts of Badgers fans.

Saquon Barkley is the beginning and end of Penn State’s offense. Everything the Nittany Lions do is based on his ability to explode past the line, and they will need his 2,100-plus all-purpose yards to run over the Huskies. After a disappointing season by Penn State’s standards, he can at least send Nittany Lions fans home happy one last time.

Washington had a couple weapons this year, but no one was more dangerous than Dante Pettis. The senior wideout gained 721 receiving yards with seven touchdowns, but he was also a game changer in special teams, taking back four punts for scores and averaging 19.5 yards per return. No one can turn the tide like Pettis, and the Huskies will need that game-breaking ability against Penn State.

The Memphis Tigers are getting their time in the college football sun, and Riley Ferguson is a huge part of that. The senior quarterback has nearly 4,000 yards for the season with 36 touchdowns. Iowa State already shocked one great quarterback in Baker Mayfield early in the year. If Memphis wants to win, Ferguson will be the key.

It’s rare to find a player who will play on offense and defense. Iowa State’s Joel Lanning is one of those gems. Not only has the converted quarterback flourished as a linebacker by leading the team with 110 tackles and five sacks, but he is the third-leading rusher on the team and has thrown for a touchdown pass. This jack-of-all-trades is literally all over the field, and Memphis should expect to see a lot of him.

Mississippi State has quite the puzzle to solve with Lamar Jackson, and Montez Sweat will be the key to figuring him out. The junior lineman seems to have gotten over his issues at Michigan State, accounting for 12.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. If the Bulldogs want to stop the former Heisman Trophy winner, Sweat will need to keep up the pressure.

It was another incredible season from last year’s Heisman Trophy winner. Lamar Jackson followed up his runaway Heisman season with a monster 3,489-yard passing, 1,443-yard rushing year for Louisville. He also accounted for 42 scores on his own. The Cardinals are only going to go as far as Jackson takes them.

In his senior year, Barrett has complete control over the Buckeyes' offense. He has nearly 3,000 passing yards with 35 touchdowns and is also still a threat to run, gaining 743 yards on the ground and adding 10 touchdowns. This dynamic threat will give USC nightmares.

All eyes were on Sam Darnold to lead USC this year, but it has been Ronald Jones II who has been the Trojans' best player. The junior running back gained 1,673 yards from scrimmage and added 19 touchdowns headed into the Cotton Bowl. While the hype is all around Darnold, it is Jones who powers this offense.

Hidden in the Sun Belt Conference is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation. That is Tyler Rogers. The senior quarterback has thrown for 3,825 passing yards in 11 games with 26 touchdowns. New Mexico State is 3-0 when Rogers throws for over 400 yards. The Aggies might need that to succeed against a stingy Utah State defense.

Davis is one of the finest corners in the country, and the Aggies will need his versatility to contain New Mexico’s fourth-ranked passing attack. The senior cornerback is all over the field, accounting for five picks and taking the ball to the end zone three times. He also mixes it up in the backfield, racking up five tackles for loss and four sacks as a defensive back. New Mexico State will need to know where he is at all times.

The Music City Bowl features two great running backs, and the feature back is Justin Jackson. The Wildcats top back gained 1,420 yards from scrimmage, leading to the team to a 9-3 record for the year. Northwestern’s success is always tied to how well No. 21 is going.

The Wildcats are running into the stout rushing defense of Northwestern. That means Kentucky will need running back Benjamin Snell Jr. to perform. Snell was able to gain over 1,300 rushing yards for 18 touchdowns. If he can solve the defense of those other Wildcats, Kentucky may come out on top.

The Sun Devils face an NC State that can put up some points, and they will need JoJo Wicker to step up. The defensive tackle has 12 tackles for loss and six sacks. Arizona State can score, but it will need Wicker to stop the Wolfpack.

NC State’s defensive success is always linked to how college football’s Defensive Player of the Year Bradley Chubb is doing. The Bronko Nagurski Award winner is questionable for the Sun Bowl, but he can dominate Arizona State with his 23 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. If he’s in the game, Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins will need to watch his back.

After the firing of head coach Kevin Sumlin, the Aggies need a win to go into the offseason on a high note. Senior cornerback Armani Watts can be the X-factor of the game, leading Texas A&M with four interceptions. If he can keep his head, he will be able to keep Wake Forest's passing game at bay.

No one expected Wake Forest to put up points, but quarterback John Wolford changed all those perceptions. He tossed 25 touchdowns to help the Demon Deacons average 33.7 points per game this year. He will need to guide this offense to scores to keep up with Texas A&M.

Facing Luke Falk is a tough task, and Spartans defensive back David Dowell will need to be in tip-top shape to keep up with Falk’s top target, Tavares Martin Jr. Dowell has five interceptions heading into the game, and he could change the landscape of the matchup with a turnover.

Washington State made some noise in the Pac-12 this year, and Falk was at the center of it again. He comes into the Holiday Bowl throwing for 3,593 yards and 30 touchdowns. He faces a stout Michigan State defense that is tough on quarterbacks. The Cougars will need him to play well.

