It's the most wonderful time of the year for college football teams that had the type of seasons worthy of bowl games. While, in a lot of cases, the postseason...
B/R CFB Community: Which Non-CFP Bowl Game Will Be the Most Exciting?
Dec 13, 2022
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 19: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels prepares to tahe the field during their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The bowl season is beautiful just the way it is.
Sure, college football is a jumbled mess at the moment. The transfer portal, coaching changes and NFL draft have all of us—even those of us who monitor these things for a living—plenty confused. But the matchups are still magnificent, and nothing will ever change that.
Before we get to the College Football Playoff, we have meaningful games to play. Even after those semifinal games take place, the sport will move forward with a buffet of delightful viewing options.
Which options, outside of the playoff, are can't-miss games?
We asked B/R readers to give us the games they can't wait to watch this bowl season, and the responses covered the gauntlet.
Here are some with users' commentary mixed in.
Merry Bowlmas.
All Eyes On the Alamo Bowl
PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 26: Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) with the ball during the game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars on November 26, 2022, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Oliver McKenna/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
User: @Hornsup247365
Response: Texas vs. Washington is the only bowl game that matters. The rest are rigged.
Easy, @Hornsup247365.
Deep breaths.
The fact that you believe the Alamo Bowl is the only pure bowl left is frankly adorable. But I do appreciate the spirit.
This bowl indeed matters, and history says it's capable of greatness. Washington has played a role in this over the years. In fact, the Huskies' 67-56 loss to Baylor in the 2011 Alamo Bowl was one of the wildest bowls over the past 15 years.
I'm not sure this game can top that, but it does have plenty of ingredients necessary to generate a fun contest.
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has put on a show all season, and he is likely to put on another one. While Texas will be without star running back Bijan Robinson, who opted out of the game to prepare for the draft, the Longhorns still have plenty of firepower to put up points.
Both of these teams could score plenty of them. Oh, and both programs will likely spend the offseason enjoying enormous hype. (Some of it likely for good reason.)
David vs. Goliath
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 12: head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
User: @charlesyou
Response: Alabama-K-State.
To be clear, the oddsmakers don't see the Sugar Bowl as David vs. Goliath.
The point spread is tight, with the assumption that some of Alabama's stars, namely quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr., could opt out. If they do, this game will become that much more interesting.
Alabama, playing the role of Goliath, doesn't typically feature in non-playoff bowl games. Its motivation, of course, will be questioned as a result, but that shouldn't impact interest in this game. The Crimson Tide roster is chock-full of blue-chip recruits just waiting for a chance.
Kansas State, playing the role of David, has been anything but an underdog story this year. While the narrative surrounding this program has always been "does more with less," the 2022 Wildcats were a nuisance in the conference.
Just ask TCU, which was unable to win the Big 12 thanks to Kansas State's excellence. This team is balanced and a great deal of fun.
All this could make for an excellent viewing experience for us. If Alabama isn't motivated to win this game, it will lose. Simple as that.
No matter which players are on the field, I cannot wait for this one.
All-Orange Everything
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 03: Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) with his MVP award and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney holds up the trophy after winning the ACC college football championship game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Clemson Tigers on December 3, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
User: @morsej1
Response: Orange Bowl for sure.
Somewhat fittingly, the Orange Bowl will be played by two teams who wear orange. Oh, and they also flirted with the CFP at various points in the season.
This game, with all its orange, will be an odd, delightful uniform clash. It's also a rather intriguing contest between one team trying to stay near the top of the mountain and another trying to climb it.
It is also fascinating because this is essentially the start of the Cade Klubnik era at Clemson. The true freshman was thrown into action against North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game. He played so well that former starter DJ Uiagalelei entered the transfer portal shortly after.
For Tennessee, this will be about life without quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Vols have had time to adjust without their star, who injured his knee and then declared for the draft. Despite that loss, the offense should still be explosive and fast.
This will serve as a fascinating measuring stick for both teams as they look to head into 2023 with momentum. It will also be bright and easy on the eyes.
Comin' Up Roses
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrates during the Pac-12 Championship football game between Utah Utes and USC Trojans on December 2, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
User: @lollipop05
Response: Rose Bowl. Electric, dynamic offense in Utah vs. shutdown, lights out defense from Penn State. Gonna be a nail biter.
I say this every year, and this year is no different. There are few broadcasts throughout the calendar that are more beautiful than this. Seeing the California sun dip below the Rose Bowl is a sight unmatched.
