TRADITION NEVER DIES
Bowl Season and the CFP Hold Equal Importance in College Football’s Postseason
By KEVIN M c NAMARA
After years of negotiations, some collegial and some difficult, the college football world has come to an agreement that change is on the way regarding the College Football Playoff. Bowl Season is ready for that change and looks forward to their continued impact on college football.
As the timehonored, end-of-season celebration of college football, Bowl Season is ready to adapt to the growth of the CFP from four to 12 teams, according to Executive Director Nick Carparelli. He communicates regularly with not only his executive committee of bowl leaders, but also other power brokers in the sport. He’s convinced that while some parts of the bowl system will be changing, others will continue building on their legacy of providing cherished end-of-season memories.
“The College Football Playoff is expanding and I love the playoff. As a fan of college football, we need a great system to crown a deserving national champion,” Carparelli said. “But I think Bowl Season is equally important. Bowl Season, in its entirety, impacts more student-athletes and football programs than the CFP alone, and that’s why its importance will remain vital to the sport.”
– NICK CARPARELLI Bowl Season Executive DirectorWhile CFP leaders debated the growth of the playoff beyond four teams, many fans, media and administrators who love the sport wondered if that growth would negatively impact a wide swath of bowl games. Asked his opinion, Carparelli quickly answered, “We don’t think that the incremental increase is going to affect Bowl Season at all.”
The particulars of a 12-team playoff are still under negotiation. Some first round games may be played
“Bowl Season, in its entirety, impacts more student-athletes and football programs than the CFP alone, and that’s why its importance will remain vital to the sport. ”
on college campuses. Then it looks like existing bowl games will host neutral site playoff games, leading up to the National Championship game. Yet while everyone from a Big 12 or Southeastern Conference power to an unbeaten Group of Five champ will long for inclusion in the Playoff, there will always be dozens of other successful programs who are excited about concluding their seasons with a memorable trip to a bowl game.
“The College Football Playoff alone can only be so big,” Carparelli said. “And if we create a system that only serves 12 programs at the end of each season, then we as college football administrators have all failed. That’s
not what a postseason system is supposed to look like and I don’t know of any coach or athletic director who wants that to happen.”
Examples are everywhere, and in every season. Here are two from 2022, both from the SEC.
Late in the regular season few teams in the country stole the spotlight more than South Carolina. When coach Shane Beamer’s team welcomed No. 5 Tennessee to Columbia in mid-November, its 6-4 record screamed “average.” That didn’t last long. The Gamecocks’ offense exploded in a 63-38 victory as quarterback
Spencer Rattler stole the show with six touchdown passes and 438 yards through the air. Then, to further
“And if we create a system that only serves 12 programs at the end of each season, then we as college football administrators have all failed.”
– NICK CARPARELLI Bowl Season Executive Director
spark the Carolina fans, the team rolled into Clemson the next week and stunned the 8th ranked Tigers, 3130, in a bitter rivalry game win.
Now 8-4, South Carolina will storm into Bowl Season as one of the nation’s hottest teams.
“We wanted more,” Rattler said. “These last two games will change the narrative for this program’s history.”
And how about Missouri? The Tigers sat at 4-6 after getting blown out by Tennessee in early November. A critical non-league win over New Mexico State and then a stunning, exciting 29-27 win over rival Arkansas moved Mizzou to 6-6 and into Bowl Season.
“Honestly I don’t care where we play,” said coach Eli Drinkwitz, who purchased his entire team cigars in anticipation of a key victory and a bowl trip. “It’s a bowl game, it’s a celebration. Wherever our administration thinks it’s best for us to go, we’ll saddle up and go.”
It’s those types of stories — Bowl Season stories — that are set to play out once again through the month of December and into early January.
Carparelli says he’s heard the push to see games in the expanded playoff on more college campuses instead of neutral sites/bowl stadiums. That could
impact the number of bowls that host playoff contests and while there are some arguments both ways, he feels that leaders need only remember some memorable bowl games to envision some fantastic football atmospheres.
“Everyone appreciates a big home game in October, but I think fans and the media overreact to the moment. We need to not have short memories,” he said. “There have been so many memorable bowl game atmospheres, and that encompasses two fan bases, not one. I remember that great USC/Texas game in the (2006) Rose Bowl where one half of the stadium was cardinal and gold and the other half burnt orange. That atmosphere was as good as I’ve seen in sports.
“Now that was a national championship game,” Carparelli continued. “We have the chance to replicate that in a first round playoff game in an expanded playoff format.”