TCU’s defense only gave up 17.6 points per game, and a lot of it had to do with Mat Boesen’s work at defensive end. His 14.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks this season have been invaluable to the Horned Frogs. He will need to be on his game to stop Bryce Love and Stanford.

Stanford running backs are always the bridesmaid but never the bride when it comes the Heisman Trophy. Still, if Stanford wants to win, it will need Bryce Love to run wild on TCU’s vaunted defense. His 2,006 yards from scrimmage this season should cause problems for the Horned Frogs.

Rudolph had the misfortune of sharing the Big 12 with Heisman winner Baker Mayfield, but he is a great quarterback in his own right. The senior threw for 4,553 yards and 35 touchdowns. Virginia Tech has a monster a defense he will need to solve for the Cowboys to be successful.

Virginia Tech is the fifth-best defense by way of points allowed, and Tremaine Edmunds should get a lot of the credit. The linebacker has 101 tackles with 14 tackles for loss. People give plenty of credit to quarterback Mason Rudolph for Oklahoma State’s success, but stopping running back Justice Hill is important, too. That responsibility will fall on Edmunds.

Navy has the second-best rushing attack, and Abey has been the main weapon. Not only does he have 1,325 yards rushing with 15 total touchdowns, but he’s thrown for 805 yards with seven scores. He will need to keep the ball moving if Navy wants to win the Military Bowl for the troops.

Kiser had himself a year. He comes into the Military Bowl with 132 tackles, including 9.5 for loss. He will be expected to be the man to stop Navy’s deadly rushing attack.

The SEC isn’t known as a quarterback conference, but Drew Lock might change that thinking. The all-conference first-team slinger has 3,695 yards so far with 43 touchdowns to lead the SEC. He has been a huge factor in Missouri’s six-game winning streak, and the Tigers will need him to stay hot to succeed.

Turf toe will most likely keep Malik Jefferson out of the Texas Bowl, and the Longhorns will miss him. Johnson will need to step up in his absence, and he appears to be up to the task with six tackles for loss and two sacks to his name. With the defense missing some players against a high-scoring Missouri offense, he will be looked upon to step up.

Bailey anchors Purdue’s stout defense. The redshirt sophomore has a nose for the ball, totaling 78 tackles, including 10 for loss, and team-high seven sacks. With Khalil Tate posing a credible threat as a running quarterback, Purdue will need him to be on his game to be successful.

Tate burst onto the scene after gashing Colorado for 327 yards and continued his dynamic assault on the Pac-12 since. He has been slowed by injuries in recent weeks, but when he is healthy, he can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks on the run. Boilermakers beware.

There are freshman sensations, and then there is Dillon. After choosing BC over schools like Florida State, Michigan and Nebraska, he has torn up the ACC, gaining 1,432 yards rushing and finding the end zone 13 times. The Golden Eagles will need him to move the ball in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Iowa shocked the world by beating Ohio State and nearly beating Penn State. Jewell was a big reason why the Hawkeyes were in those games. The senior linebacker has notched 121 tackles so far with 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. He will be all over the field during the Pinstripe Bowl.

Florida State’s season crumbled after the first week, but the Seminoles find themselves in a bowl game and Burns is a big reason why. The 225-pound defensive end plays fast, shedding blocks and blowing up plays in the backfield. He accounted for 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Ito Smith better note where Burns is at all times.

For three years, Smith has been the driving force of the Southern Miss offense. He will be looked to once again in the Independence Bowl. Smith has amassed 1,691 yards from scrimmage. If Southern Miss moves the ball, you can bet Smith has something to do with it.

The UCLA wunderkind quarterback is probably leaving for the NFL next year but not before carving up another college team one last time. Rosen finished the season with 3,717 passing yards and 26 scores. He is the UCLA offense.

UCLA quarterbacks better be aware of where D.J. Reed is at all times. The junior defensive back is questionable to play the game, but if he’s in, he can make things very difficult. His four interceptions lead the team, and his ball awareness will be an asset if he plays.

Duke is going to find out that Sutton Smith is no one to mess with. Smith destroyed the NIU tackles for loss record with 29 backfield takedowns and added 14 sacks. He also found the end zone twice on fumble recovers, so Duke players better protect the ball in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Duke had a top-25 defense, and you can credit Joe Giles-Harris for that. The redshirt sophomore led the team with 117 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks. Northern Illinois’ rushing offense will be tested with Giles-Harris patrolling the middle of the field.

His participation in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl is doubtful, but his presence in or out of the game is worth noting. Grier is the facilitator in the Mountaineers' high-flying offense, throwing for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns in 11 games. So much of West Virginia’s success is dependent on him; his suiting up will greatly affect the chances of winning.

Utah didn’t have the year it wanted to have on offense, but Zack Moss has given Utes fans plenty to be excited about. He led Utah with 1,257 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Look for him to eat the clock to keep West Virginia’s offense on the bench.

If you don’t know Ed Oliver, the AAC Defensive Player of Year will be a household name still. He is one of the most disruptive tackles in the country, logging 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks despite facing constant double and triple teams. He will be a destructive force Fresno State will have a hard time containing.

