Bowl game schedule today: Breaking down the three college football bowl games on Dec. 26

We’re all about informing here at your nation’s newspaper’s website. So we feel we should let you in on a key piece of 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 all about football.

Well, OK, that’s probably only the case in the United States. But if you like the college game, you have a trio of contests to help you pass the time. Here is the Thursday bowl lineup, with action taking 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.

GameAbove Sports Bowl - Pittsburgh vs. Toledo

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

Why watch: The Boxing Day tripleheader begins with this clash of 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 hunt before finishing on a five-game skid. The Rockets also stumbled 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 latest ankle trouble leaves 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 picked up a win in SEC country earlier, so hopefully this will prove to be a competitive affair.

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Rate Bowl - Kansas State vs. Rutgers

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

Why watch: We might have a case here in which 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 much of the season before dropping three of their last four. The Scarlet Knights have already secured consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2011-12 and now seek their first back-to-back bowl wins since 2009. K-State QB Avery Johnson is a superb athlete who still makes ill-advised 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 shoulder more of the load.

Why it could disappoint: Any contest involving Rutgers could bog down into a defensive struggle – that’s just the Scarlet Knights’ style. But Wildcats’ games this season have rarely been boring. Yes, there were a couple of exceptions, but this doesn’t look like a rout either way.

68 Ventures Bowl - Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green

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

Why watch: The day concludes with this potentially fun shootout in the Yellowhammer State. The Red Wolves took some lumps in non-conference play but strung together 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 counters with 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 could disappoint: The big plays might not materialize – always a risk in the bowl season with roster alterations. But we’ll hope to wrap up the evening with some holiday cheer.

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