More details need to be worked out in the coming months for the expanded College Football Playoff. In the meantime, Bowl Season is upon us. Here’s betting the anticipation, excitement and memories those teams experience will emphasize just how important the bowl games are to college football.
2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl Miami (Ohio) (6-6) vs. UAB (6-6)
The first bowl game of the season features a firsttime match-up between Miami (OH) and UAB. UAB offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent was named the interim coach in August and led the Blazers to the fifth-best rushing attack in the nation (243.8 yards per game). On the other side, the RedHawks own the best rushing defense in the MAC. The Blazers recently hired former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer as the program’s next head coach.
Duluth Trading Cure Bowl UTSA (11-2) vs. Troy (11-2)
These teams are on similar paths this season: both teams started the season 1-2 before rattling off 10 straight wins en route to conference championships (tied for third-longest winning streak in the FBS). Troy has won its last four bowl games with its most recent trip in 2018. UTSA is looking for its first-ever bowl game win (0-3 all-time).
Wasabi Fenway Bowl Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Louisville (7-5)
A new wrinkle to an old rivalry. Scott Satterfield is leaving Louisville to take over the Cincinnati vacancy left by Luke Fickell. The Keg of Nails rivalry between Louisville and Cincinnati dates back to 1929, but these two schools located about 100 miles apart haven’t met since 2013. The Cardinals defense will look to live up to its impressive resume. Cincinnati is a pass-heavy team and will have to play without quarterback Ben Bryant, who is out with injury.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Jackson State (12-0) vs. North Carolina Central (9-2)
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
12 PM | ABC
After guiding Jackson State to a SWAC conference championship, head coach Deion Sanders was named the head coach of Colorado. Sanders will lead the Tigers one final time in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. North Carolina Central, under MEAC Coach of the Year Trei Oliver, won its first MEAC championship in six years. The Eagles lead the country (FCS) in third down conversions (57.3%) and red zone defense (64.7%).
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Florida Gators (6-6) vs. Oregon State (9-3)
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl
Presented by Stifel
Washington State (7-5) vs. Fresno State (9-4)
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
3:30 PM | ABC
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
2:30 PM | ESPN
Trying to win their first bowl game since 2013, Oregon State will face a Southeastern Conference foe for the first time since 2004, when the Beavers lost to Louisiana State 22-21 in overtime. Florida looks to put a winning note on an up and down season.
Fresno State rides an eight-game winning streak into Bowl Season after beating Boise State 28-16 in the Mountain West Championship Game. This marks back-to-back bowl appearances for the Bulldogs for the first time since 2017-18. On the other side, first year head coach Jake Dickert has led Washington State to a program-record seventh straight bowl game. WSU hasn’t won a bowl game since 2018. Both teams are top-35 in the country in passing offense, throwing for more than 260 yards per game.
Shedeur SANDERS
2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
LendingTree Bowl
Rice (5-7) vs. Southern Mississippi (6-6)
New Mexico Bowl
SMU (7-5) vs. BYU (7-5)
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
5:45 PM | ESPN
Former Conference USA foes Rice and Southern Miss will meet for the 13th time since 2007 with each team winning six times. The Rice Owls return to bowl action for the first time since 2014. Southern Miss boasts one of the better scoring defenses in the country and finished the year with 20 turnovers forced.
Frisco Bowl
North Texas (7-6) vs. Boise State (9-4)
Led by redshirt freshman QB Taylen Green from Lewisville, Boise State is bowl eligible for the 25th consecutive season. Led by junior QB Austin Aune and junior WR Jyaire Shorter, North Texas will be playing in its sixth bowl game in seven years.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
9:15 PM | ESPN
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
7:30 PM | ABC
Don’t be surprised if the New Mexico Bowl is the highest-scoring bowl game this year. For just the second time in program history, the SMU Mustangs will play in a bowl for the fourth-straight year. The Mustangs have the nation’s 11th-best scoring offense, putting up 38.4 points per game. The Cougars average nearly 32 points per game. Both teams struggle defensively, allowing 30 or more points per game.
Taylen GREEN
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Marshall (8-4) vs. UConn (6-6)
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Eastern Michigan (8-4) vs. San José State (7-4)
TUESDAY, DEC. 20
3:30 PM | ESPN
Playing Eastern Michigan for the first time since their 30-27 loss in the 1987 California Bowl, the Spartans have only six turnovers all season which leads the Mountain West and ranks second nationally. The Spartans have the fourth-best scoring offense in the MW averaging 27.5 points per game.
