Bowl previews and takeaways: South Florida wins longest recreation in bowl historical past

The 2024 bowl season is underway, with a number of video games already within the books.

Our faculty soccer specialists present their ideas on all 36 bowl matchups, together with key storylines to observe and a participant to control in each recreation, adopted by a takeaway and the MVP as video games conclude.

Prepare, as a result of it is the perfect time of the yr!

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Takeaways | Previews

In the present day’s video games

GameAbove Sports Bowl: Toledo 48, Pitt 46 (6 OTs)

Takeaway: The primary bowl recreation after Christmas featured 17 lead modifications, a number of scuffles, two pick-sixes, a handful of untimely celebrations and the primary six-overtime end in FBS bowl recreation historical past. Pitt entered Thursday decimated on the quarterback place with starter Eli Holstein (leg) sidelined by damage and backups Nate Yarnell and Ty Dieffenbach within the switch portal. The Panthers’ remaining quarterbacks — redshirt freshman walk-on David Lynch and true freshman Julian Dugger — mixed for simply 137 passing yards and prompted Pitt to run the ball 60-plus occasions in a recreation for the primary time in additional than a decade, leaning closely on junior Desmond Reid (33 carries, 169 yards, one landing). Dugger ultimately settled in and delivered a gutsy efficiency within the loss, however the quarterback battle decidedly belonged to Toledo junior Tucker Gleason, who threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns with an interception and accounted for 5 scores in time beyond regulation, together with his game-winning reference to Junior Vandeross III in OT No. 6. Down 30-20 earlier than Darius Alexander‘s 58-yard, fourth-quarter pick-six, Toledo stormed from behind to say its second victory in seven bowl appearances below head coach Jason Candle. In the meantime, Pitt, which opened the season 7-0, turned the second bowl crew in FBS historical past to finish its season on a six-game dropping streak.

MVP: Huge receiver Junior Vandeross III. On the day Gleason reached a career-high yardage whole, he discovered the junior vast receiver on roughly 46% of his whole completions. Vandeross hit profession bests with 12 receptions for 194 yards, together with a 67-yard landing seize in regulation, earlier than finishing the game-sealing 2-point conversion.

Rate Bowl
Phoenix
5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Rutgers
Season storyline: The Scarlet Knights received off to a promising begin, which included back-to-back, three-point victories over Virginia Tech (26-23) and Washington (21-18) in late September. However Rutgers could not maintain that momentum. The Scarlet Knights went three quarters with out scoring in a 14-7 loss to Nebraska, which sparked a four-game dropping streak. Rutgers bounced again, although, with consecutive wins over Minnesota (26-19) and Maryland (31-17) to achieve bowl eligibility. The Scarlet Knights routed Michigan State (41-14) within the regular-season finale to win seven video games for the primary time in a decade.

Participant to look at: Kyle Monangai earned first-team All-Large Ten honors, turning into the fourth participant at school historical past to hurry for greater than 1,000 yards in two straight seasons. Monangai completed his senior yr with 1,279 yards and 14 touchdowns whereas averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Monangai might choose out of the bowl recreation to arrange for the NFL draft. That might create a chance for freshman Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 344 yards and 5 touchdowns whereas backing up Monangai.

Kansas State
Season storyline: The Wildcats opened the yr as one of many co-favorites alongside Utah to make the Large 12 championship recreation, and doubtlessly, advance to the playoff. However Ok-State dropped three of its ultimate 4 video games, together with one to Arizona State (24-14) and one other to Iowa State (29-21), each of which superior to the Large 12 title recreation as a substitute. The Wildcats tied West Virginia for eighth within the Large 12 standings.

Participant to look at: Defensive finish Brendan Mott completed the common season with a Large 12-high 8.5 sacks. He additionally had a fumble restoration and an interception on the best way to incomes Large 12 Defensive Lineman of the Yr honors. Mott was a former walk-on from Iowa Metropolis, Iowa. Mott’s father, Joe, was an All-Large Ten defensive finish at Iowa and a third-round decide of the New York Jets in 1989. — Trotter

ESPN BET early line: Kansas State -7.5

68 Ventures Bowl
Cellular, Alabama
9 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Arkansas State
Season storyline: Arkansas State prolonged coach Butch Jones’ contract by way of 2029 after he turned the third FBS coach to steer a minimum of 4 packages to bowl appearances (Jones beforehand coached at Tennessee, Cincinnati and Central Michigan). The Purple Wolves gained 4 of 5 video games, starting on Oct. 19 with a 44-28 victory over Southern Miss.

Participant to look at: Trevian Thomas was Arkansas State’s lone first-team All-Solar Belt choice. The senior security completed the common season with 73 tackles and 5 interceptions, which tied for many within the league. He ensured Arkansas State’s first profitable season since 2019 with an acrobatic interception to seal a 28-21 victory over Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 24.

Bowling Green
Season storyline: The Falcons emerged out of a rugged nonconference slate, which included slender losses at Penn State (34-27) and Texas A&M (26-20), as a reliable MAC title contender. However Bowling Inexperienced could not get going offensively in a loss to Miami (Ohio) within the regular-season finale, which despatched the RedHawks to the MAC title recreation, and the Falcons dwelling.

Participant to look at: Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as one of many prime playmakers in faculty soccer. He leads all FBS tight ends with 100 receptions for 1,342 yards to associate with 9 touchdowns. Fannin topped 100 yards receiving in seven video games this season. He additionally had a game-winning, 31-yard landing run late within the fourth quarter towards Akron on Oct. 5. Fannin turned simply the second tight finish to be named any league’s Offensive Participant of the Yr. He’s rising up draft boards, but when he performs within the bowl recreation, he’ll be the perfect participant on the sphere. — Trotter

ESPN BET early line: Bowling Inexperienced -6.5

Extra takeaways

Hawai’i Bowl: South Florida 41, San José State 39 (5 OTs)

Takeaway: The one soccer recreation (faculty or professional) on Christmas Eve didn’t disappoint, technically ending on Christmas Day within the Jap time zone however not in Hawai’i, the place South Florida prevailed in a file fifth time beyond regulation. No bowl recreation had exceeded three overtimes for the reason that time beyond regulation guidelines had been applied in 1996. Coach Alex Golesh’s crew finally had the higher hand in key conditions, particularly on particular groups, because the Bulls had a 93-yard kick return landing, related on two area targets to increase the sport and acquired a 72-yard punt from Andrew Stokes — one among three that traveled 50 yards or longer — that backed up San José State on the finish of regulation. The Bulls scored on 4 of their 5 time beyond regulation possessions and will have gained the sport within the fourth further session if vast receiver Michael Brown-Stephens had stayed in bounds on a inventive 2-point conversion try. Quarterback Bryce Archie began robust, finishing his first 12 go makes an attempt, earlier than going chilly and throwing a close to pick-six that appeared to value South Florida the sport. However he responded properly late in regulation and in time beyond regulation because the Bulls improved to 10-1 in time beyond regulation video games, the perfect mark in FBS historical past. San José State acquired a profession efficiency from Matthew Coleman (12 receptions, 119 yards), filling in for FBS receiving yards chief and Biletnikoff Award finalist Nick Nash. However some situational miscues finally doomed the Spartans.

MVP: South Florida linebacker Mac Harris had a giant night time for a playmaking protection, recording two tackles for loss, eight whole tackles, a quarterback hurry and a go breakup. — Adam Rittenberg

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Northern Illinois 28, Fresno State 20 (2OT)

Takeaway: By no means say the Well-known Idaho Potato Bowl does not offer you your cash’s price. Within the fourth quarter and time beyond regulation alone, we received two missed go-ahead area targets (one from every crew), three fast time beyond regulation touchdowns, limitless time beyond regulation trickery from NIU and, ultimately, a crushing, game-winning fourth-down sack from Jordan Hansen to provide the Huskies a 28-20 victory. And after the celebrations and french fry baths, we received the profitable crew lifting Spuddy Buddy on its shoulders. What else might you probably need out of your bowl expertise?

The ending was price it, however each groups had probabilities to grab the sport in regulation. Fresno State led 13-3 at halftime, however NIU scored 10 factors early within the second half — together with six on an exquisite 26-yard landing catch from Grayson Barnes — to tie the sport heading into the fourth quarter. NIU drove the size of the sphere late however settled for a 35-yard area objective try on fourth-and-1 (violating the swashbuckling spirit of the Potato Bowl) and missed with 3:02 left. Then Fresno State missed a 34-yarder on the buzzer, too. Future demanded time beyond regulation, and the Huskies took all of the potato glory.

