2023 college football bowl game guide: Dates, times, TV

By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

There are 43 college football bowl games between Dec. 16 and Jan. 9, each with a different compelling reason to watch.

The WRAL Sports team breaks down the matchups, mascots and must-sees to help you plan your viewing.

We’ll start with the finish: The national championship game and College Football Playoffs and work our way back in time.

Here’s your guide, chock full with plenty of excuses to avoid other holiday responsibilities and settle in on the couch this bowl season – the most wonderful time of the year.

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024

College Football Playoff National Championship (7:30 p.m., TV: ESPN Venue: NRG Stadium in Houston)

Can Michigan go undefeated for the first time since 1997 amid a cheating scandal?

Can Alabama win its seventh national championship under Nick Saban?

Can Texas return to national prominence?

Can Washington win a CFP game in its second attempt?

Monday, Jan. 1, 2024: College Football Playoff

Rose Bowl: No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 Michigan (5 p.m. TV: ESPN, Venue: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California)

Anyone making the argument that the CFP committee got it right by putting one-loss Alabama and one-loss Texas in the playoff instead of undefeated Florida State can look at the spread of this game.

Alabama enters as a 1.5-point underdog against Michigan. How much would Michigan have been favored against Florida State without starting quarterback Jordan Travis and backup Tate Rodemaker?

Keep in mind, Florida State is a 13.5-point underdog against Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

Also, look at the Michigan players’ reaction when they found out they had to play Alabama.

Michigan (13-0) has beaten Ohio State three years in a row, and is making its third straight CFP appearance. Can Jim Harbaugh finally lead the Wolverines over the top? Will he leave Michigan for the NFL after the season amid the sign-stealing scandal?

Can Nick Saban lead his program to another national championship? Saban has won seven national championship as a head coach and six with Alabama (12-1).

Also, what an incredible story it would be for quarterback Jalen Milroe to lead his team to a title despite getting benched earlier this season.

Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Texas vs. No. 2 Washington (8:45 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans)

This game is a rematch of last season’s Alamo Bowl where Washington beat Texas, 27-20. Both starting quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Michael Penix Jr. are back for their respective programs.

Penix is likely to be a finalist for the Heisman trophy.

Washington receivers Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillian are also back from last season. The Huskies haven't lost a game since October 2022. Washington has one of the country’s most dangerous offenses.

This season marks the second time Washington (13-0) has made the CFP.

Texas (12-1) won the Big 12 championship in its first appearance in the conference title game since its return in 2017.

Other New Year’s Day Bowl games

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 21 Tennessee (1 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: Camping World Stadium in Orlando)

Iowa (10-3) has one of the best defenses in the country, but its offense is another story. In the Big Ten championship game against Michigan, Iowa sacked Big Ten quarterback of the year J.J. McCarthy four times, and limited the conference’s running back of the year, Blake Corum, to 52 yards on 16 carries.

Iowa allowed only 213 total yards and was the first team to hold Michigan to fewer than 14 first-half points this season.

The Hawkeyes still lost 26-0 to the Wolverines.

Iowa averages 16.6 points per game, which ranks 127th out of 130 FBS teams.

Tennessee (8-4) plays with a contrasting style under the direction of third-year head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols average 31.5 points per game.

Tennessee fell short of expectations considering the Vols had 11 wins last season.

It’s unclear which Vols players will play and which will opt out to begin preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. Quarterback Joe Milton, defensive end Tyler Baron and running back Jaylen Wright are among the team’s top NFL prospects.

VRBO Fiesta Bowl: No. 23 Liberty vs. No. 8 Oregon (1 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona)

It’s the first-ever meeting between Oregon (11-2) and Liberty (13-0).

On Sunday, Oregon coach Dan Lanning said that quarterback Bo Nix announced to the team his intentions to play in the bowl game. Nix is expected to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Liberty features the nation’s best rushing offense (302.9 rushing yards per game) led by running back Quinton Cooley (1,322 rushing yards) and quarterback Kaidon Salter (1,064 rushing yards).

Reliaquest Bowl: Wisconsin vs. No. 18 LSU (Noon, TV: ESPN2, Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida)

It’s unclear if LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns) and wide receiver Malik Nabers (86 receptions, 1,546 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns) will play in this bowl game.

