Jackson Free Press

After watching bowl games all Saturday, there is no reason to stop during the next week. Except for Christmas Day—that is for NFL games—there are bowl games every day from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24.

There are eight bowl games with three in the afternoon and five during the primetime hours of 7 to 10 p.m.

Outside of fans of the teams playing, most people don’t truly care about these games. They’re a great way to waste three-and-a-half to four hours. Nothing says “happy holidays” like an insane amount of video reviews and teams you probably didn’t watch all season.

Just in case you are on the fence about watching these bowl games, here are some reasons to tune in to every game. These facts have been gleaned from bowl previews around the web.

Looking for a reason to call in sick or leave early from work on Monday, Dec. 19? How about being home to watch the Miami Beach Bowl on ESPN at 1:30 p.m.

This game features Central Michigan University out of the MAC and the University of Tulsa out of the AAC—two “Group of Five” teams entering the postseason on opposite trends.

The UT Golden Hurricane enters the matchup on a two-game winning streak but the CMU Chippewas enter having lost four of the last five games played. Why should you watch?

Central Michigan beat Oklahoma State University on a controversial Hail Mary with a lateral in one of the craziest games of the year. If this game is close at the end, it could provide a memorable finish for the Chippewas.

Tulsa is playing for a 10-win season, and wide receiver Josh Atkinson needs just 73 receiving yards to make the Golden Hurricane the first team with two 1,000-yard running backs, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 3,000-yards passing quarterback. Who doesn’t like seeing history made?

The Boca Raton Bowl shouldn’t need much to get you to tune in to ESPN at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20. This game features 10-3 Western Kentucky University from C-USA and the 8-4 University of Memphis out of the AAC.

There will be plenty of offense on display as both teams average 40 points per game. Both have also returned interceptions and kick returns for touchdowns this season. Pour some spiked eggnog and enjoy the fireworks.

There are former conference foes battling in the Poinsettia Bowl at 8 p.m., Dec. 21, on ESPN, as Brigham Young University, formerly of the Mountain West Conference, takes on the University of Wyoming still in the MWC.

The score should be close late in the game since both teams have played seven games that were decided by eight-points or less. The Cougars lost four games by a combined eight points.

Wyoming is in its first bowl game in five years, and a win would put the program at 7-7 for bowl games. The Cowboys knocked off Boise State University in an exciting game.

The Famous …

From the U.S. Department of Justice, verbatim:

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF MISSISSIPPI GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY AND RELATED OFFENSES

WASHINGTON – A member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi (ABM) gang was sentenced to life in prison for his participation in a variety of violent criminal acts, including racketeering conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and other related offenses.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Orleans Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Constance Hester of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI in Mississippi and Director John Dowdy of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) made the announcement.

“Even among criminal organizations, the ABM stands out for its violent and repulsive crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “That is why we will continue to identify, apprehend and prosecute ABM members across the country until the communities that have been living in fear are free from ABM’s grasp.”

“This prosecution is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the Department of Justice, federal, state and local law enforcement officers targeting a large-scale prison gang involved in violent organized crime throughout the state of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Adams. “As a result of this collaborative effort, we have effectively dismantled this violent organization and sent a clear message that the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to hold those individuals accountable who insist on creating an atmosphere of violence and fear in our communities.”

“The sentencing of this gang member is an example of DEA’s relentless pursuit to target organizations that plague and pollute our communities. Because drug trafficking and gang violence isn’t confined to one jurisdiction or community, it is important that law enforcement continues to work together to improve the quality of life for the citizens were serve in our communities and neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Azzam. “DEAs continued pledge to the people of Mississippi is to continue to work with all our law enforcement partners, to pursue these violent thugs, criminals and drug traffickers.”

“Violence takes a toll on our family and community. The substantial sentence imposed today drives a strong message to violent gang organizations that they will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Hester. “ATF is committed to providing every available resource to combat violent crime and illegal firearm activity. We will continue to collaborate with all of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in identifying, disrupting and dismantling the violent gangs that prey on our communities.”

“Dismantling organized crime organizations is essential to our society,” said Special Agent in Charge Freeze. “Violent groups such as the Aryan Brotherhood are an …