With eight bowl games planned to keep fans enthralled from dawn until midnight, Saturday looks to be an exciting day for college football fans. There is plenty to keep you intrigued as teams compete in some unusual locations and thrilling matchups, whether of whether you are an avid fan or just a casual viewer. Moving from the northeast to the southwest, let’s examine the games of the day in more detail.
Fenway Bowl: Connecticut vs. North Carolina
Time/TV/Location: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN, Boston
Reasons to Watch: This matchup between Connecticut and North Carolina is played at the famous Fenway Park in frigid Boston. Although there have been major changes to UNC’s football program, the team will be led by interim coach Freddie Kitchens. Despite the absence of star running back Omarion Hampton, quarterback Jacolby Criswell fills in for this game. Conversely, UConn, led by quarterback Joe Fagnano and running back Cam Edwards, is keen to improve on their 3-9 record from the previous season.
Possible Setback: With a 0–3 record versus ACC teams this season, UConn struggled. Players from North Carolina will want to make an impression, which might cause problems for the Huskies.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Nebraska
Time/TV/Location: Noon ET, ABC, New York
Reasons to Watch: The Cornhuskers are prepared to play Boston College at Yankee Stadium after ending a seven-year postseason skid. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska’s rookie quarterback, will put BC’s unsteady pass defense to the test. RBs Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward will assist BC’s Grayson James, who is currently in charge.
Potential Disappointment: Throughout the regular season, both teams shown irregularities. For a fascinating matchup, let’s hope they give it their all.
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. TCU
Time/TV/Location: 2:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, Albuquerque
Why Watch: Despite losing in the Sun Belt championship game, Louisiana-Lafayette had a strong season. TCU, however, comes into the match riding a three-game winning run. With almost 3,700 yards and 23 touchdowns this season, TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has been outstanding. Daniel Beale, Louisiana’s rookie quarterback, may have a difficult time if he is called upon once more.
Potential Setback: It might be a one-sided matchup because TCU’s healthier lineup might dominate.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Miami (Fla.) vs. Iowa State
Time/TV/Location: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC, Orlando, Fla.
Reasons to Watch: This matchup promises fireworks with two powerful offenses on show. While Iowa State’s quarterback Rocco Becht counters with wide receiver Jayden Higgins and running back Carson Hansen, Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward will have access to wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and tight end Elijah Arroyo. The fun is increased by an edible mascot prize.
Possible Letdown: Although player opt-outs at the last minute can lessen the enthusiasm, the entertainment value should still be good.
Arizona Bowl: Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio)
Time/TV/Location: 4:30 p.m. ET, The CW, Tucson, Ariz.
Why Watch: Both Miami (Ohio) and Colorado State want to recover from difficult endings. Against Colorado State’s Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and RB Avery Morrow, Miami’s quarterback Brett Gabbert and running back Keyon Mozee will attempt to establish a rhythm.
Possible Letdown: Although there isn’t much star power in this contest, it might still be worth seeing because of the fierce competition.
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. North Carolina State
Time/TV/Location: 5:45 p.m. ET, ESPN, Annapolis, Md.
Why Watch: The intensity is increased by in-state competition. This season, NC State quarterback CJ Bailey made steady progress, while ECU, under by new head coach Blake Harrell, came back to win 4-1. The game will be thrilling because both teams have a lot to prove.
Potential Letdown: Unless one team makes crucial mistakes early on, it should be fiercely contested because neither team has a substantial physical edge.
Alamo Bowl: Brigham Young vs. Colorado
Time/TV/Location: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC, San Antonio, Texas
Why Watch: A unusual postseason meeting pits two formidable teams from the same conference against one another. BYU responds with quarterback Jake Retzlaff and wide receiver Chase Roberts, while Colorado has Heisman winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Potential Letdown: Although the game is expected to be exciting, BYU may not be able to handle Colorado’s star power.
Independence Bowl: Army vs. Louisiana Tech
Time/TV/Location: 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, Shreveport, La.
Why Watch: Following a stellar season, Army’s quarterback Bryson Daily is leading the Black Knights. Evan Bullock, the rookie quarterback for Louisiana Tech, will try to get useful experience in a challenging game.
Possible Setback: The Bulldogs may find it difficult to remain competitive if Army dominates early.
There is plenty of college football action to take in on December 28 thanks to the packed schedule. Fans won’t want to miss this day because of the exciting matchups and historic venues.
