You’ve suffered enough.
You endured the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, a 62-28 demolition of Navy by Arizona State. And the nap you took during Virginia Tech’s 13-10 overtime win over Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl was coma-like. But New Year’s Day has arrived and there is reason to break out a pitcher of Bloody Marys or Screwdrivers, anything to alleviate that headache.
This is college football’s day. Before we get to the Jan. 7 BCS National Championship Game between Notre Dame and Alabama, there are some bowls with tradition, bowls that pit worthy opponents against each other, bowls you might actually want to watch.
The Post, in the spirit of the season, gives you a look at which games to watch, and why:
Today
HEART OF DALLAS BOWL
Oklahoma State vs. Purdue
(Noon ESPNU)
Really? The main reason to mention this bowl game is the fact it’s being played at the Cotton Bowl — while the Cotton Bowl game is being played at Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas.
TAXSLAYER.COM GATOR BOWL
Mississippi State vs. Northwestern (Noon, ESPN2)
All coaches receive a free audit, which could come in handy when they try to write off their bowl appearance bonus. Few coaches are a better fit in their jobs than Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern. A former Northwestern player and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Fitzgerald has made the Wildcats competitive on a yearly basis. It’s his students against Mississippi State’s athletes.
OUTBACK BOWL
South Carolina vs. Michigan
(1 p.m.; ESPN)
Michigan: The best helmet logo in college football. If the Wolverines want to thank Denard Robinson for four years of blood, sweat and cheers, they should let the quarterback play some slot receiver/wing back. He may not be an NFL quarterback prospect, but with his athleticism and smarts, he could be a great Sunday weapon. Steve Spurrier is always entertaining.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL
Georgia vs. Nebraska
(1 p.m.; ABC)
A lot of red on the field. Georgia will be without defensive tackle John Jenkins, who is academically ineligible. But the Dawgs have a ton of tenacious defenders. Keep an eye on linebacker Alec Ogletree. If he decides to leave after his junior season, the Jets should scoop up the pass-rushing, drop-in-coverage stud. Nebraska is coming off a humiliating 70-31 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. This might be the mentally weakest Nebraska team ever.
ROSE BOWL
Wisconsin vs. Stanford
(5 p.m.; ESPN)
We’re renaming this the Potential Jets Running Back Bowl: Wisconsin’s Montee Ball has been ridiculously productive, but Cardinal back Stepfan Taylor was our favorite back this season. The only time we saw him lose yards was when a whistle from the crowd blew up a key play at Notre Dame. Who knew Touchdown Jesus has a whistle?
ORANGE BOWL
Northern Illinois vs. Florida State
(8:30, ESPN)
It’s the best storyline outside of Notre Dame-Alabama. Northern Illinois of the MAC versus Florida State, once one of the nation’s premier programs. Yes, the Huskies will be at an athletic disadvantage at every position. So what? If you like David against Goliath in the NCAA Tournament, you’ll love this. Huskies quarterback Jordan Lynch is a poor man’s Eric Crouch. Being a poor man myself, we’re rooting for him to cash in.
Tomorrow
SUGAR BOWL
Louisville vs. Florida
(8:30; ESPN)
After watching Teddy Bridgewater’s remarkably tough performance against Rutgers, when he played with a broken left wrist and a badly sprained right ankle, sources in heaven said Johnny Unitas wept tears of appreciation. Bridgewater will have to be just as tough against the Gators. Will Muschamp has Florida poised to reclaim the SEC East.
Thursday
FIESTA BOWL
Kansas State vs. Oregon
(8:30 p.m.; ESPN)
We’re renaming this the Chip Kelly to the NFL Bowl. The Ducks’ offensive mastermind came this close to taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ job last season. He’s itching to see if his hurry-up, no huddle offense can work in the NFL. Las Vegas has odds on which uniform combinations the Ducks will wear. If you appreciate efficiency, execution and discipline, Kansas State is a good watch.
Friday
COTTON BOWL
Texas A&M vs Oklahoma
(8 p.m.; Fox)
Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel plays his first game since becoming the first freshman to win the Downtown Athletic Club’s stiff-arm trophy. Oklahoma’s defense has been vulnerable all year and the Sooners could go bonkers trying to contain Manziel. No Heisman jinx here. Johnny Football is the most exciting player since Doug Flutie.