The season of bowls has been in full swing on the American college football scene since December 16th and the most interesting duels are still to come. The two semi-finals from January 1stum January promises to be a classic and until then, every day will be filled with exciting duels for various reasons. Multiple games allow you to enjoy the NCAA spectacle. In order not to get lost in the variety of duels on offer, here are our suggestions for 12 bowls to monitor.
Rose Bowl (semifinals)
Michigan (13-0) v. Alabama (12-1)
January 1 (5 p.m.), Pasadena
University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe celebrates the SEC Conference Championship that sent the team to the playoffs. Getty Images via AFP
When the Alabama Crimson Tide were picked to face Florida State in the playoffs, the Michigan Wolverines certainly breathed a sigh of concern. Alabama has a lot of experience in these large-scale matchups. It is a confrontation between two programs with rich traditions, revered by their supporters but hated everywhere else. Don't expect tons of points. Michigan's defense is particularly solid (see tackle Kris Jenkins), but the offense leaves a lot to be desired when keeping the two-headed floor monster of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards in check. On Alabama's defense, quarterback chaser Dallas Turner is dangerous. Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has improved over the course of the season and is a real threat on the field. Alabama has struggled often this season, but after a big win against Georgia, confidence is back.
MICHIGAN BY 3
Sugar Bowl (semifinals)
Washington (13-0) v. Texas (12-1)
January 1 (8:45 p.m.), New Orleans
After leading Washington to the Pac-12 Conference title, Michael Penix Jr. will look to push his team to the national finals. Getty Images via AFP
This matchup features two programs that no one expected and that had records of 9-15 just two years ago. In the NCAA, where the same big programs often dominate, novelty is always refreshing. Unlike the other semi-final, there is reason to believe there will be an offensive boom. Not only are quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Quinn Ewers (Texas) sensational, they also play with receivers that allow them to elevate their game. Both Rome Odunze (Washington) and Xavier Worthy (Texas) could be eliminated in the first round of the next draft, and they are far from the only ones shining in both teams' offensive arsenals. The Texas Longhorns' defensive line can be the difference in this matchup, as can the Washington Huskies' defensive line with two elite quarterback hunters, including Bralen Trice. Possibly the game of the year…
TEXAS at 3
*The winners of the two semifinals will compete in the national championship at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 8 (7:30 p.m.).
Holiday bowl
Louisville (10-3) v. USC (7-5)
December 27 (8 p.m.), San Diego
Lincoln Riley leads an often spectacular offense with USC. Getty Images via AFP
Normally, USC's offense would make the Trojans the favorite by far, but quarterback Caleb Williams, the potential first pick in the next draft, won't be in the game. This will be an opportunity to see Miller Moss play, who was recruited as a quarterback in 2021 and hopes to prove next season that he can be the go-to guy. Louisville surprised all season long, but two straight losses marred the end of the series. Coaches Lincoln Riley (USC) and Jeff Brohm (Louisville) are two outstanding offensive minds.
LOUISVILLE PAR 3
Texas Bowl
Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (7-5)
December 27 (9 p.m.), Houston
Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon is one of the best in the NCAA. Getty Images via AFP
It's quite a disaster, another disappointing season for Texas A&M that led to the buyout of head coach Jimbo Fisher's huge contract! Oklahoma State lost the Big 12 Conference final without offering much competition, but with running back Ollie Gordon II it is possible to surprise the Aggies, who are considered favorites. Gordon is one of the most dominant in the country with 1,614 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Texas A&M didn't beat any quality programs in 2023.
OKLAHOMA STATE BY 2
Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma (10-2) v. Arizona (9-3)
December 28 (9:15 p.m.), San Antonio
Noah Fifita has revitalized the Arizona Wildcats this season. Getty Images via AFP
It's very refreshing to find Arizona in an important bowl. The Wildcats hadn't won nine games since 2014. The exciting player to watch in this matchup will be their quarterback Noah Fifita, who was named Rookie of the Year this season in a very strong Pac-12 Conference. He finished the game with 2,515 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Oklahoma Sooners can't rely on their starter Dillon Gabriel, who is transferring to the University of Oregon, but the Alamo Bowl is traditionally an offensive feast. An average of 66 points has been achieved there over the last 14 years.