With that as the backdrop, this game is pretty lovely as well.
Utah, of course, is coming off a massive win over USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game. This time around, it will have to conquer Penn State without two of its offensive stars: running back Tavion Thomas and tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Still, Utah is a force. At quarterback, Cameron Rising is capable of taking a game over by his lonesome, and he might have to do that here.
Penn State, meanwhile, has flown under the radar all season. With an abundance of young talent anxious to make a statement, this is a fascinating spot for the Nittany Lions.
It feels like the game could take on several different flows. Will there be an abundance of points or not? Either way, we are here for the matchups and the sunset, always and forever.
Just Watch It
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Oregon Ducks prepares to throw a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
User: @SenatorJay
Response: Oregon-UNC. The unofficial Nike Bowl.
Beyond the apparel sponsorship ties, these programs share something: They like to score points in bunches.
The Holiday Bowl should have plenty of that, and that's what I look for in bowl games.
A compelling 17-10 game between two deserving teams is fine. But a 40-37 scoreboard-blazing touchdown frenzy is what all want to see this time of year, and there's a good chance this game will deliver on that front.
Now, we aren't certain if Oregon quarterback Bo Nix will return to Eugene for one more season. It feels likely. If that transpires, the matchup between Nix and UNC's Drake Maye will be one of the more exciting tussles we get all season.
If they are playing for these teams next year, both players will begin near the top of the Heisman Trophy odds board. And like Tennessee and Clemson, North Carolina and Oregon will enter the year with playoff aspirations.
Other games on the bowl calendar will be deemed more important. But this one has the chance to be the most fun.
Ken Niumatalolo Says He Was Fired as Navy HC Right After 2OT Loss to Army
Dec 12, 2022
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo during the football game between the UCF Knights and the Navy Midshipmen on November 19th, 2022 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo revealed athletic director Chet Gladchuk did not waste much time informing him he was fired following Saturday's 20-17 double-overtime loss to Army.
"First of all, we just got kicked in the gut," Niumatalolo said when telling ESPN's Heather Dinich he was fired right after the game. "I was a little bit numb prior to him saying that, so most of it I couldn't comprehend. I'm just like, 'Chet, why don't you take some time to relax.' He said, 'Well, it's been building up.'"
Saturday's loss was of the heartbreaking variety for Navy, as Anton Hall Jr.'s fumble inside the Army 1-yard line in double overtime was the difference-maker.
The Black Knights won it with a field goal on the ensuing possession.
"I'm a competitor," Niumatalolo said. "It's hard for me to think that we got the ball on the six-inch line, and that's my last game. That's hard to fathom. If we win, he's not firing me. How do you fire a guy after you win the Army-Navy game? That's not going to happen."
Yet Navy is just 2-5 in its last seven against Army and 2-5 in its last seven against Air Force.
Gladchuk explained the goals of making bowl games and winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy were explained to the head coach "without any question of a doubt." This season is the third straight with a losing record for the Midshipmen, meaning they fell short of both goals.
"That's been the constant bar we strive for, is to achieve those two goals, which I believe are very realistic, very reasonable, and have been consistent for 20 years, and therefore this does not come as any surprise," the athletic director said. "It's just an expectation that unfortunately fell short."
Dinich noted Navy does not redshirt players and did not receive an additional year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Niumatalolo asked for additional years of eligibility due to the pandemic, his request was denied due to the government's requirement players graduate in four years.
"We have to make this a level playing field," he said. "If we had what they had, if I was able to stretch several guys every year ... we're sharing our indoor facility with gymnastics. Who else in the country is sharing their indoor facility with gymnastics? There's times we're out there in the freezing rain. I'm like, where else is anybody else practicing like this?"
Despite an unceremonious ending, Niumatalolo went 109-83 as the head coach at Navy and guided the program to 10 bowl games since the 2008 campaign.
He is the winningest coach in program history and had teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. Yet he was unable to do enough to save his job after a third consecutive disappointing campaign.
Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall Enters Transfer Portal; Has 78 Career TDs
Dec 12, 2022
HUNTINGTON, WV - OCTOBER 29, 2022: Grayson McCall #10 of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers looks on during the first half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Huntington, West Virginia. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall announced on Monday that he is entering the transfer portal.
The three-time defending Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year award winner will be expected to catch the eye of prominent football programs looking to bolster the quarterback position.
