It’s hard to believe another regular season is done and bowl season is upon us. I wait so long for another season and it seems it’s over in a heartbeat.
But, not to worry, there are plenty of bowl games to keep us busy until another off season is upon us. Some of these games can be extremely helpful if you have insomnia. While a few others should be really fun games to watch. Some others still, are obvious mismatches and conspiracy theorists can make claims that a certain conference set it all up to not be embarrassed again as they were in 2014.
Whatever, these are our last chances to watch college football before it’s gone until next September.
Saturday, December 15th
Celebration Bowl
North Carolina A%T vs. Alcorn State:
I may pass on this one. Looks like a real yawn fest.
There was a time when schools like Alcorn had some really serious talent, but those days are long gone. Alcorn is 9-3, but lost 41-0 to a very average Georgia Tech. NC A%T is 9-2. Only a family member would be interested in this bowl game, and that leaves me out as far as I know.
New Mexico Bowl
North Texas vs Utah State:
This game could be entertaining. Mason Fine from 9-3 North Texas can hum that football and UNT coach Seth Littrell may be a highly sought after coach by the big boys soon. He has done wonders for the Eagles of North Texas. The same was also true of Utah State head coach Matt Wells who was just
hired away from the Aggies by Texas Tech. Utah State is currently seeking a new guy, but this game could be good.
AutoNation Cure Bowl:
Tulane vs Louisiana:
Two average teams going at it. I may, or may not, watch this one. It’s hard to get excited about 6 win teams unless they have super NFL prospects playing, but even if they did they would probably sit out the bowl game. That’s the new thing and as a college football fan, I hate it.
I am a little curious as to when Louisiana Lafayette became just Louisiana. Must have been ESPN that delivered such a favor. We just don’t have to say Lafayette any more and man am I happy about that. I had to stop jumping up and down to finish typing this.
Las Vegas Bowl:
Fresno State vs Arizona State:
Now, I will watch this one, but the luster is off because Sun Devil wide receiver N’Keal Harry won’t be playing due to being a hot commodity. I hate what is happening to my favorite game.
The Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins is pretty good and they have other receivers. The other big offensive star for Arizona State is running back Eno Benjamin who has over 1,500 rushing yards. Fresno is 11-2 and Oregon State failed quarterback Marcus McMaryion has been really good this season. It’s a pleasure to see a guy succeed such as McMaryion and I will be viewing the Vegas Bowl.
Camellia Bowl:
Georgia Southern vs Eastern Michigan:
A 7-5 MAC team vs a 9-3 Sun Belt team. Hmmm, at least the Sun Belt team, Georgia Southern played against Clemson. They did lose, but they’ve seen big time. I may catch a few minutes of this one, just to say I did. But, I’m more of a Gardenia kind of a guy instead of Camellias.
New Orleans Bowl:
Middle Tennessee State vs Appalachian State:
MTSU has 5 losses, but 3 of them were to SEC teams. Brent Stockstill can throw that ball around pretty well so this could be entertaining with Appalachian State coming in hot off of a 10-2 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship.
Tuesday, December 18th
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl:
UAB vs Northern Illinois:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham posted a 10-3 record in Conference USA which is impressive considering they just started their program back up recently. Northern Illinois has 5 losses in the MAC, but they lost to Iowa, Utah and Florida State. This might be an interesting matchup, but you might want to be a hard core fan.
Wednesday, December 19th
Frisco Bowl:
San Diego State vs Ohio:
So, two division 1 college teams playing in a high school stadium? Yeah, but it’s a fantastic high school stadium, probably one of the very best of it’s kind in America. The Aztecs of San Diego State fell off considerably this season and finished 7-5. Ohio, under former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich had a so-so year finishing 8-4. The most interesting thing about this game might be to see how many fans show up.
Thursday, December 20th
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl:
Marshall vs South Florida:
Bad Boy Mowers Bowl? Wow, what’s the world coming to? I have interest in this game because it’s
South Florida and I want to see how Charlie Strong fares. However, the Bulls started the season with 7 straight wins, then dropped 5 in a row. Something’s up with this team and it doesn’t look good. Marshall is not a bad team at 8-4, so it could be a good game.
I have to know who the Bad Boy Mowers are. I don’t mow anymore, but I just have to know.
Friday, December 21st
Bahamas Bowl:
FIU vs Toledo:
Can you say too many bowl games? I know I sure can. These two teams both lost to Miami and should be able to compare notes. Florida International is 8-4, but has beaten nobody. However, their quarterback James Morgan is an interesting prospect. Toledo’s defense is not impressive and they gave up a lot of points in big losses. They also can score a lot.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:
Western Michigan vs BYU:
I won’t watch a game on that blue turf. That is, unless it snows again and covers it in white. BYU is really terrible even if they did beat Wisconsin early on and they are 6-6 on the season. Western Michigan could be worse and their 5 losses included a 3-49 pasting from Michigan.
It matters not for me with the game taking place on blue turf and BYU will no doubt wear matching blue uniforms so you can’t see them.
Pass.
