College football bowl preview – Players and storylines to watch for every game

College football bowl season is here! Here are the key players and storylines you need to know for every team in every game, starting this week and running all the way through the College Football Playoff.

Friday, Dec. 17

Bahamas Bowl
Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo

Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas
Noon, ESPN and the ESPN App

Middle Tennessee (6-6)

Player to watch: QB Nick Vattiato. Vattiato has been one of many to play quarterback for the Blue Raiders this season, but he’s had the reins of late. He has thrown for 754 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions in five games.

Storyline to watch: Toledo’s 20th-ranked SP+ defense is going to be a difficult task for Vattiato, who is only a freshman. The Middle Tennessee offense has gone through tons of changes during the season, and despite its 7-5 record, Toledo has proved it can be no slouch (like almost beating Notre Dame). — Harry Lyles Jr.

Toledo (7-5)

Player to watch: RB Bryant Koback. The talented running back led the team in rushing yards with 1,274 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Storyline to watch: In its last four games of the season, Toledo went 3-1 and averaged 45.5 points per game. In those four games, Koback had 639 rush yards and 10 touchdowns. If Toledo can get similar production out of Koback against Middle Tennessee State, it has a good chance to come out on top. — Tom VanHaaren

Tailgreeter Cure Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina

Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida
6 p.m., ESPN2 and the ESPN App

Northern Illinois (9-4)

Player to watch: RB Clint Ratkovich. He doesn’t have huge rushing yardage numbers with 448 yards, but Ratkovich has 12 rushing touchdowns on the season for Northern Illinois.

Storyline to watch: Northern Illinois is 9-4 on the season, but the team has allowed 425 points, which is ranked 118. Coastal Carolina ranks sixth in offensive points scored per game, averaging 38.33 points, so Northern Illinois’ defense is in for a test. — Tom VanHaaren

Coastal Carolina…