Big Ten teams bowl-bound

Five Big Ten teams accepted postseason bids Tuesday, led by No. 10 Wisconsin’s return to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 1. Penn State is in the Outback Bowl, making consecutive bowl games for the first time since the 1998 and ’99 seasons. Purdue is going to the Champs Sports Bowl. Minnesota’s appearance in the Insight Bowl will be its fifth consecutive bowl game. Iowa is headed for the Dec. 30 Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

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West Virginia center Dan Mozes, Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas and Texas offensive lineman Justin Blalock are the finalists for the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman.... Michigan’s Leon Hall, Florida’s Reggie Nelson and Texas’ Aaron Ross were selected as finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back.... Mike Hart of Michigan, Darren McFadden of Arkansas and Steve Slaton of West Virginia were named finalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back.... Colt Brennan of Hawaii, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame and Troy Smith of Ohio State were named finalists for the Davey O’Brien Award, presented to the nation’s top quarterback.