College Football

2023-24 Best college football bowl games: Bowl game rankings from best to worst

Updated Dec. 12, 2023 2:28 p.m. ET

College football's regular season is in the books, and though it seems like the sport’s attention has quickly shifted to coaching searches and the transfer portal, the calendar hitting December is really just one big reminder that we’re about to embark on the grand finale that is bowl season.

This most magical time of year can be a lot of things, from the final push toward a national title by a select few schools, to a chance to celebrate an overachieving campaign on the gridiron, to even a simple end-of-the-year trip to somewhere warm for one last chance to see the 2023 squad in action.

[2023 College Football Bowl Predictions, picks, odds for each game]

Whatever it may be, it’s bound to give us some great action, some unique locales, and maybe more to the point: 41 more opportunities to watch some college football.

Not all bowl games are created equal, however.

Some are better than others based on when they’re played or the teams they're featuring.

Opt-outs and coaching changes have put a damper on some, while others have some real heft and meaning to them.

To help you navigate them all, here's a look at every postseason game and how each stacks up against the others, from the best all the way down to the worst.

Michigan-Alabama and Texas-Washington: tale of the tape

1. Rose Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal)
Who: No. 4 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 1 Michigan (13-0)
When: Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET
Where: The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
Why: What more could you ask for in a College Football Playoff semifinal? The winningest program in major college football against the second-winningest program. The greatest coach of all time in Nick Saban against the most divisive in Jim Harbaugh. An SEC-Big Ten battle Royale, and two sides that embrace physicality without hesitation. A team that has had a title on its minds all season long, and the only thing standing in the way is the program that has claimed more titles than anybody. Throw in the perfect setting at the Granddaddy of them all and there’s no better game than this.

2. Sugar Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal)
Who: No. 3 Texas (12-1) vs. No. 2 Washington (13-0)
When: Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET
Where: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans
Why: The storylines are limitless for the second of the semifinals to ring in the new year, between Steve Sarkisian facing off against his old program, to a rematch between two teams that faced off in a bowl game last year. These are two of the best offenses in the country, and the number of playmakers on hand — especially at wide receiver — is flat-out ridiculous. Thrown in the realignment angle of a Big 12-Pac-12 meeting being more of an SEC-Big Ten affair and the excitement is off the charts for the right to advance to Houston.

Breaking down the CFP matchups

3. Orange Bowl
Who: No. 5 Florida State (13-0) vs. No. 6 Georgia (12-1)
When: Dec. 30, 4 p.m. ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
Why: Even with the loss in the SEC title game, there are still plenty around college football (and certainly in the NFL) who would think that Georgia is one of the best teams in the country. And while the Seminoles were controversially left out, they certainly proved they were in that category too. So perhaps it’s fitting the two will meet in South Florida for what could be the best non-semifinal New Year’s Six bowl in the past decade of the Playoff era. Who knows, a Seminoles victory could even lead to a split national title, too.

4. Alamo Bowl
Who: No. 14 Arizona (9-3) vs. No. 12 Oklahoma (10-2)
When: Dec. 28, 9:15 p.m. ET
Where: Alamodome in San Antonio
Why: These two teams both had a case that they should be in the New Year’s Six, but they’ll instead meet down by the Riverwalk for what is a top-15 matchup that could be a ton of fun. The Sooners turned things around quickly in Year 2 under Brent Venables, looking a lot better on defense while keeping the same lightning-strike offense in place. Young QB Jackson Arnold is in line to start for the first time in this one, giving OU fans even more of a reason to watch. The Wildcats were one of the biggest surprises in the Pac-12, and QB Noah Fifita is a big reason why the team is having its best season since 2014. This has typically been a high-scoring affair on the San Antonio turf, but the caliber of defenses may limit the fireworks just a tad as a soon-to-be former Big 12 program takes on a future one.

5. Peach Bowl
Who: No. 11 Ole Miss (10-2) vs. No. 10 Penn State (10-2)
When: Dec. 30, noon ET
Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Why: One of the best defenses in the country will take on one of the best offenses — what’s better than that? Throw in the fact that James Franklin and Lane Kiffin don’t mind having a little fun at the other’s expense, and this could be one of the most compelling games before time runs out on 2023. There are playmakers all over the field with an eye on the NFL, and you just know that the victor is bound to end up a trendy Playoff pick for next year.