McCall, 21, earned his first Player of the Year award after throwing for 2,488 yards, 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2020. He followed that up with nearly identical stats last year (2,873 yards, 27 touchdowns and three picks) before throwing for 2,633 yards, 24 touchdowns and two picks in 2022.
For his career, he's completed an impressive 70.4 percent of his passes. He's also rushed for 1,053 yards and 16 touchdowns at Coastal Carolina.
Suffice to say, he's going to be a major target in the transfer portal:
Grayson McCall had schools reach out last year about transferring, even though he wasn't in the portal. Jamey Chadwell said he was staying, so McCall stayed.
He's a 3x Sun Belt POY and broke the FBS record for QB rating.
Does he follow to Liberty or go w/ pro-style offense?
McCall's former head coach, Jamey Chadwell, agreed to take over as Liberty's head coach on Dec. 4. There will be some speculation, naturally, that McCall might consider following him there.
But the young quarterback might be looking for a higher-profile program to help bolster his NFL draft stock. As Max Olson of The Athletic reported:
"If McCall isn't looking to team up with Chadwell at Liberty, he's going to have a long list of suitors. We know this because McCall was getting approached by Power 5 schools last offseason even though he wasn't in the transfer portal. Notre Dame, Florida, UCLA, Kentucky, Wisconsin, NC State and Missouri are among the many schools believed to be hunting for transfer quarterbacks right now. McCall should get calls from a bunch of them."
Indeed he should. McCall's decision is major news for both this offseason's transfer portal and potentially for the 2024 NFL draft.
5-Star DE Recruit Keon Keeley Commits to Alabama After Previous Pledge to Notre Dame
Dec 12, 2022
Highly touted edge-rusher Keon Keeley committed to Alabama on Monday.
Keeley is the No. 10 overall player and top-ranked talent at his position in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 recruiting class. He originally committed to Notre Dame before walking back his decision in August.
The Crimson Tide are on track to finish first in 247Sports' composite team rankings for next year. Keeley is their third 5-star commit, joining safety Caleb Downs and running back Justice Haynes. Head coach Nick Saban already got a commitment from 4-star edge-rusher Yhonzae Pierre as well.
Keeley told On3's Chad Simmons he had narrowed his final candidates to Alabama and Ohio State and explained why the former was his ultimate choice:
I really liked the culture and the coaching staff. It's just a rare opportunity to go to the University of Alabama to play football for such a prestigious coach like Coach Saban. It's a great opportunity to go play, and you look at the track record of the outside linebacker position, they've had a bunch of guys drafted in the past five years. Alabama is Alabama, and I just felt like, 'Why not 'Bama?' It's a rare opportunity, and I'm blessed to be able to have it.
Coincidentally, 247Sports' Andrew Ivins scouted Keeley in May and compared him to former Buckeyes standout, Chase Young:
Has a bit of a natural up-right demeanor to him, but isn't exactly stiff, and has shown time and time again on Friday nights that he can bend and find some leverage. Does a variety of different things well at this stage in his development, but the most promising trait might be his motor and ability to make stops/plays in backside pursuit. Has experience working out of both a two and three-point stance in a 4-3 base defense. Superb snap anticipation allows him to quickly shoot into the backfield and get to work.
Ohio State has seen its fair share of elite pass-rushers cycle through the program in recent years. Young and Nick Bosa were the No. 2 overall picks in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and Joey Bosa was the third overall pick in 2016.
But it's not hard to see why Keeley thought Alabama presented him with a better opportunity.
Will Anderson Jr., who's the top player on Bleacher Report's 2023 big board, is poised to be a top-five selection this spring. He'll join the large list of former Crimson Tide stars along the front seven to come off the board in the first round.
Anderson's departure could potentially open the door for Keeley to carve out a meaningful role on the defense immediately. He'll have stiff competition from Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell, who were both 5-star recruits in 2022.
As the cliche goes, pressure makes diamonds. Keeley might be counting on the talent Alabama already has at outside linebacker push him to realize his full potential in college.
USC's Caleb Williams, Texas' Bijan Robinson Headline 2022 AP All-America Team
Dec 12, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws during the Pac-12 Championship football game between Utah Utes and USC Trojans on December 2, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams added first-team All-America honors to his resume when the Associated Press released its full teams Monday.