Saturday, December 22nd:
JARED BIRMINGHAM BOWL:
Memphis vs Wake Forest:
The Tigers had UCF on the ropes last week and let them back in the game and they lost big. They can run the ball, though, which could make an interesting game. Wake Forest is 6-6, but they played really well against Duke to qualify for a bowl game. Hopefully, that Wake will show up and this will be a good game.
Armed Forces Bowl:
Houston vs Army:
Well, Ed Oliver won’t be playing, so I might not have much interest. The Cougars had an up and down 8-4 season. Army is 9-2. They only played two Power 5 schools and lost both, but they took playoff bound Oklahoma into overtime. They can run the ball which could give Houston big problems especially without Ed Oliver. But, they’ve mostly been without Oliver all year as he did something of the Nick Bosa thing. If you aren’t hurt, pretend to be hurt because the NFL is coming. Sickening.
Dollar General Bowl:
Buffalo vs Troy:
Now, we have a Dollar General Bowl and I still don’t get how they make so much money with those low prices. But, they do. I’ll watch at least some of this because the Buffalo quarterback is intriguing. Tyree Jackson is listed at 6-7, 245 and that’s huge for a quarterback and he seems to be mobile, too. Troy did not beat LSU this year, but that’s just because they didn’t play them.
Hawaii Bowl:
Louisiana Tech vs Hawaii:
Home game for the Rainbow Warriors and a fun trip for Louisiana Tech. Tech has 5 losses, but 2 of those came against LSU and Mississippi State. Watch this game if for no other reason than the scenery.
Bowl games are about awarded the teams or doing well, so they should make this game bigger for better teams. Everyone wants to go to Hawaii in the winter, right?
Wednesday, December 26th
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl:
Boston College vs Boise State:
I’m a big fan of Boston College’s AJ Dillon and plan on watching Boise State when they aren’t on that
ugly, hideous blue turf. This could be a good game for viewers.
Quick Lane Bowl:
Minnesota vs Georgia Tech:
I am a fan of Minnesota’s head coach PJ Fleck. I am also a fan of Georgia Tech’s retiring head coach Paul Johnson. The flex bone is probably done at this point, but this should be a decent game to watch.
Cheez-It Bowl:
California vs TCU:
Both of these schools started the season off really strong, and both fizzled. TCU was at 4-6 until they rebounded and finished with a couple of wins. Cal was up and down all season long.
This could be a tough, hard fought ball game. I might check it out. OK, OK, I will watch probably all of these games.
Thursday, December 27th
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Temple vs Duke:
Duke’s season came to an embarrassing ending with huge losses to Clemson and then to Wake Forest. They have a shot at making up for it with the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl. But, Temple will be a tough battle.
New Era Pin Stripe Bowl:
Miami vs Wisconsin:
Rematch of last year’s Orange Bowl, but 2018 was not kind to either team. Some, including me, had Wisconsin as a playoff team, but they instead made it to a bowl game in cold New York City in late December. Both of these schools had bad seasons, but they still have at least some talent. Wisconsin
has probably the best running back in the country and it was thought they had the best offensive line in the country as well.
Texas Bowl:
Baylor vs Vanderbilt:
It’s a game featuring a 6-6 team versus another 6-6 team. Did I mention before there are too many bowls?
If this is a night game, I might doze off a few times.
Friday, December 28th
Music City Bowl:
Purdue vs Auburn:
This is an obvious mismatch set up to make the SEC bowl record look good. Come on, man, Purdue is 6-6 and lost to Eastern Michigan of the MAC. Auburn is 7-5 and beat 2 ranked teams. Purdue definitely has the coaching advantage, but Auburn clearly has better talent.
Camping World Bowl:
West Virginia vs Syracuse:
At first glance, this may be another mismatch, but Syracuse can be a pretty tough foe. If senior quarterback Eric Dungey stays healthy, they may give West Virginia a real battle. Like Wisconsin, many people had West Virginia as a playoff team. But, they finished with an 8-3 record. Feels like Syracuse will want to be here more than West Virginia, but don’t count the Mountaineers out with Will Grier at quarterback.
Valero Alamo Bowl:
Iowa State vs Washington State:
Speaking of not wanting to be here, the Cougars of Washington State thought they were another playoff team until their rival Washington beat them in the snow. The Cyclones play in the Big 12, so nothing that the Cougars throw at them should be a surprise and don’t underestimate Dan Campbell and his Iowa State team. They play pretty hard. A Mike Leach coached team is usually entertaining, at least, so this one will be a fun one to watch for the fans.
Saturday, December 29th
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl:
Florida vs Michigan:
This could be a good game with a different coach at Florida than in the last two times they met.
Michigan hammered Florida the last two games, but this one could be a much better game. Michigan might have been a playoff team without their huge loss to Ohio State. If they are disappointed to be here, the Gators could take advantage.
Belk Bowl:
South Carolina vs Virginia:
Two 7-5 teams going at it to see who is the better 7-5 team. It won’t make a bit of difference other than more bragging rights for the SEC. I’m not convinced at all that the Cavaliers are a good team. I will watch, but I don’t blame you if you don’t follow.
