Don’t allow the first year of the expanded College football Playoff blur your vision – thereS never too many bowl games! Postseason football may have lost some of its luster thanks to the allure of the 12-team bracket, but no one enjoys the bowl calendar during the holidays as much as I do. Yes, that even includes the matchups involving 6-6 teams.
We know player opt outs are coming, and there’s a plethora of coaching changes this month that will alter planning and focus, but a chance to end the season on a high note heading into the 2025 season is high on the priority scale for the 82 teams still with a game — or more – to play.
If you can’t watch the entire bowl schedule, no worries.We’ve got you covered with a full ranking of the entire postseason, including a few projected matchups in the quarterfinals of the playoff. Now, let’s feast!
All times below Eastern.
upcoming Bowl Games
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 9 p.m. — Western Michigan’s senior running back Zahir Abdus-Salaam hopes to follow up his biggest performance of the year — 175 yards of total offense, two touchdowns — with another memorable outing to cap his career against south Alabama.The Jaguars where a mid-tier finisher in the Sun Belt and have been pushed by seven touchdowns in the last five games from freshman playmaker Fluff Bothwell.
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m.— Under Clay Helton, Georgia Southern emerged as one of the Sun Belt’s better teams this season, with only two of their four losses coming during conference play. They will face the Bearkats, who won four of their last five entering the postseason. Sam Houston’s rushing attack, featuring Jay Ducker and hunter Watson, combined for 14 touchdowns on the ground.
Saturday,Jan. 4 | 11 a.m. — First-year Buffalo coach Pete Lembo leads the Bulls, currently on a four-game winning streak, into a matchup against Liberty, a team they have yet to beat. After a strong season last year,the Flames might be at a disadvantage without starting quarterback Kaidon Salter,who is expected to miss the Bahamas Bowl after entering the transfer portal.
Saturday,Dec. 28 | 2:15 p.m. — It was a bounce-back season for the Horned Frogs under Sonny Dykes, whose team has started to attract attention in the Big 12. Chandler Fields has been starting at quarterback for Louisiana, who failed to score a touchdown in the Sun Belt Championship game against Marshall. These two teams have never met on the field before, making this matchup unique in bowl season.
Thursday, Dec. 26 | 2 p.m. — Pitt’s Desmond Reid is a multi-position threat, having recorded a 10-catch game from the backfield this season. The Panthers face off against Toledo’s standout wide receiver, Jerjuan Newton, who caught 64 passes for 949 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the MAC in all three categories.
Monday,Dec. 23 | 2:30 p.m. — Northern Illinois found a way to recover from a rocky start, including a notable win over central Michigan in their finale. The Huskies will face Fresno State, who is lacking starting quarterback Mikey Keene after he entered the transfer portal.
College Football Playoff bowl Games
6. Peach Bowl quarterfinal: Arizona state vs. Clemson or Texas
Wednesday, Jan.1 | 1 p.m. — Cam Skattebo stood out in the Big 12 Championship Game, leading a Sun Devils team that was expected to struggle but instead finished strong with 11 wins. Texas faces Clemson in the first round,setting the stage for exciting matchups.
5. Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal: (3) Boise State vs. SMU or Penn State
Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 7:30 p.m. — A potential Heisman Trophy winner coudl appear against SMU or Penn State, with thrilling prospects for the playoff landscape. The buildup to this game generates a lot of excitement.
4. Rose Bowl quarterfinal: (1) Oregon vs. Tennessee or Ohio State
Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 5 p.m. — Fans are eager to see how Oregon, ranked as the top seed, will handle a formidable opponent in either Tennessee or Ohio State, with significant implications for the playoffs at stake.
3. Sugar Bowl quarterfinal: (2) Georgia vs. Indiana or Notre Dame
Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 8:45 p.m. — The matchup in New Orleans has fans excited, with Georgia positioned as the favourite against either Indiana or Notre dame. The importance of SEC vs. Big Ten matchups continues to fuel rivalry narratives.
1-2. Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl semifinals
Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. & Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. — With all four teams needing to secure their places in these games, anticipation is high for thrilling matchups, considered the highlights of the bowl season.
What are the key differences between the new College Football Playoff format and customary bowl games?
Interview between Time.news Editor and College Football Expert
Editor: Welcome to our special edition of Time.news! today, we’re diving into the colorful and chaotic world of college football bowl games with an expert who knows it all. With the expanded college Football Playoff format in full swing, what are your thoughts on how the landscape of postseason football has changed this year?
Expert: Thank you for having me! This year, with the 12-team bracket, it feels like fans have been given a mixed bag. The allure of the playoffs is undeniable, but I believe we’ve inadvertently lost some of the charm that bowl games traditionally held. Just think about it—when else can we see teams that, let’s be honest, may not have stellar records like those 6-6 squads, get one more chance to shine on a national stage?
Editor: That’s a grate point. Despite the shiny new playoff format, it seems that bowl games still have a significant place in college football culture. Do you think there’s still excitement surrounding these matchups?
Expert: Absolutely! The bowl games encapsulate so much of what college football is about—the traditions, the pageantry, and yes, even those quirky matchups involving teams that may not have had the season they hoped for. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about players ending their college careers on a high note and what it means to their schools and communities.
Editor: Speaking of players, we’ve seen a trend in recent years with players opting out of bowl games to focus on their professional careers. How do you see this impacting the upcoming games?
expert: Player opt-outs are certainly a concern,and they can change the dynamics of a game significantly,especially when a key player decides to sit out. It can lead to less competitive matchups or at least a lot of unpredictability. Though,this also opens the door for younger players to step up,showcasing their talent and possibly making a name for themselves as they prepare for the next season and beyond.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see those young players take center stage. Speaking of upcoming bowl games, what matchups or players are you excited to watch this season?
Expert: I’m really looking forward to the game on December 14 between Western Michigan and South Alabama. Western Michigan’s Zahir abdus-Salaam had a standout season, and he’s hoping to cap it off with another incredible performance. And on the other side,South Alabama’s fluff Bothwell has proven to be a playmaking dynamo,which could make for some electrifying plays!
Editor: With so many changes in coaching and player rosters as we approach the 2025 season,do you think these upcoming bowl games will serve as a key platform for teams to launch into next season?
Expert: Absolutely! For those 82 teams still in contention,these bowl games are not just about the immediate glory,but also about setting a tone for the offseason and recruiting efforts. A strong bowl performance can boost morale and serve as a stepping stone for next year’s campaign.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what’s your overall message to fans as they prepare for this year’s bowl season?
Expert: My message would be to embrace the bowl season in all its glory—don’t let the new playoff format cloud your enjoyment of these games. tune in, support your teams, and enjoy the last vestiges of the college football season. After all, there’s simply nothing like postseason football during the holidays!
Editor: Well said! Thank you so much for your insights today. I think we’re all ready to feast on some college football!
Expert: Thank you for having me! Enjoy the games!