MONDAY, DEC. 19
2:30 PM | ESPN
The Thundering Herd's appearance in the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bowl marks the sixth straight year and ninth time in 10 seasons that the program has made a bowl game. Marshall's all-time bowl record is 12-6. This will be the third annual Myrtle Beach Bowl, but first appearance for both Marshall and UConn in the event.
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Liberty (8-4) vs. Toledo (8-5)
TUESDAY, DEC. 20
7:30 PM | ESPN
Toldeo will return to the Boca Raton Bowl seven years after the Jason Candle era began there with a win over then-No. 24 Temple, a dominant victory in Candle’s first game after Matt Campbell departed for Iowa State. Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze recently accepted the head coaching position at Auburn.
Isaiah GORDON
Russell VADEN IV
2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Western Kentucky (8-5) vs. South Alabama (10-2)
The Jaguars are in a bowl game for the first time since 2016. They doubled their win total from last season, and have won five straight games overall. The Hilltoppers are in a bowl game for the third straight season. They beat Appalachian State 59-28 in last year’s Boca Raton Bowl.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Baylor (6-6)
vs. Air Force
(9-3)
For the 11th time in the last 13 years, the Baylor football team will participate in a bowl game. Baylor will be facing Air Force for the fourth time in program history. The Bears have won all three prior meetings, as the two sides last met in 1977 with BU coming out on top, 38-7, in Waco. Freshman running back Richard Reese was named the Big 12's Offensive Freshman of the Year, while senior fullback/linebacker Dillon Doyle became the first player in league history to earn all-conference first- or second-team honors on offense and defense in the same season.
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Louisiana (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5)
FRIDAY,
3 PM | ESPN
The Houston Cougars flex a top-tier passing attack with standout WR Nathaniel Dell leading the country with 15 receiving touchdowns and QB Clayton Tune also leading in his own category with 37 passing touchdowns. The Ragin’ Cajuns will look to knock the Cougars off their air-raid attack with an elite defensive unit whose defensive efficiency against the pass breaks the top-20 in the nation.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Wake Forest (7-5) vs. Missouri (6-6)
FRIDAY, DEC. 23
6:30 PM | ESPN
The Demon Deacons’ Sam Hartman (3,400 passing yards), and A.T. Perry (11 receiving touchdowns) will be airing it out against Missouri. The Tigers themselves will need to count on their defense, which has been considered one of the upper-echelon squads in 1st down situations: only allowing 220 1st down yards all season.
EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl
Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. San Diego State (7-5)
Quick Lane Bowl
New Mexico State (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (6-6)
SATURDAY, DEC. 24
8 PM | ESPN
Middle Tennessee, having won their last three contests, will rely heavily on their star defensive cornerback Decorian Patterson, who has snagged six interceptions so far this season. The Aztecs also look to grind the game on the defensive side of the ball with their own elite unit who are ranked in the topfive in the country in fourth down scenarios (.273 opp. fourth down conversion).
The Lobos will return to the Bowl Season stage for the first time since their victory in the 2018 Arizona Bowl when they go up against a stout Bowling Green defense containing two breakout stars: LB J.B. Brown, forcing the second-most fumbles in the nation, and DE Karl Brooks who leads the conference in sacks.
MONDAY, DEC. 26
2:30 PM | ESPN
Quinton COOLEY Decorian PATTERSON2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
Camellia Bowl
Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Buffalo (6-6)
Leading the Georgia Southern Eagles with almost 3,900 yards through the air, QB Kyle Vantrease will need to prove his dominance against some of the best individual defenders in the country with Buffalo stars LB Shaun Dolac and DB Marcus Fuqua leading the country in both solo tackles (90) and interceptions (7), respectively.
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Memphis (6-6) vs. Utah State (6-6)
The consistently proven program of Memphis leads the Tigers back to its ninth consecutive bowl game appearance - this time claiming one of the highest scoring offenses in FBS, putting up just over 35 points per game. The Aggies’ defense with S Ike Larsen (four interceptions) are also one of the top-ranked units: only relinquishing 198.2 yards in the air per contest.
TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
Coastal Carolina (9-3) vs. East Carolina (7-5)
The Chanticleers are making their thirdstraight bowl appearance, the last two coming in the Cure Bowl. East Carolina has consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2013-14 with a rushing defense that ranks 18th nationally. The two teams have never met.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Wisconsin (6-6) vs. Oklahoma State (7-5)
TUESDAY, DEC. 27
10:15 PM | ESPN
This will mark Wisconsin’s 21st consecutive season to go bowling, but the first time in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Oklahoma State has played in this game twice before, going 2-0 (the last in 2015 when it was the Cactus Bowl). This will be the first meeting between the two teams.
