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College Football Bowls 2016: 10 potential breakout players

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) runs as Mississippi Rebels defensive back Myles Hartsfield (15) pursues during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) runs as Mississippi Rebels defensive back Myles Hartsfield (15) pursues during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Austin Carr (80) catches a pass for a first down in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 29-12. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Austin Carr (80) catches a pass for a first down in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 29-12. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Probably the most underrated receiver in the Big Ten, Austin Carr has been a nightmare for opponents this year. Would you believe me if I told you he was the 2016 Big Ten Receiver of the Year? Most people don’t even know this kid’s name, but if you’ve followed the Big Ten, you’d know who he was.

Carr had the epitome of a breakout season for Northwestern in 2016. After recording just over 300 yards receiving as a sophomore, he nearly surpassed the 1,200-yard mark with 12 touchdowns on 84 receptions. He became Clayton Thorson’s go-to target.

Northwestern gets Pittsburgh in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28, and that could be some good news for the senior wideout. The Panthers’ defense has been mediocre all season long, which is surprising for a Pat Narduzzi-coached team, and they have been giving up big-time points.

Not having surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark since Nov. 5 when he faced a tough Wisconsin defense, Carr might be motivated to finish his college career on a high note against Pitt.

As one of the more reliable receivers in the country, he could make a name for himself at the Pinstripe Bowl.

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