Friday's college football bowl previews

Houston vs. Pittsburgh

Records: Houston 7-5, Pittsburgh 6-6

The skinny: A game featuring interim coaches for both teams, and contrasting running games. Pitt has ACC Player of the Year James Conner, who ran for 1,675 yards and set a conference record with 24 rushing touchdowns. Houston has a running quarterback with Greg Ward Jr. (1,736 yards passing, and 481 yards rushing), along with junior RBs Kenneth Farrow and Ryan Jackson.

The line: Pitt by 3

Iowa vs. Tennessee

Records: Iowa 7-5, Tennessee 6-6

The skinny: Iowa is looking for its first bowl victory since 2010. Hawkeyes QBs Jake Rudock and C.J. Beathard will play in the first quarter; coach Kirk Ferentz hasn't revealed who will start, but the decision could set the stage for 2015. Tennessee, seeking its first bowl victory since 2008, is trying to avoid a sixth consecutive losing season. Sophomore QB Josh Dobbs is 3-1 since taking over the starting job, and the Volunteers are averaging 35 points and 424 yards with him at the helm.

UCLA vs. Kansas State

Records: UCLA 9-3, Kansas State 9-3

The skinny: UCLA has shut down top-flight receivers in the Pac-12 this season, but Kansas State's Tyler Lockett has four consecutive games of 100 yards or more in receiving. The Wildcats — who last played in this bowl in 1998 when they lost to Drew Brees-led Purdue — also feature Curry Sexton, who needs 45 more yards to join Lockett with 1,000 yards receiving. The spotlight on the Bruins offense is on QB Brett Hundley, but RB Paul Perkins led the Pac-12 in rushing with 1,381 yards.

The line: UCLA by 1

Oklahoma State vs. Washington

The skinny: Washington is trying to cap a successful first season under former Boise State coach Chris Petersen. The Huskies have one of the most aggressive, disruptive defenses in the nation, led by three first-team All-Americas. Oklahoma State has given up 37 sacks, so protecting freshman QB Mason Rudolph will be paramount. Rudolph led a late comeback over rival Oklahoma that made the Cowboys bowl eligible in the final game of the regular season.

The line: Washington by 6