Weekly Bowl preview: Dec. 23-28, 2024
Breaking down all the bowl games of the week so you know what to watch
Author’s Note: A little programming change because of Christmas. This week will only be today’s Bowl Previews. No midweek article and the Playoff Previews are pushed to next Monday ahead of the New Years’ Six. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
So the first round of the playoffs wasn’t the most entertaining. That happens. It happened in the four-team era, it happens in the NFL. Blowouts happen.
But bowl season? The plain old, run of the mill bowls? Those ones are delivering. Big time. Which ones this week are begging for your attention? Which ones will be Sicko Fests long admired by the Committee? Let’s find out.
As always, all times are Eastern.
Myrtle Beach Bowl - Dec. 23, 11 a.m.
Coastal Carolina (6-6) v. UTSA (6-6) (ESPN)
A few years ago, this would be must-watch football. Not so much right now. Still, this is an even matchup that should be fun. Neither team is particularly good at any one thing, but both have promising quarterbacks in Ethan Vasko and Owen McCown and solid tailbacks in Braydon Bennett and Robert Henry respectively. They match up well on paper, but this could quickly become a snoozer if UTSA’s defense shows up.
Worth a watch?: It’ll help the work day speed up, I guess?
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m.
Northern Illinois (7-5) v. Fresno State (6-6) (ESPN)
Personally, I love the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Mountain West on MAC action on the smurf turf with a french fry bath is the things you only see in your dreams. And the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Northern Illinois will be without star tailback Antario Brown and Fresno State is without quarterback Mikey Keene, who has hit the portal. Despite that, this game always finds a way to be entertaining, even without the little star power it boasted before.
Worth a watch?: It’s the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Of course it’s worth a watch.
Hawai’i Bowl - Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
South Florida (6-6) v. San Jose State (6-6) (ESPN)
Offensive-inclined watchers, this one is for you. One of the nation’s most underrated receivers - despite leading the nation in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns - in San Jose State’s Nick Nash will take a bow on his long and varied career. South Florida will counter with a run-based veer and shoot variant that can rack up yards and points quickly. Whichever defense blinks first will likely lose this one.
Worth a watch?: Has shootout possibilities. But at least watch for a Nick Nash send-off
GameAbove Bowl - Dec. 26, 2 p.m.
Pittsburgh (7-5) v. Toledo (7-5) (ESPN)
Toledo is one of the nation’s best Group of Five programs. Pittsburgh is a model of stability, but has lost five straight after a 7-0 start that brought playoff hype. The duel between quarterbacks Eli Holstein (Pittsburgh) and Tucker Gleason (Toledo) could be fun, especially if the secondaries aren’t prepared. But this could also become a defense battle. Really, anything’s on the table.
Worth a watch?: Why not? This is probably the most volatile game on the docket, but that’s worth a watch, right?
Rate Bowl - Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Rutgers (7-5) v. Kansas State (8-4) (ESPN)
The Rate here is no longer guaranteed, but a strong running game is. This is a down and dirty, ground and pound game here. Two of the nation’s best backs - Kyle Monangai and D.J. Giddens are the clear stars here, but the game may be decided by which quarterback can make the most timely plays. Expect a close slog.
Worth a watch?: I’d say so. Especially so if you like the running game.
68 Ventures Bowl - Dec. 26, 9 p.m.
Arkansas State (7-5) v. Bowling Green (7-5) (ESPN)
If you want to see the nation’s best tight end, you’re in luck because Harold Fannin Jr. is ready to go. Bowling Green is without their star tailback Terion Stewart, who hit the portal, but Fannin has been and will be this offense’s focal point. Arkansas State is young, but seeing how quarterback Jaylen Raynor fares against a staunch Bowling Green secondary should be an interesting game within the game.
Worth a watch?: Yes. If only to see that Harold Fannin Jr. is superior to Tyler Warren.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Dec. 27, 12 p.m.
Oklahoma (6-6) v. Navy (9-3) (ESPN)
It looks like Navy may have gotten the short end of the stick, but after a massive win over Army, the Midshipmen are ready to take down a blue blood. Even if they’re not good this year. For Oklahoma, quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is auditioning to show he belongs in the programs’ future plans.