Daniels is considered the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Nabers is just 22 yards away from breaking LSU's receiving yards record. LSU great Josh Reed sits at No. 1 with 3,001 yards.

LSU (9-3) is the nation’s top-scoring offense at 46.4 points per game. The Tigers also lead in total offense at 547.8 yards.

Wisconsin (7-5) averaged 22.8 points per game, the program’s lowest per-season average since 2004, in Luke Fickell’s first season coaching the team.

It’s unclear whether Badgers running back Braelon Allen will play. He’s run for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: Toledo vs. Wyoming (4:30 p.m., TV: CW Network, Venue: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona)

The CW will air the game this year but with Barstool personalities Dave Portnoy, Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Jake Marsh calling the game. Adam “Rone” Ferrone and Caleb Pressley will work as sideline reporters.

Wyoming (8-4) has quarterback Andrew Peasley, who has thrown for 1,823 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also a threat with his legs, rushing for 403 yards and seven touchdowns.

Toledo (11-2) won 11 consecutive games after losing its opener at Illinois. The streak ended with a loss to Miami (Ohio) in the MAC championship.

Running back Peny Boone has 1,359 rushing yards (11th nationally) and 15 touchdowns.

Orange Bowl: No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 5 Florida State (4 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida

Both of these schools have legitimate arguments to have made the College Football Playoff. Had Georgia made it, we’d be discussing whether Kirby Smart could lead his team to a three-peat.

It’s a near certainty both schools will have players opt out to begin preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Florida State (13-0) has a dominant defense. The Seminoles did not give up 30 points in a single game all year.

Before Florida State found out it wouldn’t make the CFP, defensive end Jared Verse (nine sacks) and safety Jammie Robinson said they would play in the team’s bowl game. We’ll see if they stick to their decisions.

There is an argument to be made that Georgia (12-1) would be favored in a head-to-head game against any team that actually made the CFP.

Keep an eye on star tight end Brock Bowers if he decides to play instead of opting out. Bowers will likely be a first or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

TransPerfect Music City Bowl Auburn vs. Maryland (2 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee)

Maryland (7-5) started the season with five straight wins, but then lost four in a row. The Terps bounced back by winning two of their final three games, including a close loss to Michigan.

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, is the Big Ten’s all-time leading passer at 11,256 career passing yards.

The younger Tagovailoa has thrown for 3,377 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. ​​Tagovailoa said after Maryland’s regular-season finale that he plans to play in the bowl game.

Auburn (6-6) had an up-and-down season under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers could have beaten rival Alabama if not for allowing a touchdown pass on a 4th and 31 late in the Iron Bowl.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 11 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Penn State (Noon, TV: ESPN, Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)

Both schools’ two losses came against elite programs.

Ole Miss (10-2) lost against Georgia and Alabama. Meanwhile, Penn State (10-2) lost to Michigan and Ohio State.

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is known for his enigmatic personality and high-scoring offenses.

The Rebels are led by quarterback Jaxson Dart (2,985 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns) and running back Quinshon Judkins (1,052 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns).

Penn State leads the nation in total defense, allowing only 223.3 yards per game.

The offense is led by quarterback Drew Allar, who has thrown for 2,336 yards and 23 touchdowns with just one interception.

Penn State running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton have each surpassed 700 yards rushing this season.

If Penn State wins the Peach Bowl, it will become the first school in college football history to record a win in each game that makes up the New Years Six.

Also, Penn State hired Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnick to be its OC after head coach James Franklin fired Mike Yurcich.

Yurcich helped bring Allar, a five-star recruit, to Penn State.

Friday, Dec. 29, 2023

Cotton Bowl: No. 9 Missouri vs. No. 7 Ohio State (8 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas)

I’d be shocked if we see star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. play for Ohio State given that he’s likely a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Plus, quarterback Kyle McCord announced Monday he is entering the transfer portal. Ohio State (11-1) will likely turn to freshman quarterback Devin Brown to start in McCord’s place.

Missouri (10-2) has a stud receiver of its own in sophomore Luther Burden III. Burden will likely be a coveted receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Liberty Bowl: Memphis vs. Iowa State (3:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee)

It’s a de facto home game for Memphis (9-3).

