Saturday’s college football bowl lineup

Celebration Bowl

N.C. A&T (9-2) vs. ALCORN STATE (9-3)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, WSOC-TV, Noon

Why watch: This is the kickoff of the bowl season, it’s the championship for historically black universities, and there’s a local team. The Aggies beat Grambling in a thriller last season.

Who to watch: Aggies defensive end Darryl Johnson had 10.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Johnson, a junior, has pro scouts watching.

Cure Bowl

TULANE (6-6) vs. LOUISIANA (7-6)

Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla., CBS Sports Network, 1:30 p.m.

Why watch: This is a neighborhood rivalry, with Tulane winning 22 of 28 meetings. Their last meeting went four overtimes.

Who to watch: Louisiana running back Elijah Mitchell had 12 plays of 30 yards or more. Tulane allowed 33 plays of 30 yards or more this season.

New Mexico Bowl

NORTH TEXAS (9-3) vs. UTAH STATE (10-2)

Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, ESPN, 2 p.m.

Why watch: Two words – offensive fireworks. Utah State ranks third in scoring (47.2) and North Texas is 21st (36.7).

Who to watch: Utah State QB Jordan Love threw for 3,208 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only five interceptions.

Las Vegas Bowl

FRESNO STATE (11-2) vs. ARIZONA STATE (7-5)

Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, WSOC, 3:30 p.m.

Why watch: It’s the first bowl with a Power 5 team, and each team has first-round NFL talent.

Who to watch: Fresno State QB Marcus McMaryion threw for 3,453 yards and 25 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Arizona State WR N’Keal Henry is sitting out the game to prepare for the NFL draft, but RB Eno Benjamin rushed for 1,500-plus yards.

Camellia Bowl

GEORGIA SOUTHERN (9-3) vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN (7-5)

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Ala., ESPN, 5:30 p.m.

Why watch: Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story, and Georgia Southern came from 2-10 last season to beating Appalachian State and winning nine times.

Who to watch: Eastern Michigan DT Maxx Crosby had 18 tackles for loss this season, among the FBS’ best.

New Orleans Bowl

APPALACHIAN STATE (10-2) vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE (8-5)

Superdome, New Orleans, ESPN, 9 p.m.

Why watch: C’mon, it’s ASU! And if you like old-time defensive games, this one’s for you. The Mountaineers ranked sixth in scoring defense, and the Blue Raiders held four of their last six regular-season foes to less than 20 points.

Who to watch: Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill, a thorn in the side of the Charlotte 49ers for four years, threw for 3,214 yards and 28 touchdowns this season.

Steve Lyttle