NCAA bowl season kicks off on December 16. Many say this heady era has lost its luster in recent years as several big NFL draft-eligible players opt out of these games, but season after season, these duels deliver high performance and reveal the next generation. Here are 12 bowls to look at to brighten up the holiday season.
Fiesta Bowl (demi-final)
Michigan (13-0) v. CU (12-1)
December 31st (4:00pm), Glendale
This will be a real first duel between these two programs. TCU is Cinderella’s team this year, she who was not in the top 25 before the season. Max Duggan, the quarterback finalist for the Heisman Trophy, was not even a starter in the first game of the season. Under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, the younger brother of the famed Lincoln Riley, Duggan exploded with 30 touchdown passes, as well as 404 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His receiver Quentin Johnson will go out in the first round of the draft. Courier Kendre Miller is also one to watch. Michigan didn’t change the formula on its side with a rousing ground attack. While courier Blake Corum will be on the sidelines, Donovan Edwards can get the job done. Michigan’s defense isn’t at 2021 levels, but it will make a difference.
► PAR 10 OF MICHIGAN
Peach Bowl (Semifinal)
Georgia (13-0) v. Ohio State (11-1)
December 31 (8:00 PM), Atlanta
Probably of all the possible naysayers, the one Georgia didn’t want to know about was Ohio State. Indeed, if Georgia’s defensive unit no longer has to prove its worth, Ohio State’s offense is one of the few able to bend the knee. Quarterback CJ Stroud will be a top pick in the first round of the upcoming draft. He throws the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr (son of the former Colts star), who is arguably the best receiver in the country despite only being in his sophomore year. The Buckeyes are averaging 207 yards per game. In short, they have everything to hurt. That said, other than the monster Jalen Carter-led defense up front, Georgia doesn’t have a passive offense with veteran quarterback Stetson Bennett and his dangerous tight ends, including Brock Bowers. It will go to the limit…
► GEORGIA FOR 3
► The winners of the two semifinals will meet on January 9 (19:30) in the national championship at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
First Responder Bowl
Memphis (6-6) c. Utah State (6-6)
December 27 (3:15 pm), Dallas
Why this confrontation between two teams that disappointed? This will be an opportunity to spy on Quebec linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, formerly of Elans de Garneau. Cantin-Arku, who will return next year for his final season in Memphis, finished third for the Memphis Tigers with 66 tackles, including three for losses. He also had 1.5 quarterback sacks. Watch out though, Utah State finished the season strong with five wins in seven games. Memphis beat only one rival with a winning record.
► MEMPHI PAR 8
Party bowl
Oregon (9-3) c. North Carolina (9-4)
December 28 (8:00 PM), San Diego
Both teams have had some success and what really catches the eye is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. In his first season as a starter, he amazed with 4,115 yards, 35 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Many already see him as a big hope for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he will be without his favorite wide receiver Josh Downs, who is focusing on next spring’s draft. A heavy loss! On the Oregon side, veteran quarterback Bo Nix will be in charge.
► OREGON PAR 14
Plastered bowl
Minnesota (8-4) c. Syracuse (7-5)
December 29 (14:00), New York
It will be Syracuse’s first bowl appearance since 2018. Although Victoriaville tackle Matthew Bergeron opted to sit out the game to prepare for the draft, another Quebecer, Montreal wide receiver Damien Alford, can be spotted. The latter caught 17 passes for 372 yards and two touchdowns this season. Syracuse will be without its best players, including productive running back Sean Tucker. This is what will make the difference in Minnesota’s favor.
► MINNESOTA PAR 10
Alamo bowl
Texas (8-4) c. Washington (10-2)
December 29 (9:00 p.m.), San Antonio
It was predictable, but too bad that the brilliant Texas carrier Bijan Robinson makes a cross on the match. The Longhorns’ running game becomes a big question mark this game and there will be a lot of pressure on young quarterback Quinn Ewers’ shoulders to perform well. After a fiery start to the season, he has slowed down and it will be interesting to see him in the spotlight. Washington’s counterpart Michael Penix Jr. is a solid fifth-year veteran, but Washington’s defense won’t be strong.
► TEXAS PAR 7
Alligator bowl
Notre Dame (8-4) c. South Carolina (8-4)
December 30 (3:30 pm), Jacksonville
Notre Dame’s top players, tight end Michael Meyer and defensive end Isaiah Foskey, will not be in the game. Quarterback Tyler Buchner, who suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the season, is expected to return to duty. The South Carolina Gamecocks surprised late in the season when they upset Tennessee and Clemson in quick succession. Quarterback Spencer Rattler hasn’t revived his career, but he can make some noise in a duel like that.
► SOUTH CAROLINA PAR 3
Orange bowl
Clemson (11-2) c. Tennessee (10-2)
December 30 (20:00), Miami
Two years after Trevor Lawrence, the Clemson Tigers say goodbye to their quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has opted for a transfer. This cup will be an opportunity to see at work what they consider their man of the next few years, Cole Klubnik, a prominent prospect. He looked good in relief at the ACC championship. Carrier Will Shipley is also very productive. On the Tennessee side, Fairy took a big hit with the injury of kingpin Hendon Hooker.
► CLEMSON PAR 4
Sugar bowl
Alabama (10-2) c. Kansas State (10-3)
December 31 (12:00), New Orleans
Surprisingly, according to US insiders, several famous players from Alabama such as quarterback Bryce Young, rusher Jahmyr Gibbs, fighter quarterback Will Anderson and others are planning to go to the Sugar Bowl rather than betting on draft preparation. If so, the Crimson Tide should be favored. Kansas State stunned to win the Big 12 Conference Championship by knocking out TCU. This team will be very motivated.
► PAR 7 OF ALABAMA
ReliaQuest bowl
Illinois (8-4) c. Mississippi State (8-4)
January 2 (12:00), Tampa Bay
Normally it wouldn’t be the most thrilling bowl in the world, but there will be an emotional atmosphere around the game. On December 12, Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach died unexpectedly of heart complications. A true monument of the “Air Raid” offensive and a unique personality, Leach is not ready to be forgotten. For Illinois, it will be necessary to monitor whether productive Canadian bearer Chase Brown ignores him.
► STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PAR 6
Cotton bowl
USC (11-2) c. Tulan (11-2)
January 2 (1:00 pm), Arlington
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams recently suffered a leg injury and his attendance is in question. If he’s in charge, USC should produce a lot of points. Tulane is one of the great stories of the “Group of 5”, the five weakest conferences. The team will play its first New Year’s Bowl since 1940. Running back Tyjae Spears was phenomenal with 1,376 yards and 15 touchdowns. The defense, however, does not hold up.
► OUT FROM 7
Bowl of Roses
Utah (10-3) c. Pennsylvania (10-2)
January 2 (5 pm), Pasadena
Utah carrier Tavion Thomas won’t play, but there’s plenty of depth in the backfield to compensate. Last year, the Utes narrowly lost 48-45 to Ohio State in a spectacular Rose Bowl. It’s time for revenge, and Penn State will pay the price, without star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington will not be in attendance, so it could be an opportunity to see Quebecer Malick Meiga.
► Utah par 1