MVP: Josh Holst. The freshman quarterback threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, led NIU with 65 dashing yards and caught a 2-point conversion go within the second OT. — Invoice Connelly

Myrtle Beach Bowl: UTSA 44, Coastal Carolina 15

Takeaway: With Coastal Carolina taking part in at dwelling, and UTSA having misplaced every of its six highway video games this season, Monday’s recreation between 6-6 groups figured to be aggressive. However the Chanticleers had been decimated by losses within the switch portal, together with their prime two quarterbacks, in addition to a number of star gamers on protection. After a gradual begin within the first quarter, UTSA scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to take a 21-0 lead on the half. The Roadrunners added two area targets within the third quarter. After Coastal Carolina lastly received on the scoreboard on Tad Hudson‘s 50-yard landing go to Bryson Graves on the primary play of the fourth quarter, UTSA answered with Chris Carpenter’s 93-yard kickoff return for a rating to make it 34-7. The spotlight of the sport got here when UTSA gamers celebrated Jakevian Rodgers‘ interception on a pretend punt by leaping into the makeshift seaside at Brooks Stadium. They had been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. It was one among 10 such penalties within the recreation. After beginning 3-5, the Roadrunners gained 4 of their previous 5 video games to complete 7-6. After beginning 4-1, the Chanticleers dropped six of their final eight to complete 6-7.

MVP: UTSA quarterback Owen McCown accounted for touchdowns passing and operating, finishing 23 of 30 passes for 254 yards with one TD go and one interception. He additionally ran 4 occasions for 37 yards with one landing, serving to the Roadrunners set bowl information for factors and whole yards (513). — Mark Schlabach

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Florida 33, Tulane 8

Takeaway: It took some time for Florida to get happening offense, as DJ Lagway struggled at occasions — throwing two interceptions, together with one within the pink zone. Certainly, the early journeys to the pink zone resulted in area targets — holding Tulane within the recreation. However as soon as the Gators began changing their lengthy drives into touchdowns within the second half, they put the sport out of attain. Tulane struggled with out quarterback Darian Mensah, who has already transferred to Duke. The Gators, in the meantime, rolled up 529 yards — essentially the most towards an FBS crew this yr — and Lagway ended up throwing for 305 yards, transferring to 6-1 because the starter this season. The protection was stellar, with three interceptions and a close to shutout, giving up a landing with 29 seconds left. Florida finishes the season with eight wins for the primary time since 2020 — a considerably sudden outcome contemplating the best way the season started. However since athletic director Scott Stricklin introduced Billy Napier would return for 2025 in early November, Florida went 4-1 — together with a four-game profitable streak to finish the season. Lagway returns subsequent season, alongside along with his prime receivers and younger operating backs, too. There must be purpose for optimism in Gainesville primarily based on the best way the season ended and who is about to return again.

MVP: Desmond Watson. The 449-pound defensive lineman had a number of viral moments — lifting Tulane’s operating again within the air to make a sort out, then later within the recreation, carrying the ball and gaining a yard on third-and-1 to choose up the primary down. –-Andrea Adelson

StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Ohio 30, Jacksonville 27

Takeaway: The Bobcats took a 20-point lead on the half after which held on within the ultimate two quarters for his or her seventh straight victory. After the Gamecocks pulled inside a area objective with about 3½ minutes left, Ohio ran out the remainder of the clock with a protracted drive. It was a formidable debut for Ohio coach Brian Smith, who was promoted from offensive coordinator on Wednesday after Tim Albin left for Charlotte. The Bobcats captured 11 victories in a marketing campaign for the primary time within the 63-year historical past of this system. They’ve additionally gained six straight bowl video games; their final loss was on the 2016 Greenback Normal Bowl. After punting on every of its first two possessions within the Treatment Bowl, Ohio scored touchdowns on 4 of its subsequent 5 to seize a 27-7 lead on the half. The Bobcats piled up 309 yards of offense within the first half-hour, together with 153 dashing. Jacksonville State, which gained a Convention USA title in its second season as an FBS member, did not put up a lot of a battle within the first half. The Gamecocks had been led by interim coach Rod Smith, after former coach Wealthy Rodriguez agreed to return to West Virginia. Jacksonville State is hiring Auburn defensive coordinator Charles Kelly to interchange Rodriguez, sources informed ESPN on Friday. The Gamecocks had solely 8 dashing yards and 5 first downs within the first half. That they had greater than a dozen gamers enter the switch portal after Rodriguez’s departure, together with prime edge rusher Reginald Hughes (Colorado) and security Zechariah Poyser (Miami), who did not play towards Ohio.

MVP: Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro, who was the offensive MVP of the MAC championship recreation, accounted for 4 touchdowns within the first half towards Jacksonville State, scoring on three runs and throwing an 11-yard go to operating again Anthony Tyus III. — Mark Schlabach

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Sam Houston 31, Georgia Southern 26

Takeaway: Sam Houston captured its first bowl victory as an FBS crew. The Bearkats nabbed three first-half interceptions that they become 14 factors. QB Hunter Watson had 14 straight completions at one level within the first half, tying the New Orleans Bowl file beforehand set by Louisiana’s Terrance Broadway in 2014. Sam Houston’s protection and particular groups continued to overwhelm Georgia Southern within the second half, intercepting JC French a fourth time and forcing a fumble on a punt return. The Bearkats put the ending touches on what would change into a 10-3 season with a robust defensive efficiency towards one of many higher groups within the Solar Belt this season.

MVP: Sam Houston DB Jaylon Jimmerson had his first and second interceptions with the Bearkats on this recreation, and it is a part of what helped them construct a 21-7 lead within the first half. He additionally had 9 whole tackles and a TFL. — Harry Lyles Jr.

Art of Sport LA Bowl: UNLV 24, Cal 13

Takeaway: It could have been simple for UNLV to not present up for this one. After ending off a 10-3 season throughout which two of their losses got here to the identical crew (Boise State) with the second stopping them from making the School Soccer Playoff, plus watching their head coach Barry Odom take the Purdue job, not many would have blamed the Rebels for being overwhelmed by a feisty Cal crew. As an alternative, interim head coach Del Alexander stepped up and stored UNLV rolling because it compelled two turnovers and restricted the Bears to solely 13 factors. The Rebels had the seventh-best turnover margin within the nation this season and seemed the a part of a top-25 crew all yr lengthy. Incoming head coach Dan Mullen could have quite a bit to reside as much as after an 11-win season and this system’s first bowl win since 2000.

MVP: UNLV’s Marshall Nichols punted the ball eight occasions Wednesday night time, however he’ll be remembered for his arm after pulling off an unbelievable fake-punt go play that was drawn up and executed to perfection. — Paolo Uggetti

Boca Raton Bowl: James Madison 27, Western Kentucky 17

Takeaway: Taylor Thompson hauled within the profitable landing with superhero aptitude, and Khairi Manns completed off the Hilltoppers with the defensive play of the night time. With the rating tied within the fourth quarter, Thompson capped off JMU’s 75-yard drive by snagging a go in the long run zone excessive of Western Kentucky linebacker Terreance Ellis. After holding his physique in bounds, Thompson slapped his personal helmet thrice, then jumped and flashed his palms as if he had been taking pictures Spider-Man webs. The acrobatic rating gave JMU a 24-17 lead. Later within the fourth quarter, Manns ended Western Kentucky’s final likelihood to tie the rating. He beat the blocker off the sting, swatted the ball out of the palms of quarterback Caden Veltkamp and recovered the fumble himself. The Dukes completed 9-4 together with their first bowl win, a formidable accomplishment for a program that misplaced coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and a number of other key gamers from final season’s crew.

MVP: JC Evans. In response to ESPN Analysis, the freshman quarterback turned the primary FBS participant since Washington’s Richard Newton (2019) to hurry for a landing and in addition throw a landing on his solely passing try in a bowl recreation. — Jake Trotter

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: Memphis 42, West Virginia 37

Takeaway: A recreation that started with three straight drives leading to punts become an offensive shootout because the Tigers and Mountaineers mixed for greater than 1,000 yards of whole offense and 79 factors.

