If you're looking for a compelling argument for playoff expansion, look no further than Saturday's Orange Bowl, pitting No. 3 Florida State against No. 6 Georgia.
College Football Bowl Game Viewer's Guide: These are the must-watch matchups
USA TODAY Sports' Dan Wolken breaks down the must-watch games this bowl season.
Saturday marks the final quartet of college football contests before we welcome 2024. Several of these bowl games were traditionally played on New Year's Eve, but will be played a day earlier this season depending on the calendar.
The next two of the so-called New Year's Six pairings are on the list, although the commitment of the participants may not be optimal. Oddly enough, there are no primetime offerings, so you'll have to find something else for your Saturday night. We can't really offer any advice on this other than to say: please be responsible – and save some fuel for the next night's festivities.
Here is the schedule (all times Eastern):
Peach Bowl: No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 11 Mississippi, noon, ESPN
On one hand, the Nittany Lions are in their fifth major bowl in eight years, including last season's Rose Bowl win. But none of them were playoff games, leaving the sober impression that there was still a next step to be taken in the program on the eve of the 12-team era. The Rebels find themselves in a somewhat similar situation, having already tasted the Sugar Bowl a few seasons ago but are still searching for a spot among the SEC's elite. At the forefront of this matchup is the fast-paced, up-tempo Ole Miss offense against the Nittany Lions' stingiest defense in the nation. Rebels QB Jaxson Dart and RB Quinshon Judkins could set the stage for big things next year in Oxford with a good performance on this stage, but Nittany Lions like DE Adisa Isaac and LB Curtis Jacobs could make their job difficult. If the Ole Miss offense actually gets going, it will be up to Penn State's young backfield tandem of QB Drew Allar and RB Kaytron Allen to provide the answer. Ole Miss' defense showed improvement this year, and DE Jared Ivey and DT JJ Pegues can be disruptive.
BOWL PLAN: College Football Bowl Game Schedule for the 2023-24 Season: A Comprehensive Guide for Fans.
Music City Bowl: Auburn vs. Maryland, 2 p.m., ABC
It's hard to say what to expect from both teams. The Tigers were last seen leaving their home field in disbelief after Alabama scored the miraculous fourth goal that saved the Crimson Tide's playoff berth. The improved Terrapins couldn't quite prevail against the Big Ten's top division and arrived in Nashville shorthanded as QB Taulia Tagovailoa left for the NFL. Auburn QB Payton Thorne will be there, and he also announced he will be back on the Plains next year for his senior season. But on this day, he has to be wary of Maryland S Glendon Miller, whose third pick of the season helped seal the Terrapins' win over Rutgers in the regular-season finale. With Tagovailoa gone, both Billy Edwards and Cam Edge are expected to play for Maryland. They'll look to solve the Auburn defense led by LB Eugene Asante, which had its moments but struggled at times against the SEC's more accomplished passing units.
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Orange Bowl: No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 6 Georgia, 4 p.m., ESPN
If you're looking for a compelling argument for expanding the playoffs, this matchup is for you. On paper it seems outstanding, but in reality it will likely be two teams that come out on top and miss most of their elite players. One big name set to take the field is Georgia QB Carson Beck, who will be back next season in hopes of taking care of unfinished business. He will likely be without big players like TE Brock Bowers, who is still recovering from ankle surgery and may not risk playing at less than full speed, but versatile WR Dillon Bell and other young playmakers could have chances to shine. The Seminoles will be shorthanded on both sides of the ball, but LB Kalen DeLoach, arguably the heart and soul of the defense all season, will take the field. Things look even dicier for FSU on offense as QB Tate Rodemaker has decided to transfer and RB Trey Benson and WRs Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson are missing the game. QB Brock Glenn did enough to get the team over the finish line in the ACC title game against Louisville, and FSU fans have to hope a little more preparation time will improve his effectiveness in the passing game. However, the Bulldogs' defense should be mostly intact, with LB Smael Mondon continuing to be the centerpiece.
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Arizona Bowl: Toledo vs. Wyoming, 4:30 p.m., The CW
If the Orange Bowl gets boring and you happen to have a CW affiliate, this mid-major duel in the desert might be worth a look. It will be the swansong for Cowboys coach Craig Bohl, who is retiring and handing the reins to defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel. The Rockets failed to prevail in the Mid-American Conference, losing a return game to Miami (Ohio) in the finals, and are hoping to end an otherwise great season on a high note despite some key departures via the portal. The catalyst for Wyoming is QB Andrew Peasley, who has scored 27 total touchdowns this season, including seven over the road. With Dequan Finn heading to Baylor, Toledo will counter with Tucker Gleason at QB. Veteran RB Peny Boone is also out, so RB Jacquez Stuart will likely step in to handle the bulk of the handoffs for the Rockets. Names to know on defense include Cowboys LB Easton Gibbs and Toledo DT Judge Culpepper.