6. Holiday Bowl
Who: No. 15 Louisville (10-3) vs. USC (7-5)
When: Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports App
Where: Petco Park in San Diego
Why: Heisman winner Caleb Williams has already said he’s sitting this one out, but even in his absence there should be plenty of fun in what should be a shootout. Jeff Brohm and Lincoln Riley are the two best play-calling head coaches in the game right now, and it will be interesting to see what they’ve schemed up against two defenses that have seen better days.

7. Pop Tarts Bowl
Who: No. 18 North Carolina State (9-3) vs. No. 25 Kansas State (8-4)
When: Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m. ET
Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando
Why: The game itself is one of the best matchups among the non-New Year’s Six bowl games, featuring two hardworking programs that don’t mind grinding out wins. The Wolfpack have a solid QB in Brennan Armstrong who is looking to go out in style, plus Butkus Award winner Payton Wilson. The Wildcats have a dynamic signal-caller of their own in Avery Johnson, but will have a new playcaller after OC Collin Klein left for Texas A&M. Still, the real reason to watch this one is for the post-game to see just how the winners are going to attempt to eat a giant pop tart mascot.

8. New Mexico Bowl
Who: New Mexico State (10-4) vs. Fresno State (8-4)
When: Dec. 16, 5:45 p.m. ET
Where: University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why: It’s a bummer that health issues will prevent Jeff Tedford from being around for this game, as it should be a great showcase for the coaching jobs he and opposite number Jerry Kill did this season. The pair notched three Power 5 wins on the road this year, including the Aggies going into Auburn and pulling out a victory. Both are very fun to watch given the differing styles of offense they run. NMSU QB Diego Pavia is worth tuning in for alone.

9. Cotton Bowl
Who: No. 9 Missouri (10-2) vs. No. 7 Ohio State (11-1)
When: Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ET
Where: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Why: Missouri has been on a quest to make a major bowl game, and things have opened up for the Tigers to not just get to a New Year’s Six game — but win one. While Eli Drinkwitz gets a month to draw up creative ways to get Luther Burden and Cody Schrader the ball, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has to be pulling his hair out to assemble an offense without Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr. and several others. OSU will be looking to avoid another two-game losing streak to close out the season, but it’ll have its hands full against a motivated Mizzou side.

Ohio State impacted by transfer portal: What’s next for Ryan Day?

10. Armed Forces Bowl
Who: James Madison (11-1) vs. Air Force (8-4)
When: Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Forth Worth, Texas
Why: There was a time not too long ago when these two were theoretically neck and neck as the best Group of 5 teams in the country. A quarterback injury for the Falcons and NCAA regulations combined with a coaching departure for the Dukes put a damper on that, but this should still be one of the better matchups. JMU’s defense is as good as they come at this level, and it should be great to see how the Dukes try to stop that option attack from Air Force. Plus, given both the bowl name, its sponsor and one of the teams involved, there figure to be a bunch of cool jets on display, too.

11. Citrus Bowl
Who: No. 17 Iowa (10-3) vs. No. 21 Tennessee (8-4)
When: Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando
Why: You’ve got just one last chance to marvel at this Hawkeyes team, which has one of the best defenses in the country and a Broyles Award for their coordinator Phil Parker to show for it. You’ve also got one last chance to marvel at this Iowa offense, as OC Brian Ferentz calls plays one last time. The Vols defense has on the whole been a bit more consistent than their offense has this year, so this is quite the unique matchup between all involved to ring in the New Year.

Iowa's defensive prowess: Breaking down X's and O's

12. Music City Bowl
Who: Auburn (6-6) vs. Maryland (7-5)
When: Dec. 30, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium in Nashville
Why: Do you enjoy watching offenses where you go, ‘No, no, no, yes!’ all the time? If so, this is the bowl game for you, pitting the Big Ten’s all-time leading passer in Taulia Tagovailoa against a Tigers team under Hugh Freeze that has proven capable of beating anybody … and of losing to anybody. That tends to be the perfect recipe for some postseason fireworks and fun.

13. Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Who: Kansas (8-4) vs. UNLV (9-4)
When: Dec. 26, 9 p.m. ET
Where: Chase Field in Phoenix
Why: The fact that the Rebels are even in a bowl game is news in itself, as this is just their third appearance in the postseason since 2000. Barry Odom did a terrific job and has generated a ton of excitement around Las Vegas. The Rebels will take on another turnaround artist in Lance Leipold, who somehow overcame a ton of injuries (especially at quarterback) to wind up in an excellent warm-weather bowl game against a good opponent.

14. Arizona Bowl
Who: Toledo (11-2) vs. Wyoming (8-4)
When: Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona
Why: The Rockets were the best team in the MAC most of the season, winning 11 straight games before losing in the conference title game. They won’t have their quarterback but still should be capable of putting up points in one of the best Group of 5 vs. Group of 5 matchups. This will also double as Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl’s final game before retirement, and you can bet the Cowboys will want to send him out with a victory.

15. Cure Bowl
Who: Miami, Ohio (11-2) vs. Appalachian State (8-5)
When: Dec. 16, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando
Why: The Mountaineers had one of the more impressive in-season turnarounds, including knocking off undefeated James Madison as part of a five-game streak that came to a halt in the Sun Belt title game. The RedHawks, meanwhile, overcame the loss of star QB Brett Gabbert to injury to upset Toledo and win the MAC. These are two hard-nosed sides that don’t mind mucking up the game before springing a big play, so it should be a nice Group of 5 meeting on the first Saturday of postseason action down in Orlando.

16. Sun Bowl
Who: No. 19 Oregon State (8-4) vs. No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3)
When: Dec. 29, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas
Why: It’s too bad these two teams didn’t play this game a month ago because this top-25 matchup in West Texas has taken a hit in recent weeks. That’s mostly on the Beavers' side, given that they’ve lost their coach, their quarterback, their star running back — and that’s not even getting to losing their conference this year either. They’ll be led by an interim staff, too, so the pressure is on the Irish to extract a little revenge for the 2001 Fiesta Bowl and run away with this from the jump.

Bear Bets: Oregon State vs. Notre Dame, and more

17. Hawaii Bowl
Who: Coastal Carolina (7-5) vs. San Jose State (7-5)
When: Dec. 23, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu
Why: This is the game that annually makes millions jealous based on all those beauty shots of Waikiki on the broadcast, but this year it’s worth tuning in for the matchup alone. The Chants seemed to figure things out under a new coaching staff during the stretch run and found their groove despite QB Grayson McCall entering the transfer portal recently. The Spartans overcame a brutal opening slate to play their best football during the second half of a season that saw them win a remarkable six in a row coming into this one. SJSU QB Chevan Corderio will enjoy this one more than anybody, as the Hawaii native closes the year out on the Islands and will look to put up a few more of those wow plays he’s been making with regularity the past few years.

18. Independence Bowl
Who: California (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (6-6)
When: Dec. 16, 9:15 p.m. ET
Where: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana
Why: Few things compare to a bowl season that pits a Pac-12 side who will soon be an ACC team, against a Big 12 stalwart from West Texas, in a game that has largely helped define Shreveport at this time of year. The Red Raiders had a bit of a disappointing season but will look to end it on a high, and will probably see head coach Joey McGuire ready to be as aggressive as he can be given the circumstances. The Bears really found their stride in the second half of the year thanks to a young quarterback and the terrific Jaydn Ott, who is the best-kept secret in the country at running back.

19. Gasparilla Bowl
Who: Georgia Tech (6-6) vs. UCF (6-6)
When: Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
Why: If you could get a good read on either of these teams, you might have been able to make a ton of money. If you didn’t, you were just like the rest of us as there were some wild swings from high highs to low lows for each. The Knights would love to cap off their first campaign in the Big 12 with a win — at their old rival USF’s stadium too boot — while the Yellowjackets will be aiming to finish Brent Key’s first full season in charge of his alma mater on a high note.