Whereas 10-2 Memphis in management, going up by as many as 18 within the third quarter, West Virginia scored back-to-back touchdowns to get again in it. The Tigers added one other landing to go up 5 factors within the fourth. That is when the enjoyable started. A 50-yard area objective that might have sealed the outcome for Memphis missed with below a minute left. Then, WVU quarterback Garrett Greene threw what a game-deciding interception, however Elijah Herring appeared to fumble the ball giving interim coach Rod Smith one final likelihood to provide West Virginia the unbelievable win earlier than the Wealthy Rodriguez period begins once more. Not so quick. A replay evaluate then decided Herring was sliding and thus, dominated down earlier than the fumble, put an finish to the insanity and gave Memphis’ head coach Ryan Silverfield an 11-win marketing campaign and a shower of iced espresso his gamers joyously dumped on him. That is what bowl season is all about!

MVP: Memphis vast receiver Demeer Blankumsee. The senior had probably the greatest video games of the season, totaling a game-high 120 receiving yards, together with an 89-yard chunk play, an 18-yard landing and a two-point conversion. — Uggetti

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23

Takeaway: After choosing up their first bowl win at school historical past a yr in the past, the Jaguars added No. 2 with a convincing win towards Western Michigan to cap their first season below coach Main Applewhite. Early within the season, it did not look like this was seemingly. South Alabama went 2-4 to open the season earlier than profitable 4 of 5 — with a win towards Louisiana — to achieve bowl eligibility.

Shortly earlier than the sport started, it was reported that South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez wouldn’t play towards Western Michigan as he continues to take care of a turf toe damage. This gave Bishop Davenport the chance to make his second begin of the season and first since a 27-20 loss to Ohio within the second week of the season. The Jaguars received off to a gradual begin, falling behind 10-0, however they went on a 23-3 run to take management.

MVP: Davenport. The fill-in starter accomplished 15 of 24 passes for 271 yards with two scores and ran for 85 yards on 11 carries with a 50-yard landing run. — Kyle Bonagura

Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State 28, South Carolina State 7

Takeaway: Issues seemed promising early for Jackson State regardless of operating again and SWAC Offensive Participant of the Yr Irv Mulligan having simply 29 yards on 13 carries (with a landing) within the first half, and two different touchdowns wiped off due to penalties. The Tigers took a 14-0 lead into the break, with South Carolina State unable to discover a rhythm on offense. It was a lot of the identical within the second half, because the Bulldogs got here out flat, maybe a product of rust, having not performed a recreation since Nov. 23. Jackson State’s protection was stout all through the sport, holding South Carolina State’s offense to simply 212 whole yards.

Regardless of Chennis Berry main South Carolina State to a Celebration Bowl look in his first yr, changing the legendary Buddy Pough, it was T.C. Taylor’s crew that got here out with extra vigor in avenging its 2021 loss on this similar soccer recreation to the Bulldogs. The win was additionally Jackson State’s first within the Cricket Celebration Bowl, after dropping consecutive appearances through the Coach Prime period in 2021 and 2022.

MVP: Sophomore WR Joanes Fortilien had seven receptions for 55 yards, together with two nice landing grabs and one final catch to seal the sport for Jackson State. — Lyles Jr.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Fort Price, Texas
Dec. 27, Midday ET (ESPN)

Oklahoma
Season storyline: Not quite a bit went proper for the Sooners this season. They had been beset with accidents, particularly at receiver, and went backwards and forwards at quarterback between Jackson Arnold and true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold, a former five-star prospect, completed the season because the starter however has since entered the switch portal. Oklahoma struggled on offense many of the season, and Brent Venables fired Seth Littrell as his offensive coordinator. Co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley is anticipated to name performs within the bowl recreation. The Sooners (6-6) had been held to 17 or fewer factors in 5 of their eight SEC video games.

Participant to look at: With Arnold within the portal, Hawkins is in line to get one other shot at quarterback. He began three video games after changing Arnold within the first half of the Tennessee recreation and led Oklahoma to a 27-21 win over Auburn on the highway in his first profession begin. However a number of weeks later, in a blowout 35-9 dwelling loss to South Carolina, Hawkins turned the ball over on the Sooners’ first three possessions and was benched in favor of Arnold for the remainder of the season. Hawkins has handed for 536 yards and a landing and thrown two interceptions.

Navy
Season storyline: Navy (9-3) is available in on a excessive after beating 11-win Military, snapping a two-game dropping streak within the storied rivalry. Navy reeled off six straight wins to open the season and moved into the AP ballot. The Midshipmen gained all six of these video games by double digits, however then misplaced their subsequent two video games to Notre Dame and Rice. Navy scored 14 or fewer factors in all three of its losses. Navy completed third within the AAC after being picked eleventh within the preseason.

Participant to look at: Among the finest comeback tales of the season, Navy quarterback Blake Horvath bounced again with a vengeance in 2024 after lacking the ultimate seven video games of the 2023 season with an injured thumb. Horvath, a junior, turned the primary Navy quarterback to go for greater than 1,000 yards in a season since 2019. In Navy’s largest recreation of the season, Horvath outplayed Military QB Bryson Daily, who completed sixth within the Heisman voting, with 107 yards passing, 204 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. For the season, he has 1,261 passing yards and 13 touchdowns and has rushed for 1,099 yards and 15 extra TDs. — Chris Low

ESPN BET early line: Oklahoma -8.5

Birmingham Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama
Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Georgia Tech
Season storyline: Georgia Tech (7-5) confronted a tough schedule with three of its ultimate 5 video games coming towards top-12 groups, and the Yellow Jackets got here painfully near pulling off one of many upsets of the yr in faculty soccer. After upsetting No. 4 Miami after which beating NC State the subsequent week, each at dwelling, Georgia Tech misplaced 44-42 in eight overtimes at No. 7 Georgia within the regular-season finale. The Yellow Jackets had an opportunity to win it in regulation however fumbled on third down with a minute to play, leaving Georgia sufficient time to drive for a landing and power time beyond regulation.

Participant to look at: Quarterback Haynes King‘s toughness was on full show all season, however by no means greater than within the eight-overtime loss to Georgia. He turned the primary FBS participant in historical past to go for 300 yards, rush for 100 yards and have three dashing touchdowns towards an AP top-10 opponent. His fumble late in regulation was a killer, however the Yellow Jackets would have by no means been within the recreation with out him. King, a switch from Texas A&M, might be with out his prime receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who lately entered the switch portal

Vanderbilt
Season storyline: Clark Lea engineered an unbelievable turnaround this season at Vanderbilt, which has an opportunity to have its first profitable season since 2013 if it will possibly take down Georgia Tech within the bowl recreation. The Commodores misplaced 10 straight video games to shut the 2023 season, and Clark utterly overhauled this system within the offseason. The outcomes had been fast, as Vanderbilt began out 5-2 and made an look within the prime 25 rankings. Alongside the best way, Vanderbilt upset then-No. 1 Alabama 40-35 on Oct. 5, which was Vandy’s first win within the collection in 40 years. The Commodores (6-6) appeared to expire of gasoline to finish the season and misplaced their previous three video games.

Participant to look at: Few gamers had been extra entertaining this season than quarterback Diego Pavia, whose means to scramble and make huge performs added a brand new dynamic to Vanderbilt’s offense. Pavia began his profession in junior faculty at New Mexico Navy Institute, then went to New Mexico State and transferred to Vanderbilt, the place he led the Commodores in passing and dashing. He accounted for 23 touchdowns (17 passing and 6 dashing). — Low

ESPN BET early line: Georgia Tech -2.5

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, Tennessee
Dec. 27, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Texas Tech
Season storyline: Texas Tech entered the month of November nonetheless holding onto hopes of taking part in within the Large 12 championship recreation, however these hopes had been dashed by a 41-27 dwelling loss to Colorado on Nov. 9. The Purple Raiders (8-4) had a number of huge moments and wound up beating each of the groups that did play for the Large 12 title — Arizona State and Iowa State. However in dropping three of 4 video games from Oct. 19 by way of Nov. 9, Texas Tech gave up a complete of 135 factors. Coach Joey McGuire grew up in Texarkana on the Texas-Arkansas border and was a giant Arkansas fan as a child.

Participant to look at: Redshirt senior Tahj Brooks broke the varsity’s profession dashing file this season beforehand held by Byron Hanspard. After dashing 1,538 yards a yr in the past, the bruising 5-foot-10, 230-pound Brooks has 1,505 yards in 11 video games this season. He has rushed for 17 touchdowns and is ranked third nationally with 286 dashing makes an attempt. He has been the centerpiece of the Texas Tech offense, and the Purple Raiders are hopeful he’ll choose to play within the bowl recreation.

