Today's college bowl games

Where: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

When, TV: 1 p.m., ESPN

Line: Louisiana-Monroe by 7

The skinny: This is the first meeting of these teams. The Warhawks are in their first bowl since becoming an FBS program in 1994. Ohio is in its fourth consecutive bowl. ... Louisiana-Monroe upset Arkansas in overtime in its first game. It has a talented wide receiver in Brent Leonard, who has caught 97 passes for 1,042 yards and 10 TDs. The Bobcats rely on running Beau Blankenship, who has rushed for more than 1,500 yards and has nine 100-yard games.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL

Where: Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

When, TV: 4:30 p.m., ESPN

The skinny: The Hokies lead this series 11-3, but Rutgers had won five consecutive bowl games. ... Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas has been inconsistent -- 17 TDs, 14 interceptions -- but leads the team with 526 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. ... Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova passed for 22 touchdowns and running back Jawan Jamison rushed for more than 1,000 yards.