Worth a watch?: If you’re interested in the game within the game. Oklahoma’s defense against Navy’s option attack is going to be fun schematically.
Birmingham Bowl - Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m.
Georgia Tech (7-5) v. Vanderbilt (6-6) (ESPN)
This may be one of my favorite bowls on the docket, as I feel both of these teams are better than their records. Georgia Tech dealt with some injuries, but with the Haynes King and Jamal Haynes backfield healthy, they’re ready to deal. Vanderbilt, though, has the magic of one Diego Pavia to draw from. Georgia Tech is the better team, but Pavia hasn’t cared about that ever before. Expect a gritty, physical, aggressive game from both programs.
Worth a watch?: 110 percent. This kind of game is why we have the bowls.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Dec. 27, 7 p.m.
Texas Tech (8-4) v. Arkansas (6-6) (ESPN)
This is about as major a schematic difference as you can get. Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech is running and gunning behind Behen Morton and Tahj Brooks - the Red Raiders’ career rushing leader. Arkansas is more running-focused behind Bobby Petrino’s offense and quarterback Taylen Green and tailback JaQuinden Jackson. Arkansas has a defense with a pulse, though, which might be the difference here.
Worth a watch?: If you want a shootout, you’ve got it.
Want to know the final rankings? What about this season’s award winners? Check them out below!:
DirecTV Holiday Bowl - Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
22 Syracuse (9-3) v. Washington State (8-4) (FOX)
What could’ve been a fun offense-focused game lost its shine as Washington State has been decimated in the portal and coaching carousel. The Cougars offense ran through quarterback John Mateer, who followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma. Syracuse’s Kyle McCord will be lining up for his final college football game ready to set the scorebook on fire.
Worth a watch?: Not really. Syracuse should run away with this one
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl - Dec. 27, 10:30 p.m.
USC (6-6) v. Texas A&M (8-4) (ESPN)
So, uh, yeah. We’re at this point in the bowl games. I’m not even excited for this. USC has looked downright bad on offense all season, even after Jayden Maiava took over for since-departed Miller Moss. At least Texas A&M has something to play for, as freshman quarterback Marcel Reed is going to get some great developmental snaps.
Worth a watch?: Unless Lincoln Riley has some offensive fairy dust, no.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl - Dec. 28, 11 a.m.
UConn (8-4) v. North Carolina (6-6) (ESPN)
The stories around these teams are dominated by Bill Belichick’s hire at North Carolina, but Freddie Kitchens will lead the Tar Heels out. There’s a clear talent advantage for North Carolina, even if star tailback Omarion Hampton has opted-out of the game to prepare for the NFL draft. But UConn boasts a top-25 rushing offense and kept up with Syracuse. Don’t count them out.
Worth a watch?: It should be close, but a Sicko game is a real possibility.
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl - Dec. 28, 12 p.m.
Boston College (7-5) v. Nebraska (6-6) (ABC)
I don’t fault you for not getting excited about this game. Boston College doesn’t have the dynamic Thomas Castellanos under center anymore, but Grayson James has done well. The Eagles also boast one of the nation’s top defensive linemen in Donovan Ezeiruaku. For Nebraska, lets see how freshman Dylan Raiola handles his first bowl appearance - and Ezeiruaku.
Worth a watch?: It’ll be close. Watch if you’re free, but don’t move your schedule around.
Isleta New Mexico Bowl - Dec. 28, 2:15 p.m.
Louisiana (10-3) v. TCU (8-4) (ESPN)
Now we’re talking. Louisiana didn’t get much of a shot this season until a Sun Belt Championship blowout to Marshall, but the Cajun offense led by quarterback Ben Wooldridge has been lights out. TCU has also been really good on offense, led by quarterback Josh Hoover and wideout Jack Bech. This is a great meeting of two pass-happy teams that should produce a great game.
Worth a watch?: I’m really excited for this one. This will be a fun watch.
Pop-Tarts Bowl - Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m.
18 Iowa State (10-3) v. 14 Miami (10-2) (ABC)
In an alternate universe, this is a playoff game. Instead, the winner will get a prize potentially even more valuable: a working toasted embedded into a trophy and the chance to devour the game’s mascot. Forget baseball, let’s get romantic about football.
