College Bowl Season Preview: A Look at the December & January Slate
College football’s postseason is here, and it promises a thrilling ride! You’re likely planning your viewing schedule now, so let’s break down some of the most anticipated bowl games coming up in December and January. This preview will give you a solid understanding of potential matchups and what to expect.
December 30th: Kicking Off the Action
The bowl season officially gets underway on December 30th with a pair of exciting contests.
* JLab Birmingham Bowl: Memphis and James Madison are potential contenders, offering a clash of styles. Alternatively, a matchup between Clemson and UTSA could deliver a high-powered offensive showcase.
* Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: Kansas faces Kennesaw State in one projection, while Baylor and Western Kentucky represent another possibility. Expect a hard-fought battle in Shreveport, Louisiana.
December 31st: New Year’s Eve Showdowns
New Year’s Eve brings a heavier dose of bowl action, culminating in some prime-time matchups.
* Music City Bowl: Nebraska versus Missouri is a compelling Big Ten/SEC showdown. However, Minnesota and LSU could also deliver a similarly intense contest.
* Valero Alamo Bowl: Cincinnati and USC are frequently mentioned as potential participants, promising a West Coast flavour. This game consistently draws a large audience.
* reliaquest Bowl: illinois and Texas are a strong possibility, offering a Big 12/Big Ten battle. Iowa versus Tennessee is another intriguing scenario, potentially featuring contrasting offensive approaches.
* Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Wake Forest and Arizona State could provide an exciting matchup. Miami and California are also in the mix, offering a Pac-12/ACC clash.
* Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Michigan is widely projected to appear, potentially against Vanderbilt. A more notable test against Texas is also a realistic outcome.
* SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Iowa and Utah are potential contenders, promising a physical contest.Nebraska and Utah could also provide a similar matchup.
January 2nd: Continuing the Momentum
The new year begins with more compelling bowl games, building towards the College Football Playoff.
* Lockheed Martin Armed Forces bowl: Kansas State and Navy are strong candidates, honoring our nation’s service members. Arizona and Army are also possibilities, offering a similar patriotic theme.
* AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State and Kentucky are frequently discussed as potential participants. Kansas State and Kentucky could also deliver a competitive matchup.
* Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Louisville and Tennessee are a potential pairing,promising a high-scoring affair. Duke and Missouri could also provide an exciting contest.
* Holiday Bowl: SMU and Washington are often mentioned, offering a matchup of rising programs. SMU and Arizona State is another possibility, bringing a different dynamic to the game.
What to Expect This Bowl Season
Ultimately, the beauty of bowl season lies in its unpredictability. You can anticipate passionate play, exciting finishes, and the prospect to see teams finish their seasons on a high note. Remember, these are projections, and the final matchups will be revealed in the coming days.
Keep an eye on official announcements for the definitive pairings. Enjoy the games, and get ready for a fantastic few weeks of college football!
