It isn't just the quality of the teams that make the best bowl games so intriguing.

Each of these spotlight games also offers plenty of compelling individual matchups.

As the bowl season prepares to ring in the new year with its top games of the postseason, here's a look at noteworthy individual matchup in each of the so-called "New Year's Six" contests on Wednesday and Thursday.

2. Malone to Challenge Luttrell In August Mayoral Showdown - Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Former Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone will challenge incumbent Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell in the August county general election after winning the Tuesday, May 6, Democratic mayoral primary.

3. Malone Takes Early Vote In Mayoral Primary - Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Former Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone took the early vote in the three-way Democratic primary for Shelby County Mayor.

The first results of the Tuesday, May 6, election night showed Malone leading rivals county commissioner Steve Mulroy and former Shelby County Schools board member Kenneth Whalum Jr.

4. Roland ReElected At Filing Deadline, Two Countywide Races Set For August - Friday, February 21, 2014

One of the six Shelby County Commission incumbents seeking re-election this year was effectively elected to a new four-year term in a new district with the noon Thursday, Feb. 20, filing deadline for candidates in the May county primaries.

5. Former Memphis Police Officer Draws 7-Year Prison Term - Monday, February 4, 2013

Former Memphis Police officer Melvin Victor Robinson was sentenced Friday, Feb. 1, to seven years in prison on federal civil rights and drug charges by Memphis Federal Court Judge John Fowlkes.

6. Irving Leads Research Co. Animal Cell Therapies - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Adam M. Irving is chief executive officer of San Diego-based Animal Cell Therapies Inc., a company that develops stem cell treatments to treat a variety of ailments for animals. Irving is based in Memphis.

7. Memphis Churches, Org. Unite to Fight AIDS - Wednesday, November 9, 2011

As communities around the world prepare to observe World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Memphis area faith leaders are joining forces with the Memphis Ryan White Program in a show of support for the more than 7,000 men, women and children in Shelby County who are living with HIV/AIDS, almost half of whom are not receiving the care they need.

8. Events - Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Lipscomb & Pitts Breakfast Club will hold the Leading Tomorrow Lunch Series with the University of Memphis Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the University Center. The event will focus on sharing a dialogue on leadership concepts, overcoming challenges and looking at opportunities. For reservations, e-mail Jeremy Park at jeremyp@lpinsurance.com.

9. Events - Monday, March 21, 2011

The Lipscomb & Pitts Breakfast Club will hold the Leading Tomorrow Lunch Series with the University of Memphis Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the University Center. The event will focus on sharing a dialogue on leadership concepts, overcoming challenges and looking at opportunities. For reservations, e-mail Jeremy Park at jeremyp@lpinsurance.com.

10. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, July 13, 1998
July 13 July 13 Public Issues Forum will meet at 7 p.m. at Memphis Community Foundation, 1900 Union Ave. The topic will be the 1998 election, and the speakers include Irma W. Merrill and Marilyn Loeffel, the candidates for Shelby County Commission, ...

11. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, July 6, 1998
July 8 July 8 The Consumer Credit Counseling Service will offer a free seminar on financing a childs education from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2158 Union Ave., Suite 400. For reservations, call 323-4909, Ext. 1007. Mensa will meet at the Unicorn restaur...

12. Archived Article: Calendar - Monday, June 29, 1998
June 29 June 29 Consumer Credit Counseling Service will offer a free seminar on budgeting and credit for two from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2400 Poplar Ave., Suite 510. For reservations, call 323-4909, Ext. 1007. June 30 Mid-South Environmental Forum w...