Arizona Bowl:
Arkansas State vs Nevada:
I must admit that I have some interest in this game. Both teams can fling the ball pretty well and Arkansas State’s Justice Hansen is a former OU quarterback who transferred because he wouldn’t play behind Baker Mayfield. Most quarterbacks wouldn’t play behind Baker Mayfield, and he’s 6-4, 220 with a good arm. Nevada’s Ty Gangi can flick it pretty well, too. Football is about over with and I will be needing some more fixes before the dreaded off season.
Cotton Bowl:
Clemson vs Notre Dame:
The last time these two teams met, it was during a driving rain storm and Clemson held on to win. In all honesty, it’s really hard to get a feel for how good either of these teams are this season because they really haven’t played many good teams. But, this is one of the playoff games and I won’t miss a second of this possible shoot out.
Orange Bowl:
Alabama vs Oklahoma:
The Sooner defense is pretty ragged and this could be a blowout, unless Kyler Murray and the Oklahoma offense can score a lot of points. It’s either going to be a huge Crimson Tide victory, or a shootout. I just don’t see how the Oklahoma secondary is going to cover guys like Jerry Jeudy. I just want a good football game.
Monday, December 31st
Military Bowl:
Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech:
These two teams had something of opposite seasons. The Hokies’ season was a huge disappointment with a 6-6 record, while the Bearcats of Cincinnati finished with a surprisingly impressive 10-2 record. 6-6 vs 10-2 is kind of a strange bowl game.
Sun Bowl:
Stanford vs Pittsburgh:
The Cardinal are another very disappointing team from the 2018 season. Returning star running back Bryce Love for his senior season, most people figured the Cardinal would be really good. Love was
probably the pre-season Heisman Trophy favorite, but stumbled early and often. Bad move for the draft, you say? Nah, Love wants to be a doctor which should produce higher life time earnings than football and he would be a lot healthier. He’ll still probably play in the NFL and become a doctor.
The Panthers love to run the football and they have two thousand yard rushers in Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall. Pittsburgh won their division in the ACC this season, but the ACC had a miserable year outside of Clemson.
Redbox Bowl:
Michigan State vs Oregon:
Brian Lewerke had better be ready to play, or the Spartans may not score a single point. On the other side, Justin Herbert will be the first quarterback chosen in this year’s draft, if he chooses to come out. Before you jump up and down and wet yourself, just know that this is a terrible year for quarterbacks and running backs in the draft.
Liberty Bowl:
Missouri vs Oklahoma State:
The football is going to be tossed around pretty often in this bowl game and for that reason people probably will watch. Mizzou quarterback Drew Lock should play in the NFL next season and he’s got the skills. But, Oklahoma State Cowboy quarterback Taylor Cornelius may surprise. He’s 6-6, 235 and has an arm, but he also has some decent wheels for a big quarterback. Neither of these teams are really all that good, but this could be good game to watch.
Holiday Bowl:
Northwestern vs Utah:
The Utes probably have the best defense in the Pac 12, and shockingly, they are number 15 in the country overall in total defense. Northwestern may have their hands full, but the Wildcats have the heart of their coach and will fight.
Gator Bowl:
NC State vs Texas A%M:
The Aggies should whip the Wolfpack who has lost to every rank team they have played and comes in with a 9-3 record. However, quarterback Jay Finley could keep it interesting if he has a big game.
Tuesday, January 1st
Outback Bowl:
Mississippi State vs Iowa:
These schools have identical 8-4 records, but Iowa wasn’t even strong enough to win a really weak Big 10 West. Mississippi State should handle them easily, but then we all know that and this shouldn’t be a New Year’s Day bowl. SEC! SEC! SEC!
Citrus Bowl:
Kentucky vs Penn State:
This could be an entertaining game to watch if both teams show up. I’d say the talent and experience of Nittany Lion quarterback Trace McSorley will come through even though he didn’t have an outstanding senior season. Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr will undoubtedly be playing his final college game and he’s one to watch.
Fiesta Bowl:
LSU vs UCF:
The UCF win streak will come to an end playing a decent LSU team that has to be upset after losing
to the Aggies in 37 overtimes. They also saw what UCF did to Auburn last year in the Peach Bowl. Joe Burrow saved the LSU Tigers from extinction. Coach Orgeron was all but out the door because they can’t recruit a decent quarterback. I suspect a sad ending for UCF without McKenzie Milton.
Rose Bowl:
Washington vs Ohio State:
I thought I would never see the day that a Rose Bowl berth would disappoint a team, but the Buckeyes wanted to be in the playoffs. The Huskies got here by beating rival Washington State and Utah in the Pac 12 championship game and they want to be here more than the Buckeyes. That could make a big difference, or then again, it may not mean a thing. I’ll be watching because I love the Rose Bowl and have since my youth.
Sugar Bowl:
Texas vs Georgia:
Texas can’t stop the run and Georgia lives by the run. Georgia had Alabama on the ropes in the SEC championship game and is nearly on par with the Tide. While, Texas is a 9-4 team ranked #15. This should be a mismatch of mammoth proportions.