Several confrontations are interesting on the American university scene during the holiday season. Bowl season has been in full swing since Dec. 17 in the NCAA. The most intriguing matches take place around the New Year with big college programs in action. Between the hopes of the NFL, the stakes for the teams and the forces involved, The newspaper gives you an overview of 12 bowls to watch.
Birmingham Bowl
Houston (11-2) v. Auburn (6-6)
- December 28 (12 p.m.), Birmingham, Alabama
It’s hard to trust Auburn’s disappointing record in this duel. The Tigers still warmed up Alabama at the end of the season in addition to beating good opponents like Ole Miss and Arkansas earlier in their course. Houston, on the other hand, did not face a very tough competition other than the AAC final against Cincinnati, a loss by 15 points. Cornerback Roger McCreary, a potential first-round pick in the spring, will be absent for Auburn.
Cheez-It Bowl
Clemson (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5)
- December 29 (5:45 p.m.), Orlando, Florida
The Clemson season will have finally turned into a big disappointment, especially on the offensive side. Despite the departure of Trevor Lawrence, expectations were high due to the presence of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who was showing great potential. The transition was not as efficient as expected, but Clemson is still showing some teeth on defense. Clemson receives quite a gift since the Iowa State Breece Hall forward has decided not to take part in the game.
Alamo Bowl
Oregon (10-3) v. Oklahoma (10-2)
- December 29 (9:15 p.m.), San Antonio, Texas
A match between two good teams, but who have the gift of disappointing in great moments. In this sense, the outcome is likely to be unpredictable. Headhunter Kayvon Thibodeaux will not take part in the Oregon game, which will prevent Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams from having nightmares. The two opponents have also sailed in the swells in recent weeks, with changes of head coach on both sides.
Peach bowl
Michigan State (10-2) v. Pittsburgh (11-2)
- December 30 (7 p.m.), Atlanta, Georgia
This duel loses part of its interest since the two teams will be deprived of their biggest offensive guns. Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett will not take part in the game. He could be the first quarterback chosen in the draft. Michigan State’s most formidable weapon, running back Kenneth Walker III (1,636 rushing yards, 18 TDs this season) will be absent and is also heading for the draft. Pittsburgh is solid against the run (sixth in the country), Michigan State’s biggest offensive asset.
Gator Bowl
Wake Forest (10-3) vs. Texas A&M (8-4)
- December 31 (11 a.m.), Jacksonville, Florida
Texas A&M caused quite a stir by inflicting the only loss of the season on Alabama on Oct. 9, but losses to end the campaign against Ole Miss and LSU put things on a fairer footing. The very dominant defensive line will not be able to bet on the excellent DeMarvin Leal, who will concentrate on his preparation for the draft. The Wake Forest attack, with quarterback Sam Hartman, is always ready to explode. The last bowl between these two clubs, in 2017, was spectacular with a win of 55 to 52 from Wake Forest.
Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame (11-1) c. Oklahoma State (11-2)
- January 1 (1 p.m.), Glendale, Arizona
Notre Dame has rounded off another good season, but the roster will be without key players, including running back Kyren Williams and marauder Kyle Hamilton. It will be a first game for promoted defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to head Fighting Irish. Both defenses are excellent. For the Oklahoma State Cowboys, it’s hard to know which version of quarterback Spencer Sanders will come up. He can be very productive, but has also suffered 12 interceptions.
Rose bowl
Utah (10-3) vs. Ohio State (10-2)
- January 1 (5 p.m.) Pasadena, CA
The Buckeyes are arguably the most complete offense in the country with quarterback CJ Stroud, receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson not confirming their attendance, as well as young forward TreVeyon Henderson. Utah’s defense has done well against the pass this season (195.3 yards per game). Will excellent linebacker Devin Lloyd be in uniform? Forward Tavion Thomas will try to make Ohio State’s run defense look bad, as Michigan has.
Sugar bowl
Baylor (10-2) vs. Ole Miss (10-2)
- January 1 (8:45 p.m.), New Orleans, Louisiana
The Baylor Bears, it’s the good old fashioned formula that relies on stingy defense and efficient ground play. Rather, the Ole Miss Rebels are the modern embodiment of open offensive play, personified by quarterback Matt Corral. The latter can hurt as much on the ground as on the pass. He is also the only pivot with more than 3,000 yards in the air and more than 500 in the rush, which will earn him a close watch for the next NFL draft.
Outback Bowl
Penn State (7-5) v. Arkansas (8-4)
- January 1 (12 p.m.), Tampa Bay, Florida
We allow ourselves to underline this match since it could allow to see the Quebec receiver Malick Meiga at work, especially if the excellent Jahan Dotson decides to leave the meeting to prepare for the draft. This is also the decision taken by his counterpart from Arkansas, Treylon Burks. The two programs have each suffered three losses this season against teams that are among the most prestigious bowls of the “New Year’s Six”. Arkansas’ passing defense is just 215 yards per game.
Citrus Bowl
Iowa (10-3) vs. Kentucky (9-3)
- January 1 (1 p.m.), Orlando, Florida
At one point in the season, Iowa was ranked second in the country, but that status quickly evaporated. The offense is simply unable to keep pace against more serious contenders due to its deficiencies in aerial play. The two rivals will also bet on running and physical play in defense, but Iowa will have to do without its ace carrier Tyler Goodson. The Kentucky Wildcats will be looking for a 10th win for just the fourth time in their history.
* The winners of the two semi-finals will face off on January 10 at 8 p.m. at the National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana
Cotton Bowl (semi-final)
Alabama (12-1) v. Cincinnati (13-0)
- Dec 31 (3:30 p.m.), Arlington, Texas
All eyes will be on Cincinnati, the first program to qualify for the playoffs that did not come out of the “Power 5” (the five most powerful conferences). The Bearcats sold their skin dearly last year against Georgia in the Peach Bowl and there’s no reason they crash easily against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Cincinnati cornerbacks Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Coby Bryant will have a hard time against Alabama’s aerial attack led by dynamic quarterback Bryce Young and receiver Jameson Williams, who will be out in the first round of the draft. . Bearcats pivot Desmond Ridder will need to be productive on the pass and on the ground.
Orange Bowl (semi-final)
Michigan (12-1) v. Georgia (12-1)
- Dec 31 (7:30 p.m.), Miami, Florida
Here is a duel which promises to be more captivating on the defensive plan than offensive. Georgia had the best defense in the country … before suffering a shock to Alabama in the conference final (SEC). On the Michigan side, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson broke everything in his path this season and would have deserved the Heisman Trophy awarded to the country’s MVP. At his side, David Ojabo completes a duet of hell. Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett will be under pressure. For Michigan, the key player will be forward Hassan Haskins. The defense against him, led by low-profile linebacker Nakobe Dean against Alabama, is just 81.7 rushing yards per game.