ARIZONA UNTIL 6
Sun bowl
Notre Dame (9-3) vs. Oregon State (8-4)
December 29 (2 p.m.), El Paso
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will have a lot of work to do as he is missing several top offensive veterans. Getty Images via AFP
Oregon State should not be taken lightly. The Beavers beat good teams (Utah, UCLA) and narrowly lost to Washington, which was in the semifinals. Both teams specialize in defense and you shouldn't expect a ton of points, especially since the Beavers will be playing without their quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (transfer) and their carrier Damien Martinez (suspension). Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman will not be in the lineup and the offense will lose good pieces to the NFL draft (blocker Joe Alt and running back Audric Estime), among others.
OREGON STATE BY 1
Liberty Bowl
Memphis (9-3) v. Iowa State (7-5)
December 29 (3:30 p.m.), Memphis
Geoffrey Cantin-Arku with the University of Memphis Tigers PHOTO COURTESY OF MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY TIGERS
This is an opportunity for Quebec football fans to watch one of their compatriots in the spotlight at an important bowl. Memphis Tigers linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, a former Cégep Garneau, will take part in the game and he excelled as a starter all season with 72 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and one interception. It will be interesting to see him against a Power 5 team (the five strongest conferences). Cantin-Arku hopes to be drafted into the NFL in the spring.
MEMPHIS OF 1
Cotton bowl
Ohio State (11-1) vs. Missouri (10-2)
December 29 (8 p.m.), Dallas
Running back Cody Schrader is the centerpiece of the Mizzou (Missouri) offense. Getty Images via AFP
The face of the Ohio State Buckeyes could change at the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Kyle McCord has announced his intention to join another program (Syracuse). A few other players on the team are preparing for the NFL Draft, but a program like this is always full of relief at key positions. Running back TreyVeyon Henderson should be in the mix. It will be interesting to see if Missouri's veteran running back Cody Schrader (1,625 yards, 13 touchdowns) will be able to break through Ohio State's solid defensive front. Missouri won 10 games for the first time since 2014.
OHIO STATE PAR 3
Peach peel
Penn State (10-2) vs. Ole Miss (10-2)
December 30 (12 p.m.), Atlanta
Quarterback Jaxson Dart impresses with his air and ground game. Getty Images via AFP
This duel is fascinating because it is the traditional battle of opposing forces. The Ole Miss Rebels are more comfortable in high-scoring offensive matchups, while the Penn State Nittany Lions shine on defense. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart can do damage with both his legs and his arm. He risks being talked about a lot next season and inherits a great show to showcase himself. Penn State's offense, led by Drew Allar, has struggled against big defenses but looks good against Ole Miss.
OLE MISS BY 2
Music City Bowl
Auburn (6-6) vs. Maryland (7-5)
December 30 (2 p.m.), Nashville
Payton Thorne, quarterback of the Auburn Tigers. Getty Images via AFP
The balance sheets of the two opponents are not the most attractive, but both have to prove themselves. Auburn ended the season on a bitter note, conceding a fourth play and 31 yards against its nemesis Alabama. The team will want to quickly forget this terrible moment. For Maryland, it's an opportunity to beat a club from the powerful SEC conference. Big disappointment, however… quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (brother of Dolphins NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa), who set winning records with the Maryland Terrapins, chose not to play the game.
PLASTIC, PACK OF 10
Orange peel
Florida State (13-0) v. Georgia (12-1)
December 30 (4 p.m.), Miami
Carson Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs won't be laughing against Florida State. Getty Images via AFP
Time for the frustrated bowl! The Florida State Seminoles were shunned by the selection committee despite their perfect season because their quarterback, Jordan Travis, was injured and the offense has declined sharply since then. As for the Georgia Bulldogs, they were perfect all season until their surprising loss to Alabama in the conference finals, which cost them a playoff spot. Carson Beck is a promising young quarterback and the defense is always there. It smells like a celebration for Georgia…
GEORGIA UNTIL 17TH
Fiesta Bowl
Oregon (11-2) v. Freedom (13-0)
January 1 (1 p.m.), Glendale
Bo Nix and the Ducks will try to forget their failure in the Pac-12 Finals against Washington. Getty Images via AFP
It's a very fun bowl, but still fascinating… In the sense that given the dominant season the Oregon Ducks had (aside from the two losses to Washington), we could have expected them to play against a team other than Liberty compete. These Liberty Flames deserve respect for going undefeated, but Conference USA isn't exactly a blast! Still, athletic quarterback Kaidon Salter is an electrifying player, as is Oregon veteran Bo Nix, who will surprisingly be in the mix as he prepares for the NFL draft.
OREGON UNTIL 20TH