The Bulldogs rank ninth in the country in points allowed, and Allison is a big reason why. The Fresno State linebacker led the team with 113 tackles and forced two fumbles. Houston ball carriers have to look out for him.

The MAC Offensive Player of Year guided the Rockets to a MAC championship in what will be his final year at Toledo. He leaves the team as the first Rockets player to throw over 10,000 yards and set the record for touchdown passes (89). Toledo would  ave been successful without his accurate arm.

The Mountaineers averaged 33.4 points per game this season, and Taylor Lamb was the driving force behind that. The senior threw for 27 touchdowns and added 539 rushing yards with five rushing scores. His dynamic skill set makes Appalachian State a threat to win any game.

Army’s top rushing attack is nearly unstoppable, and Bradshaw is the main weapon. The “quarterback” rushed for 1,566 yards and hit the paint 12 times. The Black Knights’ running game runs like a machine, and he’s the cog that makes it all go.

It’s been a while since San Diego State hasn’t been spoiled by a record-breaking running back. Penny finished the regular season with over 2,000 yards rushing and 21 total touchdowns. He is the engine that powers the Aztecs every game.

Flowers is the South Florida offense. The Second-Team All-AAC quarterback finished the year with 21 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. The Bulls will only go as far as Flowers takes them.

Texas Tech comes into the Birmingham Bowl losing five of its last seven games, but Shimonek has been one of the bright spots this season. The senior quarterback has completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards and 30 touchdowns. If the Red Raiders want to keep pace with the Bulls, they will need his arm.

Josh Allen may be getting a lot of attention as an NFL prospect, but the All-Mountain West safety Wingard has been incredibly valuable to the team. He leads the Cowboys in tackles and shares the lead in interceptions.

Penetration is the name of the game as a defensive lineman, and Ostman breaks through the offensive line more often than not. The senior had 11 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He will be getting in Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen’s grill all day.

Poling ended the year with over 100 tackles and five sacks. The Bobcats will need his expertise in stopping UAB’s offense.

UAB’s return to college football has been successful, and Williams has been a big part of that with five interceptions and 15 passes defended.

Owens may not be available for the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, but that doesn’t mean he's unimportant. FIU’s lone representative on the All-Conference USA First Team will be missed on an offense that has struggled without him and his 887 receiving yards.

Temple didn’t have much of a team, but Randall was one of the standouts. He had 72 tackles at the defensive back position, including 6.5 for loss, and four interceptions.

Hicks had the misfortune of being in the same conference as McKenzie Milton and Quinton Flowers, but his numbers are just as good. The redshirt sophomore threw for 3,442 yards and 32 touchdowns. Look out for this kid next year with Flowers graduating.

Speed rusher is a highly coveted position, and Louisiana Tech has one of the best. Ferguson capped a First-Team All-Conference USA defense selection with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks despite getting regular chips and double teams.

Lane Kiffin needed some help to regain his reputation as a head coach. Singletary provided some. “Motor” finished a Conference USA MVP campaign with 1,796 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns, both school records.

Akron’s lone representative on the All-MAC First Team, Gilbert does it all for the Zips. He has amassed 127 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions (including one pick-six) and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.

The reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year sits atop the conference once again, winning the award for the second year in a row. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. He finished the year with 13 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

Brooks went from cornerback to linebacker after his redshirt year, and it might’ve been the best move for him. The All-Conference Second Team player racked up 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this year.

Gallup fell just shy of winning the Biletnikoff Award given to the best wide receiver in the country, but he was still named a Walter Camp Foundation All-American. His 1,345 receiving yards are the fourth-most in the country.

How about a little love for kickers? Vedvik led the Conference USA with 44.4 yards per pun, and 23 punts inside the 20-yard line, including a 92-yard boomer to flip the field. Add in 64 points on extra points and field goals, and you have one of the best special teams players in the country.

Not a lot has gone right for Oregon this year except Freeman. The senior running back gained 1,475 rushing yards and hit pay dirt 16 times. He may not be playing in a big bowl, but he certainly is leaving Eugene with a bang.

The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year led the Broncos with 129 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. The junior linebacker is the first Boise State defensive player to win the award since 2006.

The diminutive Hart lacks size, but he plays a lot bigger than his 5-8 listed height, gaining 1,121 yards from scrimmage at wide receiver. His production earned him an All-Sun Belt First Team spot.

Behind Mason Fine on the All-Conference USA Team is White, who is quarterbacking the second team. White threw for 3,826 yards and 24 touchdowns. His first love may have been baseball, but football is looking like his future meal ticket.

Blessed with a big arm and receivers that can get the ball, Fine finished the season as the All-Conference USA First-Team quarterback with over 3,700 yards and 28 touchdowns. The Mean Green will need him to sling the ball to have a chance against Troy.

The Trojans made a name for themselves by winning against LSU, and leading the way for their defense is Hunter Reese. The All-Sun Belt First Team linebacker finished the year with 11.5 tackle for loss and five sacks. He will be an impact player for Troy at the New Orleans Bowl.