Military Bowl presented by Peraton
UCF (9-4) vs. Duke (8-4)
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Kansas (6-6) vs. Arkansas (6-6)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28
2 PM | ESPN
Duke head coach Mike Elko was named ACC Coach of the Year in his first season. This marks the seventh-straight year that UCF will play in a bowl – a program record. The Knights and Blue Devils have never met. The Military Bowl will be played for the first time since 2019, due to Covid.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28
5:30 PM | ESPN
Kansas is back in a bowl game for the first time in 14 years, with the Jayhawks winning five of their last six bowl games. Kansas started the season 5-0 while Arkansas started 3-0. The Jayhawks and Razorback have met twice before, all the way back to 1905-06, with Kansas winning both.
RJ HARVEY K.J. JEFFERSON2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
Oregon (9-3) vs. North Carolina (9-4)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28
8 PM | FOX
Oregon QB Bo Nix is a finalist for the Manning Award with 3,388 yards and 27 touchdowns. This will be Oregon’s fourth appearance in the Holiday Bowl, the first since 2008. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Ducks and Tarheels. The two teams combined to average 75 points-per-game this season, so expect a possible shootout.
TaxAct Texas Bowl
Texas Tech (7-5) vs. Ole Miss (8-4)
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Syracuse (7-5) vs. Minnesota (8-4)
Ole Miss started the season 7-0 but dropped some close games to close out the season. Texas Tech defeated both Texas and Oklahoma in the same season for the first time under first-year head coach Joey McGuire. This will mark the seventh meeting between the Red Raiders and Rebels, with Ole Miss leading 4-2.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28
9 PM | ESPN
THURSDAY, DEC. 29
2 PM | ESPN
The Golden Gophers’ run-heavy offense ranked second in the Big Ten in 2022 with 548 attempts. Minnesota will be making its first appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl, becoming the eighth different Big Ten team to play in the game. Looking to continue a sustained run of success, the Orange have won each of their last four bowl games since the 2010 season. Syracuse becomes the first program to participate in the Pinstripe Bowl three times.
Terell SMITH
Bo NIX
Cheez-It Bowl
Oklahoma (6-6) vs. Florida State (9-3)
THURSDAY, DEC. 29
5:30 PM | ESPN
The Seminoles have won five consecutive games, the program’s longest streak since 2016. They have scored at least 38 points in each of those games. Florida State is the only team in the country ranked in the top-10 in yards-per-play average on both offense and defense. Florida State is 3-0 in the Cheez-It Bowl, tied for the most wins in bowl history. In postseason play, OU’s 24-year active bowl streak trails only Georgia (26). The Sooners’ 56 bowl appearances ranks in the top four all-time, and OU’s 31 bowl victories is tied for fourth in college football history.
Valero Alamo Bowl
Texas (8-4) vs. Washington (10-2)
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Maryland (7-5) vs. NC State (8-4)
THURSDAY, DEC. 29
9 PM | ESPN
This is the highest ranked matchup outside of the CFP. Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson is the nation’s leader in tandem yards with 1,894 and is second in total touchdowns (20), is averaging 131.7 rushing yards and 157.83 all-purpose yards. The Huskies return to the Alamodome for the first time in 11 years and are led by Michael Penix Jr., who leads the nation with 4,354 passing yards. Needing 105 passing yards, he looks to break Washington’s single season passing record.
FRIDAY, DEC. 30
12 PM | ESPN
This is the 71st meeting between the two teams (tied at 33-33-4). The Terps are led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who recently earned second-team all-Big Ten honors. He ranks third in the conference with 253.4 passing yards per game, Tagovailoa broke the school’s career passing record (7,658 yards and counting). This is the 8th time in Dave Doeren's 10-year tenure the Wolfpack have been invited to a bowl game, holding a 3-3 bowl record (game was canceled last year).