Arkansas
Season storyline: The Hogs (6-6) want a win within the bowl recreation to keep away from their second straight dropping season. The excessive level was upsetting playoff-bound Tennessee 19-14 at dwelling on Oct. 5, however the Hogs might by no means discover any rhythm because the season progressed. They gained simply two extra video games the remainder of the best way towards Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech. Three of their six losses had been by a landing or much less, and with some questions swirling about coach Sam Pittman’s future, he is set to be again in 2025.

Participant to look at: Quarterback Taylen Green‘s finest soccer is forward of him as he tutors below offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bobby Petrino, however Inexperienced confirmed flashes this season after transferring to Arkansas from Boise State. Inexperienced handed for two,813 yards and 13 touchdowns, but in addition threw 9 interceptions. He’s nice at holding the play alive and hard to sort out. He rushed for 521 yards and 7 touchdowns. — Low

ESPN BET early line: Arkansas -2.5

DirecTV Holiday Bowl
San Diego
Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ET (Fox)

Syracuse
Season storyline: Coach Fran Brown’s first common season at Syracuse was an awesome success, main this system to its first nine-win season since 2018 and simply second since 2001 (each of these had been 10-win seasons). Had it not been for a puzzling dwelling loss to Stanford early within the season, Syracuse would have had an opportunity to tie the single-season faculty wins file on this recreation. It was ranked No. 21 within the ultimate School Soccer Playoff rankings and had two wins towards prime 25 groups: No. 13 Miami and No. 24 UNLV.

Participant to look at: After transferring from Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord led the nation in passing yards (4,326) and threw 29 landing passes to 12 interceptions. He was held to lower than 300 yards in just one recreation all season — an time beyond regulation win towards Virginia Tech — and was significantly good down the stretch, throwing for 850 yards over the ultimate two video games of the season — wins towards UConn and Miami — with 5 touchdowns and no picks. McCord was named second-team All-ACC.

Washington State
Season storyline: Wazzu’s season virtually must be evaluated in two elements: The primary 9 video games and the previous three video games. As a result of after beginning 8-1, the Cougars rose to No. 18 within the playoff rankings — with New Mexico, Oregon State and Wyoming left on their schedule — and had been chasing the varsity’s first 12-win season. Then catastrophe struck. WSU was upset in all three video games to limp to the end line, eroding a lot of the constructive momentum it had constructed alongside the best way. Coach Jake Dickert fired defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was employed away by Oklahoma at season’s finish.

Participant to look at: QB John Mateer was some of the entertaining quarterbacks in faculty soccer, throwing for 3,139 yards with 29 landing passes and dashing for 826 yards with 15 touchdowns within the common season. However with that success — on this new period of school soccer — comes questions on his future at Washington State. As former WSU starter Cam Ward was final offseason, Mateer would absolutely be a sought-after participant within the switch portal and if he chooses that route, it will seemingly imply he wouldn’t play in San Diego. — Kyle Bonagura

ESPN BET early line: Syracuse -6

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas
Dec. 27, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Texas A&M
Season storyline: After a 7-1 begin, Texas A&M seemed as if it had an opportunity to do one thing particular — and even after dropping two of its subsequent three video games — towards South Carolina and Auburn — nonetheless might have performed its manner into the School Soccer Playoff. However a 17-7 loss to Texas within the regular-season finale ended that dream, relegating the Aggies to Las Vegas. Nonetheless, Mike Elko’s first season in School Station represented a step ahead following Jimbo Fisher’s ouster.

Participant to look at: DE Nic Scourton. Assuming he performs, Scourton might be probably the greatest go rushers USC has seen all yr. He completed the common season with 14 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, main the crew in each classes. In ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller’s November mock draft, Scourton was projected because the No. 20 decide.

USC
Season storyline: USC’s third season below Lincoln Riley was such a catastrophe that he was compelled to handle stories that he was a candidate for the emptiness at UCF. Riley rapidly dismissed them, however the chance that that was even barely believable speaks volumes. The Trojans went from 11-3 in Riley’s first season to 8-5 final yr to 6-6 in 2024 and completed with a dropping file (4-5) within the Large Ten. If not for a buyout reportedly within the neighborhood of $90 million, it is honest to query whether or not Riley would nonetheless be the coach.

Participant to look at: RB Woody Marks. A switch from Mississippi State, Marks was a seamless addition for USC, dashing for 1,133 yards and 9 touchdowns — by far the best season of his faculty profession. He was one among two USC offensive or defensive gamers named second-team All-Large Ten, alongside offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon. — Bonagura

ESPN BET early line: Texas A&M -2.5

Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Boston
Dec. 28, 11 a.m. ET (ESPN)

UConn
Season storyline: UConn had its finest marketing campaign since 2010, ending 8-4 within the common season. It was one other step up for a program thought of arguably essentially the most embarrassing in all of school soccer 4 years in the past, now in a bowl recreation for the second time in three seasons below head coach Jim Mora Jr. The progress for this system was a very long time coming, and the Huskies have constructed a roster that has the expertise to compete on the Group of 5 stage, together with QB Joe Fagnano, who threw for 18 touchdowns to simply 4 interceptions. A win within the Fenway Bowl could be one other huge turning level. The Huskies have not gained a postseason recreation since 2009.

Participant to look at: Senior linebacker Tui Faumuina-Brown is the centerpiece of a UConn protection that might be tasked with slowing down UNC’s balanced offensive assault. Faumuina-Brown completed the common season with 88 tackles, together with 10.5 for a loss, to go together with 4.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries and 6 go breakups. — David Hale

North Carolina
Season storyline: A season that began with actual promise hit a roadblock Sept. 21 when the Tar Heels had been demolished by James Madison, 70-50. Within the aftermath, head coach Mack Brown hinted that he may stroll away if the crew did not really feel it might win with him anymore, resulting in hypothesis that he would give up. The Tar Heels misplaced three extra in a row after that, dooming their season. The Heels did rebound late, as QB Jacolby Criswell — the Heels’ third starter of the season — discovered his footing, and tailback Omarion Hampton continued to abuse defenses. However losses to BC and NC State to shut out the yr left UNC at 6-6 and left Brown out of a job. The bowl recreation is as a lot an opportunity to erase the dangerous style of the season as something, however the way forward for North Carolina soccer will not start till a brand new head coach can take the reins.

Participant to look at: The Heels’ defensive entrance was one of many yr’s larger disappointments, however seniors Kaimon Rucker, Beau Atkinson and Jahvaree Ritzie nonetheless have an opportunity to place a constructive spin on the season towards UConn. Rucker, specifically, battled accidents all yr, however he nonetheless completed with eight tackles for loss.

ESPN BET early line: North Carolina -4

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
New York
Dec. 28, midday ET (ABC)

Boston College
Season storyline: This was at all times going to be a season of change for Boston School, with Invoice O’Brien taking on as head coach and a brand new strategy to a system for the Eagles. A giant a part of that shift was reeling in QB Thomas Castellanos, who was a prolific runner in 2023 however was requested to play extra from the pocket in 2024. That method did not fairly work out, and Castellanos was finally benched — a choice that resulted in him leaving the crew. After Grayson James took over, nonetheless, the offense got here to life and BC gained its ultimate two video games, towards North Carolina and Pitt. James had 4 touchdowns and no picks in these video games.

Participant to look at: Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward have been a dynamic duo in BC’s backfield this season, combining for 1,131 dashing yards and 12 touchdowns. They are a thunder-and-lightning mixture, with Robichaux serving as the facility again who dominates on the objective line, whereas Ward is explosive and a weapon within the passing recreation.

Nebraska
Season storyline: Here is the excellent news: Nebraska is taking part in in a bowl recreation. That is one thing the Cornhuskers hadn’t been in a position to say since 2016. This yr, they ended the longest bowl drought within the nation, in order that’s an unquestionable success story. However, it isn’t precisely the place Nebraska followers needed their crew to be, both. After a 5-1 begin to the season, the Huskers dropped 5 of their subsequent six and completed at .500. Their woeful file in one-possession video games continued, too, with losses to Illinois, Ohio State, UCLA, USC and Iowa all coming by eight or fewer factors. And though heralded freshman QB Dylan Raiola had some good moments, his ultimate stat line — 12 touchdowns, 10 INTs, 6.8 yards per go — wasn’t precisely going to get him into the All-Large Ten dialog. So sure, Nebraska is blissful to be right here. However it will likely be quite a bit happier subsequent yr if it is preventing for a playoff berth.