Wide receiver Joe Scates started his career at Iowa State and played three seasons before transferring to Memphis. He'll get a chance to face off against his former team.

Iowa State (7-5) is led by quarterback Rocco Becht, who won Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,674 yards, 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Keep an eye on Iowa State freshman running back Abu Sama III, who exploded for 276 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas State. Sama is averaging 8.5 yards per carry.

Sama’s emergence has prompted running backs Eli Sanders and Cartevious Norton to announce intentions of transferring.

This game marks a rematch of the 2017 Liberty Bowl, when the Cyclones beat the Tigers, 21-20, for Matt Campbell's first bowl win with Iowa State.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: No. 19 Oregon State vs. No. 16 Notre Dame (2 p.m., TV: CBS, Venue: Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas)

Although Sam Hartman has yet to make an official announcement, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has said he expects Hartman to play in the team’s bowl game.

It would mark Hartman’s final collegiate game. Hartman transferred to Notre Dame after playing for Wake Forest from 2018-2022.

Hartman is the active Division I leader with 15,656 career yards passing.

Notre Dame (9-3) lost three games this season: Ohio State, Louisville and Clemson.

Oregon State (8-4) features former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has thrown for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Gator Bowl: No. 22 Clemson vs. Kentucky (Noon, TV: ESPN, Venue: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida)

This game will provide a glimpse at the next generation of standout players for both Clemson and Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Clemson (8-4) had several players opt out, including standout defender Jeremiah Trotter Jr., cornerback Nate Wiggins and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.

Kentucky (7-5) is down running back Ray Davis, defensive back Jalen Geiger and defensive back Andru Phillips.

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023

Alamo Bowl: No. 14 Arizona vs. No. 12 Oklahoma (9:15 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas)

There are a few things working against Oklahoma (10-2) heading into this game.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left the program to take the head coaching job at Mississippi State. Lebby is not expected to coach the Alamo Bowl.

Also, Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced he is entering the transfer portal. Gabriel has one season of eligibility left.

A win would get Arizona (9-3) to 10 wins for just the fourth time in school history.

Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 18 NC State vs. No. 25 Kansas State (5:45 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Camping World Stadium in Orlando)

With a victory, NC State (9-3) could get to 10-plus wins for only the second time in program history. The 2002 season marked the only other time the Wolfpack have had a double-digit win season when they went 11-3 under Chuck Amato.

Under the leadership of head coach Dave Doeren, NC State has won six of its last seven games.

The Wolfpack offense has regrouped during its five-game winning streak to close out the regular season. NC State has used a combination of the talents of ACC freshman of the year KC Concepcion and the reemergence of Virginia transfer quarterback Brendan Armstrong. The Wolfpack averaged 28.8 points per game during its win streak.

NC State’s defense is led by ACC Defensive Player of the Year and star linebacker Payton Wilson.

Kansas State (8-4) had losses at Missouri, at Oklahoma State, at Texas, and at home to Iowa State. The Wildcats lost by only three points to both Mizzou and Texas.

Fenway Bowl: No. 24 SMU vs. Boston College ( 11 a.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Fenway Park in Boston)

This game is a de facto home game for Boston College (6-6) considering the campus is about a 15-minute car ride away from Fenway Park.

The Eagles started the season 1-3, won five straight games, then lost their last three regular-season games.

SMU (11-2) will join the Eagles in the ACC next year, and is coming off an American Athletic Conference championship win over Tulane.

Boston College will likely be up against SMU backup quarterback Kevin Jennings after starter Preston Stone (28 touchdown passes, six interceptions) broke his left fibula in the regular-season finale against Navy.

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023

Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. No. 20 Oklahoma State (9 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: NRG Stadium in Houston)

Perhaps this year’s Texas Bowl should be renamed “Dueling Mikes.” New Texas A&M coach Mike Elko goes against Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy.

Elko, the former Duke coach and former Texas A&M defensive coordinator, takes over for Jimbo Fisher.

Texas A&M (7-5) is paying Fisher’s $77.6 million buyout. Elko has his work cut out for him.