The USC quarterback made the first team ahead of TCU's Max Duggan, who earned second-team honors. Tennessee's Hendon Hooker was named third-team All-America despite not being named a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Running backs Bijan Robinson and Blake Corum headline the rest of the 2022 first team.
Linebackers: Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati; Jack Campbell, Iowa; Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Cornerbacks: Clark Phillips III, Utah; Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Safeties: Kamren Kinchen, Miami; Christopher Smith, Georgia
Defensive back: Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
Punter: Bryce Baringer, Michigan State
Williams put up impressive numbers throughout his first year with USC after transferring from Oklahoma. The quarterback tallied 4,075 passing yards with 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions, adding 10 rushing touchdowns.
USC fell short of a College Football Playoff berth after losing to Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game, but Williams got his much-deserved individual recognition for an outstanding season.
With Williams, offensive guard Andrew Vorhees and defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu, USC had more first-team members than any other team in college football.
Corum was snubbed as a Heisman finalist, but the Michigan running back was named a first-team All-American as arguably the most valuable player for one of the best teams in the country. The junior rushed for 1,463 yards with 18 touchdowns in a breakout season for the Wolverines.
Robinson also impressed with his versatility, totaling 1,894 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns in 12 games for Texas.
Marvin Harrison Jr. continued an impressive trend of elite Ohio State receivers and is the first Buckeyes receiver to become a consensus All-American since Terry Glenn in 1995, per Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch.
Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn made the first team for the second straight year as an all-purpose player after topping 1,800 yards from scrimmage again.
On defense, Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. also earned his second straight first-team selection after totaling 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department lists Anderson as the top prospect in the 2023 class, and the junior showed it on the field.
Report: Oklahoma, Texas May Leave Big 12, Join SEC in 2024; Decision Expected Soon
Dec 12, 2022
STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 08: A general view of the SEC logo during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks on October 8, 2022 at Wade Davis Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas and Oklahoma may be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC sooner than expected.
Brett McMurphy of The Action Network reported the "climate is right" for the two powerhouses to get out of their SEC contracts ahead of the 2024 season. Texas and Oklahoma are currently slated to join the SEC in 2025.
While the Big 12 appeared to be in danger of dissolving in the immediate aftermath of Texas and Oklahoma announcing their departures, the league instead rebounded to add BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston. The addition of those four schools helped the Big 12 land a new television contract and arguably helped pave the way for the Red River Rivals to leave early.
The SEC may also be motivated to bring Texas and Oklahoma into the fold in 2024 ahead of the College Football Playoff's expansion to 12 teams. The Big Ten will add USC and UCLA in 2024, potentially getting a year headstart on the "superconference" trend.
Adding Texas and Oklahoma in 2024 would keep the SEC on equal footing with the Big Ten. The SEC's new television contract with ESPN also starts in 2024 and includes a clause that requires the network to increase the value of the deal for new members.
"The Big 12 would like it to happen a year early, the SEC would like OU and Texas a year early, but FOX could care less and I'm not sure what ESPN will do," a source told McMurphy.
ESPN's desire to start paying out the Texas-and-Oklahoma-sized pay checks may ultimately wind up deciding whether the two schools wind up in the SEC in 2024 or have to wait.
We're all set for the December 31 College Football Playoff semifinal showdowns, and the primary question is will this be another Georgia national champion...
Mississippi State HC Mike Leach in Critical Condition After 'Health Issue'
Dec 11, 2022
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 24: head coach Mike Leach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach was transported to the hospital by ambulance from his home Sunday with a "personal health issue," the school announced in a statement on Sunday.
The school announced Monday that Leach "remains in critical condition."
Mississippi State added it will provide more information on Leach's condition via social media once it becomes available.
Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been placed in charge of the football team until Leach returns. The Bulldogs are preparing to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2.
Leach is in his third season as head coach of Mississippi State, leading the team to a 19-17 record in that span, including 8-4 this season.
The Bulldogs have earned a bowl berth in each of Leach's three seasons, beating Tulsa in the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl and falling to Texas Tech in the 2021 Liberty Bowl.
Before joining Mississippi State, Leach served as head coach at Texas Tech for 10 seasons from 2000-09. He then served as head coach at Washington State for eight seasons from 2012-19.
The 61-year-old has an all-time record of 158-107 and 8-9 in bowl games.
The college football regular season is over. Conference championship weekend has passed. Now, it's time for the bowls to soon get underway. There's still...
