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My Top Five Non-Playoff Bowl Games

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•12/12/24
Miami HC Mario Cristobal
Neil Gershman - Zooba Images

There is a healthy slate of college football bowl games even with the expanded playoffs. While those are the marquee games, there are still some really good bowl games outside of the playoffs.

All of the bowl game matchups were announced earlier this week. And leading up to the first round of the playoffs, some of those bowl games will be played. While the college football season is winding down, it’s also the best time of year for some of these games.

Here are my top five games this bowl season not involved in the playoffs. They are not in any order.

(All times listed in PST)

Birmingham Bowl – Friday December 27 (12:30)

Georgia Tech vs Vanderbilt

A pretty fun way to get things going this season. Georgia Tech has played well in some big games and everyone has enjoyed the Vanderbilt run. This will be a great game to sit back and have a beer and watch. Yes I know it’s at 12:30 during the work week but let’s not judge, Ok?

Las Vegas Bowl – Friday December 27 (7:30)

Texas A&M vs USC

What began as high expectations for both of these teams this season dwindled. So now they settle in for the Vegas bowl where A&M is a 3 point favorite. This feels like a chance for both of these coaches to possibly end the season on a high note. Both have seen a number of players enter the transfer portal so I guess we’ll just have to see what kind of roster shows up for this one.

Pop Tarts Bowl – Saturday December 28 (12:30)

Iowa state vs Miami

Don’t kid yourself, you’re going to watch. If nothing else you are hoping to see Mario Cristobal lose his season finale. I don’t think that will happen. Iowa State got smoked by ASU and I think Cam Ward will have a field day too.

Alamo Bowl – Saturday December 28 (4:30)

BYU vs Colorado

This one should be one of the more exciting games offensively in bowl season. I’m sure Deion will unleash Travis Hunter and Shedeur to end the season for the Buffs. I have a tough time seeing BYU win this one but if they can put some points on the board it could be a shootout.

Reliaquest Bowl – Tuesday December 31 (9:00)

Alabama vs Michigan

Last year this would have been a great game. This year, well not so much. If Bama and good Jalen Milroe show up, Michigan is going to get smoked. But the Wolverines have had a pretty good finish to this season. I will say this, Sherrone Moore will get WAY less heat for losing this game than Kalen Deboer will.

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