The Aggies will also be without defensive end Walter Nolen, who is entering the transfer portal. Nolen was the No. 2 recruit in the entire 2022 class. He is considered by some people as the top transfer available.

Max Johnson, Texas A&M's quarterback for eight games in the regular season, threw for 1,452 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Johnson announced in November that he is transferring to the University of North Carolina. The Aggies' backup quarterback, Jaylen Henderson, started three games in the regular season, and it seems like he will be the starter.

Also, the Aggies will be without their top receiver in Ainias Smith, who totaled 795 yards and 53 catches this season. He has a broken finger sustained in the regular-season finale against LSU.

Oklahoma State (9-4) is coming off a 49-21 loss to Texas in the Big 12 championship.

The Cowboys feature the country’s leading rusher in running back Ollie Gordon II (1,614 rushing yards).

Oklahoma State and Texas A&M faced each other in the 2019 Texas Bowl, with the Aggies winning 24-21.

Holiday Bowl: No. 15 Louisville vs. USC (8 p.m., TV: FOX, Venue: Petco Park in San Diego, California)

Caleb Williams will not play in the bowl game, head coach Lincoln Riley said Monday.

Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is expected to be among the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Williams out, expect USC to start Miller Moss against Louisville.

USC (7-5) struggled down the stretch of the 2023 season. The Trojans lost three straight to end the season and lost five of their last six games.

USC allowed at least 34 points in each of its five losses this season and gave up more than 40 points in three wins. It led to the firing of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and the hiring of D’Anton Lynn.

Had Florida State been selected as a CFP team, Louisville would have been locked into the Capital One Orange Bowl.

However, Louisville is coming off a terrible offensive performance in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State. The Cardinals lost 16-6. It marked Louisville’s lowest-scoring game since a 27-3 loss at Virginia on Sept. 22, 2018.

Louisville (10-3) averages 30.9 points per game, which ranks 44th in the country.

The Cardinals are led by quarterback Jack Plummer. He is 235-of-370 for 3,063 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Running back Jordan Jawhar is Louisville's top back collecting 1,128 rushing yards on 181 carries for 13 touchdowns.

It marks the first time the two teams have played each other.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina vs. West Virginia (5:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte)

North Carolina (8-4) will end its season in the same place where it started. Perhaps it will end with head coach Mack Brown covered in mayonnaise.

North Carolina lost four of its last six games after starting the season 6-0. It included a win in the season opener in Charlotte against South Carolina.

It would be a shocker if star quarterback Drake Maye opted to play given that he’s expected to be one of the top selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If Maye opts out, Tar Heels fans could get an extended look at backup quarterback Conner Harrell. In 2024, Harrell is expected to compete for the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback position with transfer Max Johnson.

Omarion Hampton leads the North Carolina rushing attack with 1,442 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Another thing worth watching is to see which other North Carolina players decide to play, including star wide receiver Tez Walker.

Walker could choose not to play to protect himself from an injury in preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft; he could play in the bowl and leave for the NFL afterward; or he could return to Chapel Hill for the 2024 season.

Walker is not expected to be a first-round pick if he enters the 2024 NFL Draft.

West Virginia (8-4) is led by quarterback Garrett Greene with 2,178 passing yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 708 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Military Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Tulane (2 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland)

Virginia Tech (6-6) is back in a bowl game after last season’s 3-8 campaign.

The Hokies’ offense averages 386.3 yards per game. Since Kyron Drones took over as starting quarterback in September, he has thrown for 1,993 yards and 15 touchdowns to three interceptions, adding 642 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Tulane (11-2) had two losses this season against Ole Miss and SMU.

Tulane’s offense is led by quarterback Michael Pratt who has thrown for 2,406 yards and 22 touchdowns to just five interceptions on the season.

Freshman running back Makhi Hughes has 1,290 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 243 attempts.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Kansas vs. UNLV (9 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Chase Field in Phoenix)

Kansas (8-4) is coming off its most successful season under third-year head coach Lance Leipold. It marks Kansas’ second straight bowl game.

Star quarterback Jalon Daniels has missed significant time this season with a back injury. He has previously stated he plans to return to Kansas for the 2024 season.