20. ReliaQuest Bowl
Who: Wisconsin (7-5) vs. No. 13 LSU (9-3)
When: Jan. 1, noon ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa
Why: It’s a stretch to think that Jayden Daniels could play in this one, but the Heisman finalist’s potential absence could make this one a bit closer and more entertaining. The Tigers defense is suspect, to say the least, and it will be interesting to see how they’ll fair in a big spot to kick off 2024 against the Badgers Dairy Raid offense that sputtered quite a bit in Year 1 for Luke Fickell. Still, these are two name brands squaring off from the SEC and Big Ten and both head coaches will no doubt be looking to cap off this relatively disappointing campaign with a win.

Jayden Daniels speaks on LSU's success, Heisman, more

21. Gator Bowl
Who: No. 22 Clemson (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
When: Dec. 29, noon ET
Where: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville
Why: This just might be called the offseason momentum bowl, because you can bet a dollar the winner will get an undue bump in the preseason polls heading into 2024. While Dabo Swinney and Mark Stoops have the chance to be entertaining with the way they’re capable of delivering a one-liner, neither the Tigers nor the ‘Cats were all that great this season despite plenty of talent on the roster. Perhaps they’ll figure out something for this one.

22. Pinstripe Bowl
Who: Rutgers (6-6) vs. Miami, Fla. (7-5)
When: Dec. 28, 2:15 p.m. ET
Where: Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York
Why: The Scarlet Knights earned their first non-COVID trip to a bowl game for the first time since 2014, and despite the chilly weather that is typical of the tri-state area in late December, you can bet they’re fired up to cross the river and play in Yankee Stadium. They’ve got an impressive defense that has carried them to this point, and you just know that Greg Schiano would love to notch a win over Miami given how much he recruits South Florida. As for the Hurricanes, they’re fully capable of winning this one going away given the talent on the roster, but it remains to be seen if Mario Cristobal can motivate them enough to care.

23. Liberty Bowl
Who: Memphis (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5)
When: Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Liberty Stadium in Memphis
Why: Matt Campbell turned in one of the better coaching jobs around in helping lead the Cyclones to a bowl game after a good number of key players were declared ineligible for their role in a gambling scandal on the eve of fall camp. They’ll have one final challenge ahead, as they play the Tigers at their home stadium following a resurgent campaign under Ryan Silverfield that saw the team put up a bunch of points.

24. Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Who: North Carolina (8-4) vs. West Virginia (8-4)
When: Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
Why: Drake Maye’s status for this game is still unknown, but even with a host of opt-outs, the Tar Heels are plenty capable of putting up points and making this a fun game. Their opponent was one of the great surprises of the season as Neal Brown went from the hottest of hot seats in Morgantown to on the verge of nine wins for just the second time since the program joined the Big 12.

25. Birmingham Bowl
Who: Troy (11-2) vs. Duke (7-5)
When: Dec. 23, noon ET
Where: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama
Why: It’s amazing that Jon Sumrall is still leading the Trojans at this point after quickly turning the program into back-to-back Sun Belt champs. As much as it would have been fun to see what he could do against fellow defensive-minded head coach Mike Elko, that won’t be the case, with the latter in College Station and new coach Manny Diaz not yet on the headset for the Blue Devils. The opt-outs and transfers — like Riley Leonard — have put a damper on the ACC team in this one but it's at least worth watching to see Trojans running back Kimani Vidal run up and down the field.

26. Fiesta Bowl
Who: No. 23 Liberty (13-0) vs. No. 8 Oregon (11-2)
When: Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET
Where: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
Why: This turned into a surprisingly controversial game given that the Selection Committee slotted in the Flames for the Group of 5 bid despite the nation’s worst strength of schedule. They did roll through the year undefeated, but they’re up against a different beast in the Ducks, who have the talent to be in a semifinal instead of ringing in the New Year a tad bit earlier. The possibility exists for this to get out of hand given the talent disparity, but it’s worth watching for the quarterbacks (Kaidon Salter and Bo Nix) alone.

