Bowl schedule today: Breakdown of the three college football bowl games on Dec. 26

We are all about informing here at your place the nation’s newspaper website. So we feel we should provide you with some important knowledge related to the holiday season. Boxing Day, contrary to popular belief, has nothing to do with pugilism. Shocking, I know. In truth, it’s about football.

Well, okay, that’s probably only the case in the US. But if you like the college game, you’ve got a trio of contests to help pass the time. Here’s the selection of Thursday bowls where the action takes place from the Great Lakes to the Desert Southwest to the Gulf Coast.

We break down each of them and why they’re worth watching.

Time/TV/Place: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN, Detroit.

Why watch: The Boxing Day tripleheader begins with this clash between industrial towns in the Motor City. It was a tale of two seasons for the Panthers, who started 7-0 and looked to be in the ACC title race before ending a five-game skid. The Rockets also stumbled of late, losing their last two, but had some better results early in the campaign. Pitt’s struggles down the stretch were due in part to QB Eli Holstein missing time with various injuries, and his recent ankle issues make his status uncertain for this contest. If he can’t go, the offense will likely be in the hands of little-used freshman David Lynch with backup Nate Yarnell in the portal. Toledo should have most of its starters available, including QB Tucker Gleason and WRs Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross.

Why it could disappoint: A mismatch is always a possibility when power four meets group of five. But the Rockets got a win in SEC country earlier, so hopefully this will prove to be a competitive affair.

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Time/TV/Place: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Phoenix.

Why watch: We might have a case here where the team with the better record is actually less happy with it. The Wildcats were expected to contend for the Big 12 crown and were in the mix for most of the season before dropping three of their last four. The Scarlet Knights have already secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011-12 and are now seeking their first back-to-back bowl wins since 2009. K-State QB Avery Johnson is an outstanding athlete who still makes rash decisions at . times. He should still have primary RB DJ Giddens with him in the backfield, but top WR Jayce Brown is in the portal. Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis will be without draft-eligible workhorse RB Kyle Monangai and will have to carry more of the load.

Why it might disappoint: Any contest involving Rutgers can come down to a defensive battle – that’s just the Scarlet Knights’ style. But the Wildcats’ games this season have rarely been dull. Yes, there were a few exceptions, but it doesn’t look like a route in any way.

Time/TV/Place: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN, Mobile, Ala.

Why watch: The day ends with this potentially fun shootout in the Yellowhammer State. The Red Wolves took some lumps in non-conference play, but collected enough wins in the Sun Belt to reach the postseason. The Falcons also have star power, but were slow out of the gate in MAC competition and fell short of the title game. QB Jaylen Raynor is the driving force for Arkansas State, and his primary big-play weapon is WR Corey Rucker. Bowling Green counts TE Harold Fannin JR., one of the nation’s best at his position with 100 catches for 1,342 yards, with deliveries provided by QB Connor Bazelak.

Why it might disappoint: The big games might not come to fruition – always a risk in bowl season with roster changes. But we hope to end the evening with a bit of Christmas cheer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football bowl games today: The schedule features three matchups