In his absence, backup quarterback Jason Bean led the Jayhawks to a 5-3 record. Bean has thrown for 1,681 yards in eight starts, with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Bean is selective as a runner, but he is fast. He has 41 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Running back Devin Neal has 183 carries for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns.

UNLV (9-4) is led by former Missouri coach and Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom, who is in his first season as head coach of the team. The Rebels lost to Boise State in the Mountain West championship game.

UNLV will bring its “Go-Go” offense, a triple-option/spread hybrid led by offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. The Rebels average 34.3 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the country.

Last season, Kansas lost in triple overtime to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.

First Responder Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice (5:30 p.m. TV: ESPN, Venue: George J. Ford Stadium in Dallas)

This game should get a good turnout because Dallas is a short trip for both fan bases.

Texas State is making its first bowl appearance despite being eligible in 2013 and 2014 after joining the Sun Belt Conference.

It marks the 14th overall bowl game for Rice (6-6) and the program’s second consecutive bowl game.

Texas State beat Baylor 42-31 in the opener for its first win over a Power 5 school.

Quick Lane Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Minnesota (2 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Ford Field in Detroit)

Minnesota (5-7) closed the regular season with a four-game losing streak but qualified for a bowl game because there were only 81 six-win teams to fill the 82 bowl slots. The Gophers’ Academic Progress Rate score was the best among five-win teams.

It will mark the third time in nine years Minnesota is going to Detroit for a bowl game.

Bowling Green has won five of its past six games. The Falcons finished in third place in the Mid-American Conference's East Division.

The Gophers and Falcons have split four meetings. Bowling Green won the last meeting, 14-10 in 2021 at Huntington Bank Stadium when Minnesota was a 31-point favorite.

Dec. 23, 2023

Hawaii Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose State (10:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii)

Football in paradise: Coastal Carolina (7-5) and San Jose State (7-5) will get to play at one of the most exotic locations in bowl season.

Coastal Carolina starting quarterback Grayson McCall already announced plans that he would enter the transfer portal. There are reports that NC State’s coaches visited him at his house considering Brennan Armstrong is out of eligibility and M.J. Morris is also transferring.

According to a source, Coastal Carolina Quarterback Grayson McCall will be taking an Official Visit to NC State this weekend. The Wolfpack coaching staff had an in-home visit with McCall this past weekend.

McCall was the Sun Belt Player of the year in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He didn’t play the final five games of the 2023 season due to an injury.

Coastal Carolina wide receiver Sam Pinckney has 904 yards receiving, seven touchdowns and NCAA record 57 straight games with a catch.

San Jose State is led by quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who has thrown for 2,558 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Spartans started 1-5 before rallying to win their final six games to qualify for a bowl.

Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs. Northwestern (7:30 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Utah (8-4) and Northwestern (7-5) square off in the Sin City.

Utah has lost nine players to season-ending injuries.

For the 17th time under head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes became bowl-eligible this year. Utah is 17-8 all-time in bowl games with Whittingham holding an 11-5 record.

Northwestern is coming off a one-win season in 2022. In July, Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald after a hazing scandal.

Northwestern has had a surprising season under new head coach David Braun. The Wildcats finished in second place in the Big Ten West, and Braun was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

The Wildcats have the No. 50 scoring defense, allowing 23.8 points per game.

After beating Wisconsin, Purdue and Illinois to end the season, Northwestern enters on a three-game winning streak.

68 Ventures Bowl: South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan (7 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama)

South Alabama (6-6) is playing in its home stadium for the postseason, but it’s not totally unfamiliar territory for Eastern Michigan.

Eastern Michigan (6-6) is playing a bowl game in Mobile for the second time in three years. The Eagles played in the Mobile-based bowl in 2021 against Liberty when it was known as the LendingTree Bowl.

Eastern Michigan is looking to win consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history. This is Eastern Michigan’s sixth bowl under head coach Chris Creighton, who is in his 10th season with the program.

The Jaguars rank 45th in the country in scoring offense (30.9 points per game) and 37th in scoring defense (21.9 points allowed per game). South Alabama is led by quarterback Carter Bradley, who threw for 2,660 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 starts. Running back La’Damian Webb has 1,007 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Georgia State vs. Utah State (3:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Albertson Stadium in Boise, Idaho)

Football is played in this bowl game on blue grass, and the winning team typically dumps french fries on its head coach.