27. LA Bowl
Who: UCLA (7-5) vs. Boise State (8-5)
When: Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
Why: Funny enough, UCLA will play this game in a stadium closer to campus than their normal home of the Rose Bowl. Despite such proximity, what kind of Bruins team we’ll get for this one is a great mystery, as they’ve got significant quarterback issues for Chip Kelly right now and the team’s defensive coordinator ran across town to join USC. Meanwhile, the Broncos enter as MWC champs and have so much momentum that they got the interim tag taken off Spencer Danielson’s title. A bowl victory has a chance to be a nice cherry on top of this run for Boise State, but let’s face it, the antics that Rob Gronkowski has been saving up for this game may wind up being more noteworthy than the football being played.

28. New Orleans Bowl
Who: Jacksonville State (8-4) vs. Louisiana (6-6)
When: Dec. 16, 2:15 p.m. ET
Where: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans
Why: If you didn’t think Rich Rodriguez could coach, the Gamecocks will remind you of that as they make their first bowl game since joining the FBS ranks. That will no doubt fire up the fan base to make it to New Orleans to witness this one and could help balance out the local Ragin’ Cajuns who show up for what could be a surprisingly defensive — yet entertaining — contest on the first weekend of bowl action.

29. Texas Bowl
Who: Texas A&M (7-5) vs. No. 20 Oklahoma State (9-4)
When: Dec. 27, 9 p.m. ET
Where: NRG Stadium in Houston
Why: This renewal of an old Big 12 rivalry sounds good on paper given the schools involved, but gets worse as you start to look a little closer. The Cowboys got blown out by a Sun Belt team before rallying to make the conference title game — where they barely put up a fight in helping send Texas to the Playoff. The Aggies, meanwhile, have an interim coaching staff leading them through this game, and many of their talented players are already in the transfer portal. The athletes involved on both sides are capable of making a bunch of big plays in what could turn out to be a shootout, but this bowl sounds better than it probably will be in reality.

30. Military Bowl
Who: Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulane (11-2)
When: Dec. 27, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.
Why: Willie Fritz taking the Houston job after the Green Wave lost in the AAC title game is bound to take the wind out of the team’s sails coming into this one. Tulane still has some talent on hand, however, and can at least be motivated by the prospect of knocking off another Power 5 team to end the year. The Hokies got significantly better throughout the season, and QB Kyron Drones has been a big reason why. Brent Pry’s team would love to have even more momentum going into the offseason by notching the program’s first bowl win since 2016.

31. Las Vegas Bowl
Who: Utah (8-4) vs. Northwestern (7-5)
When: Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
Why: One of the nation’s longest-tenured head coaches in Kyle Whittingham, faces off against one of the newest in David Braun. Both men can swap stories about how they used duct tape and whatever else was lying around to make it through this season, improbably winding up at the site of this year’s Super Bowl despite a rash of injuries and off-the-field issues. This figures to be a defensive-minded affair that also showcases the creativity of both coaching staffs to piece together scoring drives.

32. First Responder Bowl
Who: Texas State (7-5) vs. Rice (6-6)
When: Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas
Why: This All-Texas matchup taking place on SMU’s campus has some in-state bragging rights on the line, but is far more notable for being the Bobcats' first-ever bowl game at the FBS level. That means there’s also the opportunity to see a team’s first-ever win in a bowl game, and it could come in a game with a very unique clash of styles between the Owls’ more ground-based, clock control approach and G.J. Kinne’s throw-it-around-the-yard style of offense.

33. Myrtle Beach Bowl
Who: Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-3)
When: Dec. 16, 11 a.m. ET
Where: Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina
Why: The Bobcats and Eagles both looked like they could be conference title contenders the way they started the season, but things didn't play out that way after about the midway mark (particularly for Georgia Southern). Both coaches are great guys and will pit opposing specialties against each other for what could be a nice little clash of offensive and defensive strengths.

34. Frisco Bowl
Who: UTSA (8-4) vs. Marshall (6-6)
When: Dec. 19, 9 p.m. ET
Where: Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas
Why: It’s going to be interesting to see how motivated the Roadrunners are to be in this game, because when they’re on, they’re on. It figures to be quite the sendoff for school legend and quarterback Frank Harris either way, as the seventh-year senior will look to make a bunch of big plays in his home state one more time. The Thundering Herd really had three distinct phases of the season, so knowing which one turns up is going to be a big test for a coaching staff dealing with a lot behind the scenes.