On the field, I’m watching the battle between Iowa State’s defense and Miami’s offense. The Hurricanes haven’t been slowed down by anyone yet, but I’d say Iowa State is the best unit they’ve come across. Especially with Cam Ward playing. But Iowa State is getting all of their starters too. Let’s see if this delivers where the playoff’s first round didn’t.
Worth a watch?: It’s the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Enough said.
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl - Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m.
Miami (OH) (8-5) v. Colorado State (8-4) (The CW)
The D-O-double-G is getting into the college game with a solid Group of Five bowl matchup. Chuck Martin’s Miami squads almost always show up for big games like this and quarterback Brett Gabbert is no stranger to the bowl scene. But Colorado State is an upstart team that’s starting to click with a run-focused offense and a solid quarterback in Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Someone’s defense will win this and I like Miami to do that.
Worth a watch?: Could be a fun one and a great multi-box option.
Go Bowling Military Bowl - Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m.
East Carolina (7-5) v. NC State (6-6) (ESPN)
East Carolina really turned it around down the stretch, which led to interim Blake Harrell rightfully earning the full-time gig. The Pirates are built to sling it behind Michigan State transfer Katin Houser, but don’t sleep on a strong secondary or tailback Rahjai Harris. Their opponent, NC State has been…bad. Like, all year. The Wolfpack don’t have any wins to hang their hat on and bad losses to Tennessee, Clemson and Wake Forest. A Group of Five over Power Four win could be imminent.
Worth a watch?: The worst of the bunch in this slot. Make it a multi-box game but don’t just watch this. For your own good.
Valero Alamo Bowl - Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.
17 BYU (10-2) v. 20 Colorado (9-3) (ABC)
The Alamo Bowl is a conference matchup that I’m sure we would have loved five weeks ago in the heat of the Big 12 Race. But better late then never, right? There’s really only one matchup to watch and you already know what it is: the Colorado offense against the BYU defense. The Cougars still have a Top-20 defense, which should go toe-to-toe with Colorado’s dynamic unit led by Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. For those more inclined on the flip-side, can “BY-Jew” Jake Retzlaff cook againt Hunter and the Buffalo defense?
Worth a watch?: Lock in for this one. It’ll be a great way to close the weekend.
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl - Dec. 28, 9:15 p.m.
Louisiana Tech (5-7) v. 19 Army (11-2) (ESPN)
Louisiana Tech gets the nod post-Marshall opt-out due to Academic Progress Rate (ASR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR), but this stings for Army. The Black Knights deserve better. For that reason, I hope Bryson Daily tears through the Bulldog defense.
Worth a watch?: Bryson Daily deserves your eyeballs. Watch him dominate.
What I’m Reading:
Three-Point Stance by Tyler Schuster: Three-Point Stance is your favorite independent college football newsletter. Come for in-depth analysis and bold commentary, stay for the jokes and memes. An idea hatched after years of 12-hour days glued to the couch, Tyler Schuster puts his passion for the sport on full display, delivering big-picture ideas, weekly previews and gambling nuggets directly to your inbox.
An idea hatched after years of 12-hour days glued to the couch, Tyler Schuster puts his passion for the sport on full display, delivering big-picture ideas, weekly previews and gambling nuggets directly to your inbox.
Tailgators Setup by Brian Lennon, John Crimella, and Gary McDaniel: I’ll be a little selfish on this one and plug a great college football podcast that I was lucky enough to join a few weeks back to talk UEC and SID Sports! Brian, John and Gary are a ton of fun to listen to and break down the weekend to come in a very easy to digest and entertaining way. Be sure to tune into the Tailgators' Setup podcast and subscribe for more great content from them!
Split Zone Duo by Alex Kirshner, Steven Godfrey, and Richard Johnson: You can't beat Alex, Richard and Godfrey. They're on the front lines breaking news and creating the best content in the game. I 100 percent recommend SZD for anyone into college football and Steven Godfrey hating your team. They’re mostly a podcast publication, but sometimes being able to listen to three well-informed guys talking about college football is what you need in your life.
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I’m keeping all the Tyler Warren haterade receipts!! 😂