Bada da da da. Bada da da da. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas and bowl games, my goodness, what more could warm a man’s heart that is legal in the United States? I don’t know. Personally, I will spend the next few weeks watching as much football as humanly possible. We’re in the home stretch, folks. We’re down to the college football bowl games.
While everyone is going to be talking about Clemson-Alabama, Georgia-Oklahoma, or the rest of the New Year’s Six bowls, there are several bowl match-ups that no one seems to be talking about. I’ve identified 10 bowl games that are flying under the radar, but look like must-watch TV to me.
The Top 10 Non-New Year’s Six Bowl Games
12/16/17 – Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State vs. Oregon – It’s going to be lost in the shuffle because it takes place on day one of bowl season, but this is going to be a doozy. The Las Vegas Bowl is usually sneaky good, but this year’s game features two teams that were ranked at one point. Plus, it gives us the chance to revisit LeGarrette Blount punching that dude in the face. Cool.
12/22/17 – Bahamas Bowl: UAB vs. Ohio – Man, how can you not root for the Blazers? A year or so ago, they’re cancelling the football program, and now they’re talking about winning nine games!? But, it isn’t going to be easy. Ohio is a good team, probably should’ve made the MAC Championship and made it a little harder for Toledo, but didn’t. This’ll be a good ‘en.
12/23/17 – Armed Forces Bowl: San Diego State vs. Army – If you like electric runners and solid ground attacks this game is for you. For the Aztecs, you had the over-2,000 yard rusher Rashaad Penny, who in my opinion, should have been invited to New York. For Army, it’s all about Ahmad Bradshaw, and if you watched the Navy game, you know what a show this guy can put on.
12/23/17 – Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo – Two elite teams in their respective conferences should make for an underrated contest. Can you believe Toledo is going for its 12th win on the season?
12/23/17 – Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech vs. South Florida – If you like shootouts, this one figures to be for you. I’m not kidding when I say these two teams should….not could…but should break 100 points. Plus, Kliff Kingsbury makes for a surefire way to get your wife and/or husband to tune in.
12/24/17 – Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs. Houston – It doesn’t get much better than football on Christmas Eve, and this year’s Hawaii Bowl delivers. On one hand, you have an overachieving Fresno State team that nearly won the Mountain West. On the other, you have a Houston teamed that upset South Florida during the season.
12/27/17 – Texas Bowl: Texas vs. Missouri – This one’s all about Drew Lock for me. I’ll admit. I’ve had a bit of a mancrush on him, but the way he runs that Tigers offense is like watching an artist paint.
12/29/17 – Arizona Bowl: New Mexico State vs. Utah State – It’s Aggies vs. Aggies in this showdown that could honestly be a terrible game for all I know. I’m just happy for New Mexico State, the Cinderella of bowl season, so I’ll be tuning in to see ’em play in their first bowl game since 1960.
12/30/17 – TaxSlayer Bowl: Louisville vs. Mississippi State – This one’s simple: it’s Lamar Jackson’s last game as a Cardinal. He’s going up against a solid SEC foe. If Nick Fitzgerald was healthy, this would’ve been one hell of a quarterback duel.
12/30/17 – Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs. Memphis – the Cyclones nearly crept into the top 10 at one point this year after upsetting Oklahoma and TCU. The Tigers were an overtime short of beating UCF and getting into the Peach Bowl. The folks in Memphis are getting a treat in this year’s Liberty Bowl.
Can’t wait, folks.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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