Bowl Game Preview: Las Vegas Bowl, Fresno State vs USC, Prospects to Watch

Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on Las Vegas Blvd. before the Las Vegas Bowl between the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Southern California Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans
3:30 pm EST on ABC

The first day of bowl season is here. The biggest matchup on day one is the high flying offense of Fresno State against a defense full of NFL draft prospects in USC.

Prospects to watch:

Fresno State:

QB #4 – Derek Carr – Senior
Derek Carr is the number two quarterback on many draft boards going into the offseason. He has led the Bulldogs to an 11-1 record with a ranking inside the top 25. Carr is a big arm quarterback who has been played exceptionally this season. This USC defense will be Carr’s biggest challenge to date.

WR #15 – Davonte Adams – Sophomore
Davonte Adams has jumped up draft boards throughout the season after becoming Carr’s number one target. It has not been confirmed that Adams will enter the draft after this season, but his draft stock has never been higher. He has the size, speed, and big play ability to be a number one receiver in the NFL.

TE #89 – Marcel Jensen – Senior
Jensen is a mid round prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft. He is a good blocking tight end, but can also produce in the passing game. His numbers haven’t been fantastic because of the Bulldogs offense having more established weapons, but he is a key piece on this team. Jensen is also a tough special teams player, blocking four kicks over his career.

USC:

WR #9 – Marqise Lee – Junior
Marqise Lee is a first round wide receiver. He is a big body player that also has speed to kill. Lee is a threat to take it to the house if the ball is in his hands. He has regressed in production during his junior campaign, but that is due to the lack of solid play at the quarterback position. Look for him to play his heart out, this is likely his last college football game.

S #18 – Dion Bailey – Junior
Dion Bailey is having a very impressive season. Being a former linebacker, he can pack a punch, as well as being a disruption in the secondary. Today will be fit with the task of stopping the Fresno State wide receivers from making plays. If Bailey enters this May’s draft, he could be one of the top safeties to come off the board.

LB #42 – Devon Kennard – Senior
After missing the entire 2012 season with a pectoral injury, Kennard has really come into his own. He has been one of the defensive forces for the Trojans, leading the team in tackles for losses (19) and sacks (9). His task will be to disrupt Derek Carr all afternoon. Kennard will be looking to prove that he can dominate against a top ranked offense.