Jordan TRAVISPittsburgh (8-4) vs. UCLA (9-3)
Pitt will make its fifth appearance in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. This is UCLA’s 38th overall bowl invitation after finishing the season with nine wins. The Bruins have a chance to become the 10th UCLA team to record 10 wins for a season, the most in school history. UCLA finished the year as the nation’s No. 3-ranked offense and was fourth in the nation in rushing offense and rushed for at least 200 yards in nine games this season.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Notre Dame (8-4) vs. South Carolina (8-4)
FRIDAY, DEC. 30 2 PM | CBS FRIDAY, DEC. 30 3:30 PM | ESPN
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl
Ohio (9-4) vs Wyoming (7-5)
Sieh BANGURA
30 4:30 PM |
FRIDAY,
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Iowa (7-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
Capital One Orange Bowl
Tennessee (10-2) vs. Clemson (11-2)
FRIDAY, DEC. 30
8 PM | ESPN
In retrospect, maybe Clemson should have committed to Cade Klubnik earlier this season. He was fantastic in the ACC title game win over North Carolina. Joe Milton will lead the explosive Vols offense after a season-ending injury to Hendon Hooker. This will be Tennessee’s fourth trip to the Orange Bowl but the last victory came way back in 1939.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Alabama (10-2) vs. Kansas State (10-3)
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
12 PM | ABC
It’s not easy to twirl up a bowl rematch but this will be a chance for the Hawkeyes to avenge last year’s 20-17 defeat in the Citrus Bowl. This game will feature two excellent defenses. Iowa owns major questions at QB but if you want to watch a star you’d be hard-pressed to find a better linebacker than the Hawkeyes’ Jack Campbell.
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
12 PM | ESPN
Kansas State is one of the hottest teams in the country and flashed a major star in running back Deuce Vaughn in its win over unbeaten TCU in the Big 12 title game. But Alabama is Alabama and even if a few stars take a powder and miss a trip to New Orleans (now who would ever make that choice??), Nick Saban owns more depth than anyone in the country.
Joe MILTON
Deuce VAUGHN
2022-23 BOWL SEASON MATCHUPS
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 TCU (12-1) vs. No. 2 Michigan (13-0)
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
4 PM | ESPN
Some Wolverine fans are happy that they won’t see rival Ohio State again in the semifinals but preparing for an explosive TCU team is no bargain. This is Jim Harbaugh’s best team with a vastly improved offense led by back Donovan Edwards and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. TCU quarterback Max Duggan is a treat to watch and it’s hard not to like the Horned Frogs’ story. TCU will keep the Wolverines and defensive stars like Mike Morris on their toes.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
No. 4 Ohio State (11-1) vs. No. 1 Georgia (13-0)
College football has never seen a repeat champion in the brief CFP era but the Bulldogs are wellpositioned to pull it off. Georgia has largely breezed to an unbeaten season and are 27-1 over the last two years. Stetson Bennett is back for more while Jalen Carter leads a powerful defense (12.8 ppg). Ohio State may be fortunate to have landed in the CFP but any team with C.J. Stroud (37 TD’s) at quarterback is extremely dangerous.
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
8 PM | ESPN
TreVeyon HENDERSON
Max DUGGAN
ReliaQuest Bowl
Mississippi State (8-4) vs. Illinois (8-4)
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Tulane (11-2) vs. USC (11-2)
MONDAY, JAN. 2
12 PM | ESPN2
A quality matchup in Tampa as Mississippi State's offense goes up against the nation’s top defense. Illinois allowed a mere 12.3 points per game in the Big Ten and also boast a top running back in Chase Brown who has the second-most rushing yards in the country (1,643).
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
LSU (9-4) vs. Purdue (8-5)
Rose Bowl Game
MONDAY, JAN. 2
1 PM | ESPN
USC’s CFP hopes ended when quarterback Caleb Williams injured his hamstring in the Pac-12 title game loss to Utah. His status for the Cotton Bowl is cloudy, but the Trojan offense will remain explosive. Tulane back Tyjae Spears screams explosive. He’s averaging 6.5 yards a carry and leads the hopes of a Green Wave program participating in its biggest bowl game since the 1939 Sugar Bowl.
Penn State (10-2) vs. Utah (10-3)
MONDAY, JAN. 2
1 PM | ABC
Both teams will be looking to bounce back from defeats in their conference championship games. Brian Kelly’s first LSU team played inspired football in the middle of the season but wants to bounce back from losses to Texas A&M and Georgia. Holding down Purdue quarter Aidan O’Connell and targets Charlie Jones and Payne Durham won’t be easy.
MONDAY, JAN. 2
5 PM | ESPN
Penn State was the Big Ten’s third-best team behind CFP participants Michigan and Ohio State. The Lions’ defense is a stout one but maybe no one needs to play better than star corner Joey Porter, Jr., who will need to slow a Utah attack led by the powerful arm of Cameron Rising. The Utes lost a thriller to Ohio State in Pasadena a year ago and this promises to be another exciting Rose Bowl.
Art SITKOWSKI
Nicholas SINGLETON