Utah State (6-6) will play in its 11th bowl game in the last 13 years.

Georgia State (6-6) is playing in its sixth bowl game in 11 seasons as an FBS program. The Panthers transitioned to the FBS in 2013.

Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison vs. Air Force (3:30 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas)

James Madison (11-1) is bowling for the first time in program history. Damian Wroblewski will serve as the acting head coach for the bowl game after Curt Cignetti was hired at Indiana.

James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud has passed for 3,400 yards and 32 touchdowns. Defensive lineman Jalen Green was leading the nation with 15.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss among 50 overall stops before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in November.

James Madison and Air Force have contrasting styles of play. The Dukes lead the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 61.5 yards per game. Air Force ranks second in FBS rushing at 275.8 yards per game.

The Falcons also rank 10th in rushing defense, yielding just 96.3 per contest.

Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois (Noon, TV: ESPN, Venue: Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama)

Both teams enter with 6-6 records.

Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Rayno was the Sun Belt freshman of the year. He has 2,293 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, six interceptions and five rushing touchdowns.

Northern Illinois won five of its last seven games to finish the season. Running back Antario Brown was first-team All-MAC with 1,164 yards, 10 touchdowns and 6.2 yards per carry.

76 Birmingham Bowl: Duke vs. Troy (Noon, TV: ABC, Venue: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama)

Duke (7-5) will be without head coach Mike Elko and without quarterback Riley Leonard, who announced he’s leaving the school.

Will freshman Grayson Loftis continue to start at quarterback or could we see Henry Belin IV get into the mix? Will Belin’s upper-body injury continue to limit him?

Duke athletics director Nina King said associate head coach and running backs coach Trooper Taylor would work as the interim coach while the school searches for Elko’s replacement.

How will Elko’s departure impact Duke? We’ll start to get answers with Duke’s final game of the season.

While a bowl game win is fun, finding the right replacement for Elko and quickly, is more important for Duke in the long run.

Troy (11-2) won back-to-back Sun Belt championships under second-year head coach Jon Sumrall. This season Troy beat Appalachian State in the conference championship game.

Friday, Dec. 22, 2023

Gasparilla Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. UCF (6:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida)

Orlando, where the University of Central Florida’s campus is located, is about a 90-minute drive to Tampa.

Central Florida (6-6) won its first three games, lost five in a row and won three of its last four games. The Knights have made a bowl game in eight straight seasons.

UCF head coach Gus Malzahn has seen his teams qualify for postseason bowl games in all 12 years he has been a head coach.

Georgia Tech (6-6) is making its 46th bowl in program history, and its first bowl appearance since 2018.

Georgia Tech owns a 3-2 record against UCF, but the Golden Knights have won the last two games in the series in 2020 and 2022.

Tech’s offense is led by redshirt-sophomore quarterback Haynes King (2,755 passing yards, 648 rushing yards, 26 touchdown passes, nine touchdown runs), who is one of only two players in the nation with at least 2,700 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, 25 touchdown passes and five touchdown runs this season, joining LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Boca Raton Bowl: South Florida vs. Syracuse (8 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida)

First-year head coach Alex Golesh led USF (6-6) to its first bowl game since 2018. It will mark the 11th bowl game in USF history.

Syracuse (6-6) is in a transition after firing head coach Dino Babers. Syracuse interim coach Nunzio Campanile will coach the team during the bowl game. The school hired Fran Brown as its next head coach.

The bowl trip marks the Orange's 28th bowl game.

Syracuse will play in a bowl game in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2012-13.

The Orange defeated Wake Forest, 35-31, in the regular-season finale. LeQuint Allen Jr. recorded a career-best 145 yards rushing yards, giving him 1,062 for the season. It marks the third consecutive season that a Syracuse rusher has surpassed 1,000 yards in a season.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023

Frisco Bowl: UTSA vs. Marshall (9 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas)

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor expressed his desire to play a bowl game in Texas, and he got his wish.

However, UTSA (8-4) is 0-4 in bowl games, including losses the past three years under Traylor.

It's the seventh consecutive season that Marshall (6-6) has played in the postseason.

