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The college football bowl season is a celebrated period in the United States, marking the culmination of months of competition with a series of postseason games. These matchups not only determine champions but also provide thrilling spectacles for fans nationwide. As of December 28, 2024, several notable bowl games have taken place, each contributing to the rich tapestry of college football history.
Holiday Bowl: Syracuse vs. Washington State
On December 27, the Holiday Bowl featured an offensive showcase between the Syracuse Orange and the Washington State Cougars. Syracuse emerged victorious with a 52-35 win, propelled by quarterback Kyle McCord’s exceptional performance. McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, setting new records for both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Syracuse program. Running back LeQuint Allen also made significant contributions, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season and scoring multiple touchdowns. This victory marked Syracuse’s first 10-win season since 2018 and was a triumphant start for head coach Fran Brown.
Alamo Bowl: Colorado vs. BYU
The Valero Alamo Bowl, scheduled for December 28, features the Colorado Buffaloes against the BYU Cougars. This game is particularly significant for Colorado, marking their first bowl appearance in two decades and an opportunity to secure a tenth win for the season. Key players to watch include Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Heisman Trophy winner, and two-way star Travis Hunter. The matchup is expected to be competitive, with Colorado aiming to break its winless streak in the Alamo Bowl.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Nebraska
The Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 28 features the Boston College Eagles facing the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Boston College, under new head coach Bill O’Brien, seeks its first eight-win season since 2009. The Eagles will be without key players Donovan Ezeiruaku and Ozzy Trapilo. Strategically, Boston College aims to pressure Nebraska’s freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola and mitigate big plays, given their secondary’s vulnerabilities. Despite Nebraska’s top-20 defense, the Eagles are slightly favored, with predictions leaning towards a 21-17 victory in a potentially low-scoring, rainy contest.
Arizona Bowl: Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio)
An intriguing development in this year’s bowl season is the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, presented by Gin & Juice, featuring Colorado State and Miami (Ohio). Snoop Dogg’s sponsorship ensures that all participating players receive name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation, highlighting a growing trend in college athletics towards player remuneration. This initiative underscores the evolving landscape of college football, where athlete compensation is becoming increasingly prominent.
College Football Playoff Expansion
The 2024-25 season marks the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) from four to twelve teams, introducing a new era in determining the national champion. The first round of games took place on December 20 and 21 at campus sites, with higher-seeded teams hosting. Notable results include:
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Indiana Hoosiers: Notre Dame secured a victory at home, advancing to the quarterfinals.
- Penn State Nittany Lions vs. SMU Mustangs: Penn State dominated with a 38-10 win, showcasing their defensive prowess.
- Texas Longhorns vs. Clemson Tigers: Texas triumphed 38-24, with a strong offensive performance.
- Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Ohio State advanced with a convincing 42-17 victory.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for December 31 and January 1, with matchups including Penn State against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and Texas facing Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The semifinals will follow on January 9 and 10, culminating in the national championship game on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Early Bowl Games
The bowl season commenced on December 14 with the Cricket Celebration Bowl, where Jackson State defeated South Carolina State 28-7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This game serves as a de facto championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), highlighting the talent and tradition within these institutions.
Subsequent games included the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, with South Alabama edging out Western Michigan 30-23, and the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on December 17, where Memphis secured a 42-37 victory over West Virginia. These early matchups set the stage for an exciting bowl season, offering teams an opportunity to conclude their seasons on a high note and gain momentum for the future.
Upcoming Bowl Games
As the bowl season progresses, several notable games are on the horizon:
- New Mexico Bowl: TCU Horned Frogs will compete against Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in Albuquerque on December 28. TCU, under Head Coach Sonny Dykes, is on a three-game winning streak and aims for its first nine-win season since 1955. Quarterback Josh Hoover is a standout player to watch, nearing TCU’s single-season passing record. This game marks the first meeting between the Horned Frogs and the Ragin’ Cajuns. Frogs O’ War
- Military Bowl: East Carolina is set to face NC State, promising a competitive matchup between regional rivals. ESPN
- Rose Bowl: As part of the CFP quarterfinals, the Rose Bowl will feature a clash between Ohio State and Oregon, both teams known for their