35. Fenway Bowl
Who: No. 24 SMU (11-2) vs. Boston College (6-6)
When: Dec. 28, 11 a.m. ET
Where: Fenway Park in Boston
Why: This game serves as a good reminder that the AAC’s bowl tie-ins are not great if a team doesn’t make the New Year’s Six, and that SMU is joining the ACC next season. They’ll get a little taste of conference play by making this trip to Boston to take on the Eagles in one of the newest bowl games around, which is probably going to be far more interesting because it’s played at Fenway Park than anything that happens between the lines.

36. Boca Raton Bowl
Who: South Florida (6-6) vs. Syracuse (6-6)
When: Dec. 21, 8 p.m. ET
Where: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida
Why: Alex Golesh had one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country this season, taking a team that had won four games in three seasons to a bowl game in his first year in Tampa. The Bulls played Playoff-bound Alabama close a few months ago and have an exciting offense that features dynamic quarterback Byrum Brown putting up points quickly and with ease. The Orange run a similar style of offense, but backed into the postseason after firing Dino Babers and already appear to be looking forward to seeing what Fran Brown can do in upstate New York.

37. Famous Toastery Bowl
Who: Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (6-6)
When: Dec. 18, 2:30 p.m. ET
Where: Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte
Why: This was originally the Bahamas Bowl, but stadium issues sent this game to Charlotte’s stadium between a CUSA side that was never consistent this season and a Sun Belt team that relished playing one-score games. There’s a chance this one winds up shockingly entertaining, but will mostly just leave you wondering about planning a Caribbean vacation where you can experience some warm sunshine instead.

38. Camellia Bowl
Who: Arkansas State (6-6) vs. Northern Illinois (6-6)
When: Dec. 23, noon ET
Where: Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama
Why: Hats off to Butch Jones, who looked like a good bet to be let go after some early losses but rebounded nicely to make a bowl in a very difficult Sun Belt this year. QB Jaylen Raynor is largely responsible for the turnaround in Jonesboro and will get a nice opportunity to turn some heads in this one. As for NIU, this might be the most unremarkable team in the postseason field, but did find ways to win games and will have a plan to do the same in this one.

39. 68 Ventures Bowl
Who: South Alabama (6-6) vs. Eastern Michigan (6-6)
When: Dec. 23, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
Why: The Jaguars got an extra home game with this one and showed they are a tad better than their 6-6 record would indicate when they went into Stillwater and thumped Oklahoma State. But they were at times a rough watch and will be facing off against an Eagles team that struggled against decent opposition. If nothing else, this is worth tuning in for the head coaches, who are both excellent and could be ticketed to bigger gigs in the future.

40. Quick Lane Bowl
Who: Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7)
When: Dec. 26, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Ford Field in Detroit
Why: There’s only one 5-7 team in the postseason this year and that’s the Gophers, who wind up in the field thanks to their stellar APR scores. As good as P.J. Fleck’s crew was in the classroom, they were far more up and down on the field and will be without their starting quarterback. Bowling Green was quite the feisty MAC team this year and has a good chance to win this game, but it’s hard to get too amped about mid-day action in a lifeless dome between the Falcons and a below .500 Big Ten team. The fact that you’re bound to head a dozen references to Scot Loeffler coaching Tom Brady at Michigan or P.J. Fleck rowing the boat doesn’t help.

41. Potato Bowl
Who: Georgia State (6-6) vs. Utah State (6-6)
When: Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho
Why: The famous blue turf of Boise State will serve as the backdrop for this game, which prominently lives up to its name by featuring a bunch of spuds in cartoon form roaming around. The quarterback situations for both teams are far from settled, and each program is entering this game at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to momentum (the Aggies won three of their last four to narrowly become bowl-eligible, the Panthers were largely blown out in five straight losses). There is a good chance this game will feature bad football played in an entertaining way.

Bryan Fischer is a college football writer for FOX Sports. He has been covering college athletics for nearly two decades at outlets such as NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and NFL.com among others. Follow him on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.