Participant to look at: Ty Robinson is the chief of a veteran defensive entrance that has been one of many nation’s finest at stopping the run. Nebraska ended the common season permitting simply 106 yards per recreation on the bottom, No. 12 nationally, together with simply six dashing touchdowns. Robinson had 22 tackles at or behind the road of scrimmage, main the best way, together with John Bullock and Jimari Butler, who every chipped in with a run stuff price higher than 5%. — Hale

ESPN BET early line: Nebraska -4

Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dec. 28, 2:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Louisiana
Season storyline: In his third season because the Ragin Cajuns’ coach, Michael Desormeaux delivered a 10-3 marketing campaign that featured a six-game profitable streak and an enchancment on shut video games (they misplaced 5 video games by a landing or much less final season). Getting again to double-digit wins was large for Desormeaux after back-to-back 6-7 years following the departure of Billy Napier to Florida. The Cajuns completed atop the Solar Belt through the common season, and though they misplaced to Marshall within the convention championship recreation, the trajectory of this system appears to be headed in the suitable course below Desormeaux.

Participant to look at: RB Bill Davis. Regardless of his youth, Davis’ carries elevated and he made essentially the most of them. He led the crew in dashing yards (775) and touchdowns (9) and was an instantaneous difference-maker for the Cajuns in simply his first full yr. Heading into the bowl, Davis has proven each consistency and explosiveness as he had landing runs of 49, 60 and 73 yards this season and might be due for a breakaway anytime he touches the ball.

TCU
Season storyline: After a disappointing 5-7 season that adopted its 2022 nationwide title run, TCU bounced again this season with an eight-win marketing campaign that culminated with the Horned Frogs profitable 5 of their final six video games. Sonny Dikes appears to have TCU’s passing offense again on observe. This season, it was one among eight groups within the nation that averaged over 300 passing yards per recreation. The imbalance, nonetheless, was fairly stark — the Horned Frogs are ninetieth in dashing assault and are averaging solely simply over 4 yards per carry this season. The recipe is quintessentially Air Raid and, though it was ok in 2022 (after they ranked 79th in dashing), it would want some work going ahead.

Participant to look at: QB Josh Hoover. The sophomore had a quiet breakout yr and confirmed his expertise as a passer. Hoover threw for 3,697 yards and 308 per recreation (prime 10 within the nation amongst all quarterbacks) whereas including 23 touchdowns, plus 4 extra on the bottom. The ten interceptions is an eyesore, however Hoover has proven he’s able to main TCU’s offense within the close to future ought to he stay with the Horned Frogs for the bowl recreation and past. — Uggetti

ESPN BET early line: TCU -10

Pop-Tarts Bowl
Orlando, Florida
Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Iowa State
Season storyline: The Cyclones, like Miami, cracked the highest 10 within the rankings at one level this season, however a midseason lull towards Texas Tech and Kansas upended lofty expectations. The losses had been due, largely, to myriad accidents that had taken their toll on Iowa State, however the Cyclones rebounded properly to safe a spot within the Large 12 title recreation earlier than finally falling to red-hot Arizona State. Nonetheless, at 10-3, that is already essentially the most profitable season in Iowa State historical past, and ending it off with a bowl win could be the cherry on prime for a program that ought to return numerous key gamers for 2024, together with QB Rocco Becht.

Participant to look at: Assuming each go well with up for the bowl recreation, Iowa State would be the solely crew within the nation to function a pair of 1,000 yard receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. The duo has been dynamic all yr, combining to account for 159 of the Cyclones’ 181 catches and 16 of 17 touchdowns by vast receivers.

Miami
Season storyline: At 10-2, the 2024 marketing campaign marks the precipice of Mario Cristobal’s return to Miami, but there is not any technique to interpret this season aside from as a disappointment contemplating what the Hurricanes’ expectations had been and the chance missed after blowing a 21-0 lead at Syracuse in Week 14. The comfort prize is a bowl recreation towards one other crew that got here up one win wanting the School Soccer Playoff, however the query is simply how Miami is in placing a bow on a season that followers have already determined is a present they need to return to the shop. That mentioned, Miami is 1-11 in its previous 12 bowl video games, so ending with a win right here would nonetheless characterize actual progress — even when it isn’t the end line Canes followers had dreamed about.

Participant to look at: The deadly flaw for the Hurricanes all season has been a makeshift secondary that was torched routinely, together with by Syracuse’s Kyle McCord within the regular-season finale. Iowa State’s passing recreation is among the many most dynamic within the nation, placing freshman nook OJ Frederique Jr. and the remainder of the Miami defensive backs on discover. Frederique was maybe the lone vivid spot on the place, ending the common season having allowed simply 38% completions and one landing. — Hale

ESPN BET early line: Miami -1

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
Tucson, Arizona
Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m. ET (CW)

Miami (OH)
Season storyline: A yr after profitable the MAC, the RedHawks started the season 1-4 and will have simply been 0-5 had it not been for a detailed win towards UMass. The offense gave the impression to be discombobulated and its incapability to complete drives and rating at a excessive stage was placing an excessive amount of strain on Miami’s protection. Then, issues flipped. The offense discovered a rhythm and the RedHawks ripped off seven straight wins to as soon as once more end atop the convention. Although they had been soundly overwhelmed by Marshall within the convention championship, the best way they had been in a position to bounce again from a gradual begin to the season was spectacular. Final yr, they might not cap off their yr with a bowl win, dropping to Appalachian State within the Avocados from Mexico Treatment Bowl, they usually’ll be hoping to vary that this time round.

Participant to look at: Operating again Keyon Mozee. After getting solely 19 carries and operating for simply 60 yards in his first three video games of the season, the senior began getting extra alternatives and proceeded to hold the RedHawks by way of the yr. From the fifth recreation of the season towards Toledo by way of the top of the yr, Mozee received double-digit carries in each recreation and posted six video games of 100 dashing yards or extra. Actually, the RedHawks gained all seven video games during which Mozee crossed the 100-yard mark this season.

Colorado State
Season storyline: A 2-3 begin to the season didn’t fluster the Rams, who’re sure for the brand new Pac-12 in 2026. Colorado State went on a five-game profitable streak, completed second within the Mountain West and had been a UNLV loss away from taking part in within the convention title recreation. The Rams’ 8-4 season is nothing to shrug at; this system hadn’t had a profitable season since 2017, and it seems that coach Jay Norvell has it headed in a constructive course.

Participant to look at: RB Avery Morrow. Discuss saving your finest for final. Morrow, a fifth-year senior, had by no means had a season as productive as this one and was coming off a 2023 marketing campaign during which he didn’t see a lot of the sphere and had solely 262 yards. Although there could have been different operating backs within the Rams’ room who had extra potential coming into the season, Morrow led the crew with 956 dashing yards on 166 carries and added 9 touchdowns. — Uggetti

ESPN BET early line: Miami (OH) -1.5

Go Bowling Military Bowl
Annapolis, Maryland
Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m. ET (ESPN)

East Carolina
Season storyline: The Pirates a sinking ship after coach Mike Houston was fired after a 3-4 begin. Defensive coordinator Blake Harrell was named interim coach, then was employed to interchange Houston after guiding ECU to a four-game profitable streak during which it had greater than 500 yards of offense in victories over Temple, Florida Atlantic, Tulsa and North Texas. The Pirates’ profitable streak ended with a 34-20 loss to Navy on Nov. 29. The Pirates might be taking part in in a bowl recreation for the third time in 4 seasons, they usually completed with a profitable file in AAC play (5-3) for the third time since becoming a member of the convention.

Participant to look at: Sophomore Michigan State switch Katin Houser took over the beginning quarterback job in a 45-28 loss at Military, the day earlier than Houston was fired. Houser has a 4-2 file as ECU’s starter, averaging 287.5 yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. In a 49-14 victory over Florida Atlantic, Houser accomplished 17 of twenty-two passes for 343 yards with 5 touchdowns and ran for one more rating. He has handed for 1,859 yards with 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions this season. One among Houser’s favourite targets has been Anthony Smith, who transferred from NC State earlier than the season.

NC State
Season storyline: Issues went sideways for the Wolfpack in a 51-10 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 7, and coach Dave Doeren and his employees struggled to get issues again on observe. After going 9-4 in 2023, the Wolfpack limped to a 6-6 end, together with 3-5 in ACC play. The Wolfpack needed to defeat rival North Carolina 35-30 on Nov. 30 to change into bowl eligible. NC State’s Hollywood Smothers scored the profitable landing with 25 seconds to play in Tar Heels coach Mack Brown’s ultimate recreation. The Wolfpack might be with out defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who was named Marshall’s new coach on Sunday. Former NC State linebacker Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay will function the interim coordinator and name defensive performs within the bowl recreation.

