Bowl Season is upon us: By Ellie Bednarz

 

Starting tonight, December 17th, the NCAA Division 1 Bowl games will begin.

43 bowl games, not including the National Championship game, call for lots of competition.

But what is interesting is the rise of star-studded players deciding to forgo their bowl games and declare for the NFL draft.

So far Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Arkansas WR Treylon Burks, SMU WR Reggie Roberson, SMU WR Danny Gray, Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams, Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III, West Virginia RB Leddie Brown, and Pitt QB Kenny Pickett announced they will forgo their last game and start to train for the NFL. 

In some mock drafts, Thibodeaux is predicted to go as the overall number 1 pick or the overall number 2 pick. As for Pickett, mock drafts have him as the first QB to be taken off the board. 

One reason why players do this is that they don't want to risk their draft stock. If a player is listening to their coaches or following any mock drafts, they have a good reason not to play if they are already predicted to be a first-round draft pick. 

Another reason why this occurs is due to injury. Players feel the need to take the next month to build back their strength and not take any risk of getting hurt in their very last game. If a player gets hurt during their bowl game, their draft stock will likely plummet and not get drafted in their predicted position. 

One bowl game that will be interesting to watch, because there will be two stars missing, is the Chic-Fil-A Peach Bowl on December 30th. The reason why this is a game to watch is due to both Kenneth Walker III and Kenny Pickett deciding to not play.

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett was the third-place finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In 2021 Pickett was 334-497, threw 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, and had 7 interceptions. Because he is not playing, backup QB Nick Patti might get the start. In 2021 he only threw 12-14 for 140 yards. Losing Pickett might cost Pitt in winning the bowl game. 

On the other hand, for Michigan State, Kenneth Walker III ended as the sixth-place finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Walker had 263 attempts, 1,636 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 1 fumble. Although Walker is extraordinary, Michigan State will plan to rotate three other running backs: Elijah Collins, Harold Joiner II, and Jordon Simmons. Michigan State has been rotating the four all year, therefore this is not new to them. 

It'll be interesting to see how both teams adjust to their stars making the next step to the NFL draft.