December truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, you thought I meant the holidays of winter break, or even New Year’s Eve? No, it’s bowl season!
After months of thrilling match-ups, huge upsets, and debates over the College Football Playoff, the most exciting two weeks in college football are finally here. Forty bowl games will fill our television screens for the next two weeks, and as I do every year, I will make an effort to watch at least a part of every game, and you should too. Many people argue that there are too many bowls and undeserving teams qualify which dilutes the quality of the games. However, for the teams that make a bowl, it’s a very special opportunity.
Some teams don’t often make a bowl, so just making one is huge. Today, UTSA plays in their first ever bowl in school history against New Mexico in the Gildan New Mexico. There’s a buzz in San Antonio, as downtown buildings are lit up in Roadrunner orange and blue, and it’s a huge chance for the startup program to take a step forward on a national stage. Not only do universities get lots of publicity, but each team gets an extra three weeks of practice. That time is crucial for programs to continue to develop and practice together. It’s also a big recruiting tool for coaches trying to attract players to their team. While Toledo vs. Appalachian State might not jump out as a must-watch, the teams and fans involved see it as their championship. Plus, no matter the game, there’s college football all day every day for the next two weeks!
The only thing that makes bowl season more exciting is playing a bowl pick’em. That puts pressure and excitement into a game you normally may not be interested in. Here are my picks for every game. They are subject to change if I switch my pick as each game gets closer, but today’s five are locks. My choice is in bold letters. Enjoy the games, and happy bowl season!!
UTSA vs. New Mexico
Houston vs San Diego State
Toledo vs. Appalachian State
UCF vs. Arkansas State
Louisiana Lafayette vs. Southern Miss
Tulsa vs. Central Michigan
Memphis vs. Western Kentucky
Wyoming vs. BYU
Colorado State vs. Idaho
Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion
Louisiana Tech vs. Navy
Troy vs. Ohio
Middle Tennessee State vs. Hawaii
Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State
Maryland vs. Boston College
Vanderbilt vs. N.C. State
Army vs. North Texas
Temple vs. Wake Forest
Minnesota vs. Washington State
Boise State vs. Baylor
Pitt vs. Northwestern
West Virginia vs. Miami (FL)
Indiana vs. Utah
Texas A&M vs Kansas State
South Florida vs. South Carolina
Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech
Oklahoma State vs Colorado
Georgia vs. TCU
Stanford vs. North Carolina
Nebraska vs. Tennessee
South Alabama vs. Air Force
Michigan vs. Florida State
Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky
LSU vs. Louisville
Washington vs. Alabama
Clemson vs. Ohio State
Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Florida vs. Iowa
USC vs. Penn State
Auburn vs. Oklahoma