NCAA Bowl Season Kicks Off with Expanded 12-Team Playoff Format
Table of Contents
The college football postseason is here, and this year marks a significant evolution with the implementation of a 12-team playoff format. This expanded system, now in its second year, promises a more inclusive and thrilling path to the national championship, culminating in the final game on January 19th and 20th at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. As has become tradition, a comprehensive slate of NCAA Bowls will take place leading up to the playoff’s conclusion, offering a wealth of football action for fans. According to sources, “an NCAA Bowl is denied to no one,” ensuring a broad range of teams have the opportunity to compete.
A Whirlwind of Bowl Games Begins December 13th
The bowl season officially begins on Saturday, December 13th, with two prominent matchups. The Celebration Bowl will feature South Carolina State facing off against Prairie View A&M at 12 p.m. on ABC, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Later that evening, the L.A. Bowl will pit Boise State against Washington at 8 p.m. on ABC, taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Key Bowl Matchups Throughout December
The following weeks are packed with bowl games across the country. On Tuesday, December 16th, the Salute to Veterans Bowl will showcase Troy versus Jacksonville State at 9 p.m. on ESPN, played at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. Wednesday, December 17th, features two contests: the Cure Bowl between Old Dominion and South Florida at 5 p.m. on ESPN at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and the 68 Ventures Bowl with Louisiana taking on Delaware at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
Thursday, December 18th, brings the Xbox Bowl featuring Arkansas State versus Missouri State at 9 p.m. on ESPN2, held at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Friday, December 19th, offers a double-header with the Myrtle Beach Bowl (Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan at 11 a.m. on ESPN at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C.) and the Gasparilla Bowl (Memphis vs. NC State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.).
College Football Playoff First Round Games Highlight December 20th
Saturday, December 20th, marks the start of the College Football Playoff’s first round. The day’s schedule includes No. 88 Godll Punterfactes taking on No. 9 Alabama at 8 p.m. on ESPN and ABC at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Following that, No. 7 Texas A&M will face No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at 12 p.m. on ESPN and ABC at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Later in the afternoon, No. 6 Ole Miss will compete against No. 20 Tulane at 3:30 p.m. on TNT and HBO Max at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The evening concludes with No. 5 Oregon battling No. 24 James Madison at 7:30 p.m. on TNT and HBO Max at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Bowl Schedule Continues Through January 9th
The bowl schedule continues into the new year with a packed lineup. Notable games include the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Washington State vs. Utah State on December 22nd), the Boca Raton Bowl (Louisville vs. Toledo on December 23rd), and the Hawai’i Bowl (Cal vs. Hawai’i on December 24th). The schedule extends through January 2nd, featuring the Armed Forces Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and Holiday Bowl.
The College Football Playoff Quarterfinals will be held on January 1st and January 8th, with the Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl serving as host sites. The Peach Bowl will also be a semifinal matchup.
Championship Bound: Road to Miami
The culmination of the season will be the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday, January 19th, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This game will determine the national champion under the new 12-team playoff system, promising an exciting finish to the college football season. Fans should note that all times listed are Eastern Time, requiring an adjustment of six hours for those in other time zones. Several bowls will also be available for free with registration on DAZN.
