First up this afternoon is the Meineke Car Care Bowl pitting UConn against Wake Forest. Originally known as the Queen City Bowl and briefly called the Continental Tire Bowl, the muffler shop franchisor now ponies up about $1.5 million a year to tack its name on this contest. It might as well be named after something practical like auto repair — or maybe plumbing supplies — given the utilitarian nature of the competition.

The Huskies beat a ranked South Florida team and otherwise took care of business to finish with a 5-2 conference mark, though they lost the Big East title when they got whupped up on by West Virgina 66-21. The Deacons opened the season with two straight non-conference losses but had a successful run as a middle-of-the-pack ACC team.

I would recommend making a big pot of coffee and having a good book nearby if you’re planning to watch.

Next up on the schedule is the grand, old Liberty Bowl. Having been around since the Eisenhower administration, the game certainly does qualify as old, but the grandness loses some of its shine when you consider the full name of the contest, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Then again, auto repair is one of those liberties we often take for granted in this country, so maybe it’s good we celebrate it each year with a football game between unranked, middle tier college teams.

Central Florida is representing Conference USA this year after staking a 7-1 record and beating Tulsa in the C-USA title game. They do have the NCAA rushing leader, Kevin Smith, on their side, so there’s that to watch for. On the other sideline Mississippi State makes its first bowl appearance since 2000 after going 4-4 in the SEC.

Yeah, I’m bored just writing this.

But all of that is just a precursor to tonight’s big action in the Alamo Bowl. Ah yes, the pageantry of Big 10 vs. Big 12, playing for the pride of America’s heartland. A game set on the majestic stage of San Antonio’s Alamodome against the backdrop of the beautiful River Walk where the margaritas flow like the mighty San Antonio River. And what a game of contrasts this will be.

The Penn State Nittany Lions had to travel more than 1,600 miles to get from Pennsylvania to the Lone Star state; Texas A&M has a 170-mile road trip. Joe Paterno is coaching his 500th game tonight; former assistant Gary Darnell is coaching his first and last game in place of Dennis Franchione. Both teams posted .500 conference records but the Aggies ended their season with a win over the hated Longhorns; Penn State lost their season finale to Michigan State.

The Alamo Bowl usually ends up being a decent game between closely-matched teams, and this one will probably follow that trend. A&M is coming off a big win over their in-state rival and Penn State is all fired up over Casketgate, so I would expect both teams to come out playing hard. The Aggies, though, are notorious for failure in bowl game situations while JoPa is 8-2 in post-season play since 1993, so I would have to give the edge here to the Nittany Lions.

Suggested viewing menu: Blended ritas for the ladies, nachos & cheese, and plenty of ice cold beer. This one could be going to overtime.

Now we’re not here to assign blame or point fingers, we’re here to lift the spirit, so to boost the boosters at Penn State, here’s a look at some famous alums and what they achieved in the NFL this week.

Former Nittany Lion Larry Johnson got the big contract this year, but he hasn’t been putting up the big numbers. Sunday against the Vikings he rushed for 42 yards on 24 carries. At least Kansas City won the game. Teammate Tambla Hall recorded two tackles, while Eddie Drummond carried the ball for -3 yards.

In the Seahawks-Bengals game, Kenny Watson ran the ball 60 yards and scored what could have been the winning touchdown had Cincy’s defense been able to stop Seattle on their final drive. Bobby Engram scored the first TD for the Hawks; he had five catches for 62 yards.

Joe Jurevicius had three receptions for 33 yards to help the Browns in Oakland, but the Raiders blocked a last second field goal attempt to win the game.

In Philly, Tony Hunt gained 1 yard on four carries, though he did score a meaningless touchdown near the end of the Eagle’s blowout win. Tight end Sean McHugh was so disgusted with Detroit’s effort he didn’t put up any stats.

Kicker Robbie Gould made a 20-yard field goal for Chicago, but it was hardly enough to help the Bears against the Cowboys. Teammate Anthony Adams recorded two tackles and an assist.

Kyle Brady caught a 20-yard pass for New England as the Pats rolled over the Bills Sunday. Fellow alum Paul Posluszny had three tackles and an assist for Buffalo, while Bryan Scott added another tackle.

Bryant Johnson had an 18-yard reception for Arizona, while San Francisco’s Michael Robinson had two carries for eight yards. Ed Johnson made three tackles for Indianapolis in Houston.

On Monday Night Football, Kerry Collins was 100% accurate with his throws against New Orleans; even though he only made four attempts, that’s pretty good. Calvin Lowry recorded three tackles.