Participant to look at: Defensive finish Davin Vann led the FBS with six compelled fumbles, which matched NC State’s single-season file. The Cary, North Carolina, native had 41 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and 6½ sacks. Vann had three tackles, two sacks and one compelled fumble to assist NC State rally from a 23-10 deficit in a 24-23 win at California on Oct. 19. One of many Wolfpack’s captains, Vann helped residents of North Carolina get better from Hurricane Helene by mobilizing his household’s transferring firm. — Mark Schlabach

ESPN BET early line: NC State -5

Valero Alamo Bowl
San Antonio
Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

BYU
Season storyline: After profitable their first 9 video games, together with a 22-21 victory at rival Utah on Nov. 9, the Cougars had been ranked No. 6 within the second version of the CFP choice committee’s rankings. However then back-to-back losses to Kansas and Arizona State knocked BYU out of the CFP and the Large 12 title recreation. The Cougars rebounded to beat Houston 30-18 on Nov. 30, which gave them 10 victories in a season for the third time below coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars have already doubled their win whole from final season’s 5-7 marketing campaign. On Saturday, BYU introduced it had signed Sitake to a long-term contract extension.

Participant to look at: Quarterback Jake Retzlaff excited BYU’s fan base along with his robust play in his first season. A switch from Riverside Metropolis School in California, Retzlaff accomplished 57.9% of his passes for two,796 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In his first begin towards FCS program Southern Illinois, he threw for 348 yards with three touchdowns. Retzlaff is one among solely three Jewish college students at BYU, in line with The Related Press, and as soon as introduced a kosher meals truck to a crew weight coaching.

Colorado
Season storyline: If Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders was certainly “holding receipts,” the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame cornerback could have quite a bit to crow about after his turnaround season. After dropping eight of their final 9 video games to complete 4-8 in Sanders’ first season, the Buffaloes went 9-3 in 2024. They had been on a four-game profitable streak till a 37-21 loss at Kansas on Nov. 23 knocked them out of the Large 12 championship race. The Buffaloes are led by Travis Hunter, a two-way star and Heisman Trophy favourite, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a possible No. 1 decide in subsequent yr’s NFL draft. Sanders has accomplished 74.2% of his makes an attempt for 3,926 yards with 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Buffaloes did a greater job of defending Sanders this season; he was sacked 38 occasions after being dropped 52 occasions in 2023.

Participant to look at: Deion Sanders mentioned his son and Hunter will play within the bowl recreation. Hunter is the one participant within the FBS to log over 150 snaps on each offense and protection. Hunter is the Buffaloes’ main receiver with 92 catches for 1,152 yards with 14 touchdowns. As a cornerback, he has 31 tackles, 11 go breakups, 4 interceptions and one compelled fumble. Hunter had the fifth-highest offensive grade (86.2) amongst receivers within the FBS, in line with Professional Soccer Focus, and the third-highest protection grade (90.9) amongst cornerbacks. — Schlabach

ESPN BET early line: Colorado -1

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Shreveport, Louisiana
Dec. 28, 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Louisiana Tech

Season storyline: The Bulldogs had been a late substitute for Marshall, which pulled out of the Radiance Applied sciences Independence Bowl on Saturday as a result of a number of gamers entered the switch portal after a training change. Louisiana Tech completed 5-7, nevertheless it might have been a lot better had issues gone in a different way in three time beyond regulation defeats. The Bulldogs misplaced 23-20 in time beyond regulation to Tulsa, 33-30 at New Mexico State in double-overtime and 44-37 in time beyond regulation towards Jacksonville State. Louisiana Tech opted to maintain coach Sonny Cumbie, who’s 11-25 over the previous three seasons, for a minimum of yet another yr. Tony Franklin, who was Tech’s offensive coordinator from 2010 to ’12, was employed Dec. 12 to take over the playcalling in 2025.

Participant to look at: Bulldogs receiver Tru Edwards will play his ultimate recreation in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. The son of Louisiana Tech record-setting receiver Troy Edwards, he spent two seasons at Navarro School in Texas and one at Hawai’i earlier than enrolling at Tech in 2022. He exploded this season, main Convention USA in receptions (77) and ending second in receiving yards (897). Edwards had 10 catches for 84 yards within the Bulldogs’ regular-season finale, a 33-0 win over Kennesaw State.

Army
Season storyline: It has been a dream season for the Black Knights, who gained the academy’s first convention title within the 134-year historical past of this system by defeating Tulane 35-14 in Friday’s AAC championship recreation. Military gained its first 9 video games; its solely loss was a 49-14 defeat towards Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium on Nov. 23. However then the Black Knights misplaced to Navy 31-13 on Dec. 14. The Midshipmen gained 378 yards, together with 271 dashing. The Black Knights gained 11 video games for the second time in program historical past; the opposite time was in 2018 below coach Jeff Monken.

Participant to look at: Military senior Bryson Daily is the center and soul of the offense, operating for 29 touchdowns, which is tied with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty for the FBS lead (Each day has performed two fewer video games). The senior from Abernathy, Texas, has accomplished 55.3% of his passes for 942 yards with 9 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He has been stronger operating the ball with 1,532 yards on 283 makes an attempt. Each day, who was named AAC Offensive Participant of the Yr and was MVP of the AAC title recreation, will attempt to bounce again from his three-interception efficiency towards Navy. — Schlabach

TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Nashville, Tennessee
Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Iowa
Season storyline: It has been your typical Iowa storyline: a crew that is actually good defensively (tenth in factors allowed) with some offensive challenges. Total, it was an excellent season for Iowa at 8-4, with its solely blowout loss coming towards Ohio State in Columbus. A lot of opt-outs could have this crew trying completely different on this explicit recreation, however for a crew that completed the season profitable 4 of its final 5 and going up towards an excellent Missouri crew (that may have its personal share of opt-outs), it will likely be an attention-grabbing take a look at for Iowa getting into 2025.

Participant to look at: Operating again and Doak Walker Award finalist Kaleb Johnson is not taking part in, however Kamari Moulton is. Moulton was the starter to start the season, earlier than being changed by Johnson. He had 70 makes an attempt on the season for 377 yards and two TDs, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Cade McNamara is transferring out, and Brendan Sullivan would be the starter for Kirk Ferentz’s crew, so we might be seeing loads of No. 28.

Missouri
Season storyline: The Tigers had been a preferred preseason decide for the School Soccer Playoff. They completed the season 9-3, with their three losses approaching the highway and towards groups that had been within the Playoff combine within the ultimate two weeks of the season. The Tigers can nonetheless clinch a 10-win season, which might mark the third time they did so in back-to-back seasons.

Participant to look at: The remainder of the receiving room at Missouri. Luther Burden III, probably the greatest receivers within the nation, will not be taking part in on this one. However Missouri is just not with out different proficient wideouts who might step up. Theo Wease Jr. has been credited by Burden for his progress as a participant, and Marquis Johnson is one other whom the teaching employees has raved about. In fact, Iowa’s protection will not make something simple. — Lyles

ESPN BET early line: Missouri -1.5

ReliaQuest Bowl
Tampa, Florida
Dec. 31, Midday ET (ESPN)

Alabama
Season storyline: Kalen DeBoer completed his first common season with the Crimson Tide at 9-3 and out of doors the playoff, which could make the Alabama trustworthy a bit stressed contemplating all of the success they had been used to below Nick Saban. The Tide’s ugly 24-3 loss at Oklahoma in November (as a double-digit favourite), maybe the most important purpose Alabama simply missed a playoff spot, can also be a giant supply of frustration for the fan base. Whereas there was a giant win towards SEC champion Georgia and a pleasant highway win at LSU, this season will greater than seemingly be remembered for not solely the Tide’s loss to Oklahoma, but in addition their first loss to Vanderbilt in 40 years.

Participant to look at: WR Ryan Williams. All season lengthy, Williams has dazzled Alabama and faculty soccer followers along with his spectacular and sometimes jaw-dropping catches as an 18-year-old true freshman. His presence alone makes the Alabama offense appointment viewing, even when the unit as an entire has struggled with consistency this season. You simply by no means know when Williams may do one thing extraordinary that he makes appear to be one other day on the soccer area. Within the common season, Williams had 857 yards receiving with eight touchdowns and averaged 19 yards per catch. He completed the season with 5 straight video games with a minimum of one catch that went 40 yards or longer.

