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A Decade of Bowl Games: From Cancellations too Competitive Clashes
Table of Contents
A review of recent college bowl game results reveals a decade marked by both thrilling contests and unforeseen disruptions, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2008 to 2025,the bowl season has consistently delivered exciting matchups,tho not without challenges.
Early Years & The EagleBank Bowl (2008-2011)
The period between 2008 and 2011 saw a mix of established programs and rising contenders vying for bowl victories. On December 20, 2008, Wake Forest defeated Navy 29-19 in a game played as part of the EagleBank Bowl, a sponsorship that lasted through 2009. The following year, on December 29, 2009, UCLA bested Temple 30-21. Competitive contests continued in 2010, with Maryland overpowering East Carolina 51-20 on December 29th, and in 2011, Toledo narrowly edged Air Force 42-41 on December 28th.
Mid-Decade Momentum (2012-2016)
The mid-2010s witnessed a continuation of compelling bowl games. San Jose State secured a 29-20 victory over Bowling Green on December 27, 2012, while Marshall defeated Maryland 31-20 the following year on December 27, 2013. Virginia Tech also claimed a win on December 27,2014,defeating Cincinnati 33-17. Navy demonstrated its dominance with a 44-28 win over Pittsburgh on December 28, 2015, and wake Forest triumphed over Temple 34-26 on December 27, 2016.
Disruptions and Resumption (2017-2021)
The late 2010s and early 2020s brought both high-scoring games and significant disruptions. Navy continued its strong bowl performance with a decisive 49-7 victory over virginia on December 28, 2017, followed by a close contest on December 31, 2018, where Cincinnati edged Virginia Tech 35-31. However,the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 bowl season entirely. According to reports, the December 28, 2020, bowl games were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The following year, on December 27, 2021, the game between East carolina and Boston College was also canceled.
