Here we are – sadly – another season of college football is in the books, and now, we’re on to the roughly 500 bowl games we’re made to endure. Let’s face it – we’re all such college football junkies that we’re going to watch these meaningless exhibitions. You know it’s bad when you’re anxiously awaiting the kickoff of Nevada and Colorado State.
But, we have to watch these games – have to. College football is dwindling away right before our eyes, and we won’t get it back for approximately seven or eight months. Do you know what man is capable of in such a wanton state? A lot of dangerous activities.
No one wants that. That’s why for the health and safety of the people around you, you need to stay tuned throughout bowl season.
This year, the matchups look pretty stout, even outside of the College Football Playoff games. Oregon/TCU, Ohio State/Notre Dame, Stanford/Iowa, North Carolina/Baylor, Houston/Florida State, and Western Kentucky/South Florida (don’t you judge me) all highlight what should be a solid bowl season.
Somewhere along the way, something weird happened with the SEC. Alabama made it into the playoffs, and Ole Miss occupied a slot in the Sugar Bowl – but, outside of those two, things get a little hairy.
The Texas Bowl
LSU vs. Texas Tech
Dec. 29, 8PM CT
In easily the most apparent mismatch of bowl season, the Red Raiders of Texas Tech have actually agreed to take on the Baton Rouge Leonard Fournettes. Seriously, LSU is going to rush for 400 yards in this game. How did this end up happening? I’m not saying the Tigers should be in a New Year’s Six Bowl – but this? Texas Tech is coming into this game sporting black and red. They’ll be leaving black and blue.
The Birmingham Bowl
Auburn vs. Memphis
Dec. 30, 11AM CT
Auburn fans aren’t happy that they’ve ended up in Birmingham, but I say it’s better than nothing. I expected a lot more out of Gus Malzahn and his granny neck (predicted him to lose to TCU in the National Championship), but correcting course to get to 6-6 took was fortunate. Now, Auburn fans, you’re going to be really unhappy if Memphis decides they actually want to play and they hang 50 on you.
The Belk Bowl
Mississippi State vs. NC State
Dec. 30, 2:30PM CT
This is a pretty intriguing matchup between two quarterbacks with NFL aspirations. I truly thought the Bulldogs would find themselves in the basement of the SEC West at season’s end. That’s not the case. If not for Derrick Henry, Dak Prescott could make a strong argument for MVP of the SEC. They should win, but don’t sleep on a surprising Wolfpack. This should be a good game.
The Music City Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Louisville
Dec. 30, 6PM CT
Well, we all knew it was going to be hard to top last year’s showdown between LSU and Notre Dame. Let’s just remember that for a second. Okay, on to this year – the Aggies would have been a good get, except they’ve already been to Nashville this season to play Vanderbilt. I don’t expect this to be much of a contest. Louisville had a nice year, but A&M’s offense is going to prove too much for the Cardinals.
The Cotton Bowl
Alabama vs. Michigan State
Dec. 31, 7PM CT
The dynasty is dead! Nick Saban is going to Texas! Or, Alabama is going to win the SEC and participate in back-to-back College Football Playoffs. No disrespect to Michigan State – they’ve had a tremendous season with three huge, emotional wins – but of the options, the Spartans are the least scary. Connor Cook seems to get up for big games, and this is going to be the biggest of his career.
The Outback Bowl
Tennessee vs. Northwestern
Jan. 1, 11AM CT
Last year’s Outback Bowl was awesome, and I am just as excited for this year’s contest. Sure, fans in Knoxville had much higher expectations, but this isn’t a bad spot to be in. The Vols are playing on New Year’s Day, and hey – they aren’t Georgia. Count that as a win.
The Citrus Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan
Jan. 1, Noon CT
This is a “prove it” game for both of these first year head coaches. The Gators and Wolverines have both stalled to end the season, making this contest an opportunity to regain momentum heading into recruiting season. Still, it’s strength vs. strength as Michigan’s offense takes on Florida’s defense. Who breaks first?
The Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State
Jan. 1, 7:30PM CT
The big dandy – the target destination for all SEC competitors: New Orleans. Man – is this going to be a shootout or what? Two high-powered offenses duking it out. I’d be surprised if either program actually invites their defensive players to make the trip with them.
The TaxSlayer Bowl
Georgia vs. Penn State
Jan. 2, 11AM CT
As far as bowl names go, this one is among the worst. How stupid does it sound to have a company name representing what your entire year’s worth of work has been building to? Anyway, these two teams were major underachievers in 2015. If you had told me this game would be a bowl in August, I would’ve thought it to be New Year’s Six bowl. Regardless, it should still be a decent game. Georgia has the talent to dominate, but James Franklin is one of college football’s finest motivators. Don’t be surprised if Penn State hangs around and steals it late.
The Liberty Bowl
Arkansas vs. Kansas State
Jan. 2, 2:20PM CT
This is another mismatch between the SEC and Big 12 – seems a tad bizarre to me. I would’ve liked to see the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky get a crack at the Liberty Bowl, but alas, the Liberty Bowl no longer has a tie-in with the Conference-USA Champion. Besides WKU will still take on a credible national program: South Florida (sarcasm). Regardless, I don’t see this being a contest at all. As bizarre as a 2:20PM bowl kickoff is, it seems as good a time as any for the Razorbacks to run the ball 150 times down the Wildcats collective throat.
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo
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