Michigan
Season storyline: Let’s be sincere. The season was saved because of a 13-10 win at rival Ohio State that surprised not solely the Buckeyes however nearly each faculty soccer observer. As much as that time, the defending nationwide champions had a season they’d quite overlook — because the offense struggled with ineffective quarterback play for the majority of the season. Michigan first-year coach Sherrone Moore discovered it tough to interchange the manufacturing of so many gamers the crew misplaced to the NFL draft. Consequently, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell has already been fired. However Moore is now 2-0 vs. the Buckeyes (he was the Wolverines’ interim coach in final yr’s recreation whereas Jim Harbaugh was serving his three-game suspension) and delivered one among their most memorable wins within the collection. Maybe simply as satisfying, Michigan’s win prevented Ohio State from taking part in for a Large Ten title.

Participant to look at: Ok Dominic Zvada. Whereas we concede it’s a bit uncommon to decide on a kicker as a participant to look at, Zvada has supplied the lion’s share of the Michigan offense this season — which explains for the win over Ohio State, when he kicked a 21-yard area objective with 45 seconds left. The Bakken-Andersen Large Ten Kicker of the Yr, Zvada is the primary kicker at school historical past with 4 or extra area targets for 50-plus yards in a single season (he has a whopping seven). His solely miss on the season was a 28-yard try towards Illinois that was blocked. — Adelson

ESPN BET early line: Alabama -11.5

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
El Paso, Texas
Dec. 31, 2 p.m. ET (CBS)

Louisville
Season storyline: For essentially the most half, Louisville is an effective instance of how uneven scheduling could make an impression as these energy conferences get bigger. The Cardinals drew convention video games towards SMU, Clemson and Miami, along with the nonconference recreation towards Notre Dame scheduled by the ACC. The Cardinals went 1-3 in these video games, leaving little doubt about the place they belonged within the convention pecking order. Louisville was aggressive in all these video games, which makes its 38-35 loss to Stanford that a lot tougher to understand.

Participant to look at: WR Ja’Corey Brooks. After three years at Alabama, Brooks transferred to Louisville within the offseason and instantly turned one of many Cardinals’ most essential gamers. The previous five-star recruit completed the season with 61 catches for 1,013 yards with 9 touchdowns and was a first-team All-ACC choice.

Washington
Season storyline: After reaching the nationwide title recreation final season, this season at all times figured to be a step again in Seattle. The lack of coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama and important roster turnover — as a consequence of departing seniors and the switch portal — resulted in what amounted to a reset for brand spanking new coach Jedd Fisch. It was clear after dropping the Apple Cup in September, this wasn’t a crew that was going to be a severe challenger in its first Large Ten season, and it remained mediocre the remainder of the best way.

Participant to look at: LB Carson Bruener. Bruener dedicated to UW in 2019, when Chris Petersen was nonetheless the coach, then performed for Jimmy Lake, DeBoer and Fisch throughout a standout profession. He led the Huskies this season with 93 tackles and three interceptions and was the one participant on the crew that acquired increased than honorable point out all-conference honors (he was a third-team choice). — Bonagura

ESPN BET early line: Louisville -4.5

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Orlando, Florida
Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)

South Carolina
Season storyline: South Carolina closed the season as one of many hottest groups within the nation, with six straight victories — together with three on the time its opponents had been ranked (Texas A&M, Missouri and at rival Clemson). The Gamecocks thought that ought to have been sufficient to a minimum of get them into the dialog for the 12-team playoff, however they completed No. 15 within the ultimate CFP choice committee standings. Placing the playoffs apart, South Carolina had a terrific season, and has a chance to win 10 video games for the primary time since going 11-2 in 2013. The very fact it was in a position to push previous heartbreaking losses to LSU and Alabama and finish the season as probably the greatest groups within the nation speaks to the job Shane Beamer has completed this season.

Participant to look at: QB LaNorris Sellers. When you’ve got not watched Sellers play but this season, be certain that to tune in as a result of boy is he enjoyable to look at. At 6-foot-3, 243 kilos, Sellers has the dimensions to run by way of folks but in addition the velocity to run by folks — a mixture that has gotten the perfect of many good defenses this season. That features Clemson within the regular-season finale because the Tigers had a tough time wrapping Sellers up and tackling him. His 20-yard run by way of the center of the Clemson protection with 1:08 left delivered a 17-14 win. He delivers a fairly ball, too, and accomplished practically 65% of his passes whereas throwing for two,274 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Illinois
Season storyline: What a season it has been for Illinois and coach Bret Bielema, who’ve gone 9-3 in one of many largest surprises not simply within the Large Ten however your entire nation. Indiana may need Illinois beat for finest turnaround, however that doesn’t diminish the job Bielema has completed, as Illinois has gained 9 video games for the primary time since 2007. The final time the Combating Illini gained 10 video games? That might be 2001. Whereas they didn’t beat any groups ranked within the prime 25 on the time, there have been nonetheless a number of strong wins on the schedule, together with Kansas, Michigan and Nebraska.

Participant to look at: QB Luke Altmyer. The junior emerged as some of the environment friendly passers within the nation, throwing 21 landing passes to simply 5 interceptions, whereas including one other 4 scores and 219 yards on the bottom. Altmyer threw for two,543 yards and accomplished practically 61% of his passes, however past the numbers he is as clutch as they arrive. In response to Illinois, he is the one quarterback within the nation with three game-winning landing passes within the ultimate two minutes or time beyond regulation this season — in time beyond regulation wins over Purdue and Nebraska, and with 4 seconds left in a win over Rutgers. — Adelson

ESPN BET early line: South Carolina -11

Kinder’s Texas Bowl
Houston
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Baylor
Season storyline: Dave Aranda got here into the season totally on the recent seat after the Bears went 3-9 and ranked one hundred and first in offense (23.1 ppg) and 116th in protection (permitting 33.3 ppg). Aranda, who arrived from LSU after the 2019 nationwide championship season the place he served as defensive coordinator, took over the playcalling duties for the protection and employed Jake Spavital to unfold the sphere on offense. Baylor began 2-4, with losses to BYU, Iowa State, Colorado and Utah, however all of the sudden put it collectively, beating Texas Tech 59-35, the beginning of a six-game profitable streak, ending the season averaging 34.7 factors per recreation, twenty first nationally.

Participant to look at: Redshirt freshman operating again Bryson Washington had 10 carries for 45 yards in three video games as a freshman in Waco and had 21, 31 and 28 yards in Baylor’s three early-season losses, and didn’t play towards Utah. However towards Texas Tech, he had 10 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, and went on to common 136 yards per recreation when Baylor received scorching, together with 196 yards and 4 TDs in a 3-point win over TCU and ending the season with 192 yards and two scores towards Kansas.

LSU
Season storyline: The Tigers, breaking in new offensive and defensive coordinators this season, opened with what seemed like a heavyweight bout with USC, dropping to the Trojans 27-20 on the Vegas Kickoff Traditional on Sept. 1. They rattled off six straight wins, together with an OT victory over No. 9 Ole Miss to climb again to No. 8 within the nation. However three straight losses to Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida knocked them out of the SEC race earlier than ending with dwelling wins towards Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

Participant to look at: Garrett Nussmeier skipped the Texas Bowl in 2022 after the 2021 season to protect his redshirt amid the teaching change from Ed Orgeron to Brian Kelly. He mentioned lately he’ll play on this yr’s recreation whereas he is nonetheless deciding if he will return to LSU or enter the NFL draft after throwing for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns with 11 interceptions this season. Nussmeier was MVP of LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin final season, throwing for 395 yards with three TDs. — Wilson

ESPN BET early line: LSU -2

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida
Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Duke
Season storyline: When Mike Elko left on the finish of the 2023 season to take the Texas A&M job, it appeared as if the sky could be falling at Duke. A bunch of big-name expertise left after him, together with Riley Leonard, RJ Oben and Aeneas Peebles. Manny Diaz was employed to rebuild the ship, and most doubted it might be completed rapidly. As an alternative, Diaz landed a prized QB switch in Maalik Murphy and bolstered the road of scrimmage with transfers from smaller colleges at decrease ranges. The unlikely alchemy labored, and Duke rolled to a stunning 9-3 season, led largely by explosive performs from Murphy and an attacking defensive entrance that completed the common season with the second-most tackles for loss within the nation, trailing solely its bowl recreation opponent, Ole Miss.

