Bowl game schedule 2012: Boise State highlights weekend slate

The bowl season is still in the early stages, so the schedule is a light one this weekend. Here's a look at what's ahead in the 2012 bowl schedule.

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) -- Ball State vs. Central Florida
Ball State won its final six regular season games to finish 9-3. The Cardinals scored at least 30 points in all six of those games. Central Florida (9-4) had a successful season in Conference USA, reaching the league's title game.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Saturday, noon ET, ESPN) -- East Carolina vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4) is riding a three-game winning streak and ranks among the nation's top 35 in total offense and scoring offense. East Carolina (8-4) also finished its regular season on a three-game winning streak, including a 65-59 double overtime victory over Marshall. The Pirates rank 58th in total offense and 77th in total defense.

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) -- Washington vs. Boise State
Boise State finished 10-2 thanks in large part to a defense that ranks among the nation's top 10 in several categories. The Huskies (7-5) rank 30th nationally in total defense, and they've won four of their last five games.