The skinny: Rice, playing only its third bowl game in 51 years, is going for its fifth consecutive victory. Air Force is in its sixth bowl in a row, including its fourth Armed Forces Bowl (1-2) in that span.

PINSTRIPE BOWL

West Virginia (7-5) vs. Syracuse (7-5)

Where: Yankee Stadium, New York

Time, TV: 2:15 p.m., ESPN

Line: West Virginia by 3 1/2

The skinny: In their first year in the Big 12, the Mountaineers won their first five games, lost their next five, won two more and now find themselves in a bowl game against a team from their old conference, the Big East, although the Orange is off to the ACC next year.

FIGHT HUNGER BOWL

Arizona State (7-5) vs. Navy (8-4)

Where: AT&T Park, San Francisco

When, TV: 3 p.m., ESPN2

Line: Arizona State by 14

The skinny: Arizona State is looking to finish off its first season under Todd Graham by winning a bowl for the first time since 2005. Navy is sixth in the nation at 275.6 rushing yards per game.

ALAMO BOWL

Texas (8-4) vs. No. 15 Oregon State (9-3)

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio

When, TV: 5:45 p.m., ESPN

Line: Oregon State by 3

The skinny: The Longhorns are trying to win their 10th bowl game in 14 appearances under Mack Brown, but they are now playing amid reports that two players are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault. The Beavers set a school record with a six-victory improvement over their 3-9 mark last year.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL

TCU (7-5) vs. Michigan State (6-6)

Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.

When, TV: 9:15 p.m., ESPN

Line: TCU by 2 1/2

The skinny: Both teams are trying to build momentum for next season after limping down the stretch in 2012. Texas Christian has the nation's 10th-best rushing defense, but the Horned Frogs haven't seen many backs like Spartans junior Le'Veon Bell, who ranks third nationally with 147.3 yards per game.

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