Participant to look at: Duke proper sort out Brian Parker is among the prime edge blockers within the ACC, and switch Bruno Fina has dealt with himself properly at left sort out. The pair might be important in giving Duke any hopes at pulling off a win towards a ferocious Ole Miss go rush. The important thing to Duke’s offense is the massive play downfield, however giving Murphy time to throw might be a priority.

Ole Miss
Season storyline: If Duke’s season is one marked by stunning success, Ole Miss enters its bowl recreation questioning what may need been. The Rebels misplaced three video games, all by a landing or much less, together with defeats by the hands of Kentucky and Florida. Win both of these video games, and the Rebels are seemingly within the School Soccer Playoff. So, what does that imply for the bowl recreation? Lane Kiffin’s crew may justifiably view this as an undesirable comfort prize, and given the quantity of veteran expertise that was anticipated to assist propel Ole Miss towards a championship, it would not be a shock if the roster for the bowl recreation seems to be an excellent bit completely different than the one Kiffin had at his disposal through the season. Nonetheless, Ole Miss stays an extremely proficient crew, and with all due respect to Alabama and others, the Rebels might rightly declare the title of finest crew not within the playoff.

Participant to look at: Sophomore Suntarine Perkins was a standout performer on the Ole Miss defensive entrance this season, racking up 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, eight QB hurries and an interception. Simply what number of of his teammates on the Rebels’ D-line might be becoming a member of him on this recreation is an open query, however Perkins is sufficient of a handful on his personal to warrant ample consideration from the Duke teaching employees, which might be determined to guard its quarterback. — Hale

ESPN BET early line: Ole Miss -11.5

SERVPRO First Responders Bowl
Dallas
Jan. 3, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN)

North Texas
Season storyline: The Imply Inexperienced began 5-1 with solely a loss to Texas Tech, then suffered eight-point losses to 2 of the AAC’s finest, at Memphis and residential towards Tulane. They misplaced 14-3 towards Military, adopted by losses at UTSA and towards East Carolina. The Imply Inexperienced rebounded with a highway win at Temple to finish the five-game skid and change into bowl eligible for the primary time below second-year coach Eric Morris.

Participant to look at: Damon Ward Jr.’s North Texas profession is about perseverance. He tore his ACL his senior yr of highschool, and UNT honored his scholarship. He did not play in 2019 or 2020, and the Denton Report-Chronicle reported he has had 12 knee surgical procedures since then. He missed three video games this season with an ankle damage, however opened the season with 12 catches for 230 yards and two TDs towards South Alabama and completed the season with 36 catches for 622 yards and 4 touchdowns. After beginning quarterback Chandler Morris went into the switch portal, Ward, essentially the most skilled offensive participant on the roster with 32 profession begins, might be counted on to regular whoever emerges because the beginning quarterback for the bowl recreation.

Texas State
Season storyline: The Bobcats return to the First Responders Bowl after beating Rice 45-21 final yr within the first bowl win at school historical past. It was a breakthrough season in coach G.J. Kinne’s first yr after the Bobcats had gained 4 or fewer video games in every of the earlier eight seasons. Expectations had been excessive, they usually began 2-0 and in Week 3 virtually upset Arizona State, the eventual Large 12 champ and No. 4 seed within the CFP, which escaped with a 31-28 win. Shut losses would change into a theme: The Bobcats completed 7-5, with these 5 losses by a mean of 5.6 factors.

Participant to look at: Senior Jordan McCloud was the Solar Belt participant of the yr at James Madison final season, transferring in to take the reins of Kinne’s offense. He is skilled and well-traveled, making 43 profession begins at Arizona, South Florida, James Madison and Texas State, throwing for 9,828 yards and 87 TDs with 37 INTs and operating for 984 yards and 20 scores. This yr, he has thrown for two,920 yards and 29 TDs, and the Bobcats are averaging 37.1 factors per recreation, tenth within the nation. — Wilson

ESPN BET early line: Texas State -7.5

Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Charlotte, North Carolina
Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Minnesota
Season storyline: PJ Fleck’s eighth season in cost at Minnesota was as up-and-down as any he has had. The Gophers began with a disappointing 2-3 file with dwelling defeats to North Carolina and Iowa, however they rallied, upsetting USC and Illinois, practically doing the identical to Penn State and pummeling Wisconsin 24-7 in a recreation that returned Paul Bunyan’s Axe to Minneapolis and prevented the hated Badgers from reaching bowl eligibility.

Participant to look at: CB Ethan Robinson. The Bucknell switch earned honorable point out All-Large Ten honors, and you can make the case that he deserved even higher than that: He led the Gophers with three interceptions and 10 go breakups and allowed only one landing go. Robinson and a sticky secondary might make issues awfully tough for the Virginia Tech offense.

Virginia Tech
Season storyline: Getting into the season with High 25 expectations following final season’s late surge, Tech as a substitute started the yr 2-3 with disappointing losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers. The Hokies performed brilliantly in a last-second loss to Miami and gave the impression to be peaking simply in time for accidents to wreck their offensive backfield. Nonetheless, a midseason three-game profitable streak and a late-season pummeling of Virginia salvaged bowl eligibility.

Participant to look at: The quarterback, whoever it’s. With so many senior stars — operating again Bhayshul Tuten, edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland, nickelback Keonta Jenkins — who may select to choose out within the coming weeks, it is arduous to determine which Hokies will certainly see the sphere in Charlotte. However whether or not it is Kyron Drones‘ swan tune after an injury-plagued season or it is freshman William Watson III trying to proceed a fairly strong audition for the 2025 beginning job, Tech could have somebody fairly intriguing behind middle. — Connelly

ESPN BET early line: Minnesota -4.5

Bahamas Bowl pres. by Atlantis Resorts
Nassau, Bahamas
Jan. 4, 11 a.m. ET (ESPN2)

Buffalo
Season storyline: The Bulls rebounded properly from a 3-9 season in 2023 below first-year coach Pete Lembo, who returned to the MAC and helped Buffalo to its highest wins whole since 2019. Buffalo recorded notable MAC wins towards Northern Illinois (in time beyond regulation on the highway) and Toledo, and after a number of blowout defeats, it gained its ultimate 4 regular-season contests. Lembo’s crew has a balanced offense that limits turnovers and a protection with some star energy however some inconsistent play. The Bulls boast one of many nation’s most prolific linebacker tandems in Shaun Dolac and Red Murdock, who’ve mixed for 302 tackles to steer the MAC, together with 30.5 for loss and eight quarterback hurries.

Participant to look at: Dolac. The senior linebacker gained MAC Defensive Participant of the Yr honors after main the FBS in whole tackles with 159, whereas main the convention in each tackles for loss (16.5) and interceptions (5). He additionally led the league in tackles final season with 147, which ranked second nationally. Dolac earned MAC defensive participant of the week honors 5 occasions, a program file, and had two interceptions (together with a pick-six) in a late-season win towards Jap Michigan. Liberty might want to craft its offensive recreation plan round figuring out the 6-1, 225-pound Dolac, who’s everywhere in the area for coordinator Joe Bowen’s protection.

Liberty
Season storyline: The Flames gained a team-record 13 video games and reached the Fiesta Bowl in 2023, and returned star quarterback Kaidon Salter and different key items for coach Jamey Chadwell. However after a 5-0 begin, Liberty noticed its nation-leading win streak finish towards beforehand winless Kennesaw State, marking the primary time in 23 years — and simply the sixth time within the AP ballot period — {that a} crew 5-0 or higher fell to an opponent 0-5 or worse. The Flames would drop two extra video games and did not qualify for the Convention USA championship recreation. Led by Salter and operating again Quinton Cooley, Chadwell’s offense remained strong however did not attain its normal productiveness stage.

Participant to look at: Cooley. After a 1,400-yard season in 2023, Cooley continued to persistently pile up yards, even for a less-potent Liberty offense. He had eight 100-yard dashing performances and 4 multi-touchdown video games, ending the common season with 1,254 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 contests (Liberty’s recreation towards Appalachian State was canceled). A bowling ball at 5-7 and 220 kilos, Cooley averaged a minimum of 4.1 carries in each recreation and 6 yards per carry in six video games. He might be a problem for a Buffalo crew that ranks 62nd nationally in defending the run. — Rittenberg

ESPN BET early line: Liberty -2