The Herd had an up-and-down season, starting with four straight wins and dropping the next five games.

Marshall had four coaches, including offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, leave the program.

Monday, Dec. 18, 2023

Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion (2:30 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte)

The game will be played at Jerry Richardson Stadium on the campus of UNC Charlotte.

It marks the 10th bowl game in the past 12 seasons for Western Kentucky (7-5).

Old Dominion (6-6) won its final two regular-season games to become bowl eligible.

Old Dominion linebacker Jason Henderson leads the country in tackles with 170 and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors. Fellow linebacker Wayne Matthews III comes in with 121 tackles and was named to the third team.

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

Independence Bowl: California vs. Texas Tech (9:15 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana)

California (6-6) leaves for the ACC in the 2024 season. The Golden Bears finished the regular season with 33-7 win over UCLA.

This game features two of the top running backs in the country in Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks (120.2 rushing yards per game, fifth in the country) and Cal’s Jaydn Ott (114.5 rushing yards per game, seventh in the country).

Brooks could sit out the game to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire believes Brooks will be available for the matchup.

Texas Tech will be without two of their starting receivers in the bowl game after slot receiver Myles Price and 2022 leading receiver Jerand Bradley entered the transfer portal.

LA Bowl: UCLA vs. Boise State (7:30 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: SoFI Stadium in Inglewood, California)

UCLA (7-5) is staying home for bowl season, but the Bruins still get to play in a bowl.

It’s actually a shorter drive for UCLA to SoFi Stadium to face Boise State in the LA Bowl than it is for the home games that the Trojans play at the Rose Bowl.

UCLA is led by Chip Kelly. Some people have called for his dismissal.

UCLA just lost five-star freshman quarterback Dante Moore to the transfer portal and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who is taking the USC defensive coordinator position. Kelly also confirmed that quarterbacks coach Ryan Gunderson had left to become the offensive coordinator at Oregon State and would not participate in UCLA’s bowl game preparations.

Boise State (8-5) removed the interim tag from Spencer Danielson’s title, making him the permanent coach after he guided the team to the Mountain West Conference championship. Danielson led his team to four straight wins to finish the season.

In November, Boise State fired Andy Avalos after he posted a 22-14 record.

New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico State vs. Fresno State (5:45 p.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico)

New Mexico State (10-4) had a major upset over Auburn, 31-10, on Nov. 18. In part to that win, the Aggies ended the regular season on an eight-game win streak. The Aggies lost to Liberty in the Conference USA title game.

The team's leader is quarterback Diego Pavia, who has accounted for more than 3,700 yards and 28 touchdowns on the season.

Fresno State (8-4) limps into the bowl game with three straight losses.

Cure Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Miami (Ohio) (3:30 p.m., TV: ABC, Venue: FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida)

Appalachian State (8-5) closed the regular season with five straight victories. The Mountaineers lost to Troy in the Sun Belt championship game.

Coached by Chuck Martin, the RedHawks opened the season with a 38-3 loss to the Miami Hurricanes and went 7-1 in league play with the only loss coming against Toledo (21-17). During the regular season, Miami (Ohio) had a 31-24 overtime win against Big 12 newcomer Cincinnati, and Miami rebounded to win 23-14 against Toledo in the MAC title game.

Miami (11-2) has won five games in a row.

New Orleans Bowl: Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana (2:15 p.m., TV: ESPN, Caesars Superdome in New Orleans)

Deion Sanders is gone to Colorado, but Jacksonville State (8-3) is making its first bowl appearance at the FBS level. Jacksonville State is led by former West Virginia and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez.

Jacksonville State defensive end Chris Hardie has 16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Louisiana (6-6) beat Louisiana-Monroe in the regular-season finale to become bowl eligible.

Louisiana-Lafayette kicker Kelvin Almendares doesn’t miss often. He is 13-of-14 on field goals and 46-of-47 on PATs.

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Ohio (11 a.m., TV: ESPN, Venue: Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina)

Former USC head coach Clay Helton is the coach of Georgia Southern (6-6). The school is making its second consecutive bowl game.

The stadium is where Coastal Carolina plays its home games.

Ohio (9-3) won its last three games.