2015 Bowl Games: Ranking all 41 college football bowls by watchability

Nov 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer is carried by his players after defeating the Virginia Cavaliers 23-20 at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Worth watching, possibly even great games

This is where the really good games begin. Many of these teams could have just as easily been in New Year’s Six games or could potentially be conference champions.

Excellent programs with fans who travel well, traditional bowls as well as some newer ones highlight this part of the list that goes beyond pedestrian teams. These games could have some impact on recruiting as well.

No. 21: Hyundai Sun Bowl
Miami vs. Washington State
El Paso, Texas | Sun Bowl
Dec. 26, 2 p.m. on CBS

This game would be even more intriguing if Mark Richt were coaching the Hurricanes (8-4, 5-3 ACC), but it still promises to be a fun game full of passing yards. Washington State (8-4, 6-3 Pac-12) will bring redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Falk. The Cougars have the No. 1 passing offense in the nation, averaging 397 passing yards per game. Miami boasts hotshot QB Brad Kaaya. Both defenses have struggled at times, tied at 82nd in the nation in scoring defense.

No. 20: Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl
Washington vs. Southern Miss
Dallas | Cotton Bowl
Dec. 26, 2:20 p.m. on ESPN

If you haven’t watched Washington (6-6, 4-5 Pac-12) this season, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. Don’t let the record fool you, this is a team on the verge of becoming great. Southern Miss (9-4, 7-1 MAC) played in the conference championship game, and has some serious offensive firepower. Of the also-ran bowls, this one could be the biggest “watch out next year” matchup we see.

No. 19: New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Indiana vs. Duke
Bronx, New York | Yankee Stadium
Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m. on ABC

Yes, Indiana (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten) is playing in a bowl game, and they deserve to be here. The Hoosiers proved they can play with just about anyone, and Duke (7-5, 4-4 ACC) will be a great opponent. Watch for the Hoosiers powerful offense meeting this tough Duke defense in a game of teams on the rise next season. And, Yankee Stadium…so, there’s that.

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No. 18: Birmingham Bowl
Auburn vs. Memphis
Birmingham, Alabama | Legion Field
Nov. 30, Noon on ESPN

The Birmingham Bowl hasn’t traditionally been a huge draw, but having close to local team Auburn (6-6, 2-6 SEC) and another southeastern school, Memphis (9-3, 5-3 AAC) there could help that. Beyond the attendance, this has the potential for quite a game. Two teams who play physical football, and who really never have the chance to meet. Auburn made some improvements late in the season, but still might not be up to playing the Tigers from Tennessee.

No. 17: Camping World Independence Bowl
Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech
Shreveport, Louisiana | Independence Stadium
Dec. 26, 5:45 p.m. on ESPN

Aside from this being a fairly pedestrian matchup of two so-so teams, it’s hard to deny that the goodbye to Frank Beamer isn’t compelling to watch. Beamer will have his Hokies up for this game, and it could be a long night for Tulsa. It’s a shame we couldn’t see such a great coach say farewell in a more meaningful bowl, but this one will still be worth viewing.

No. 16: Belk Bowl
NC State vs. Mississippi State
Charlotte, N.C. | Bank of America Stadium
Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN

This has been a bowl game on the rise, and this year’s edition featuring NC State (7-5, 3-5 ACC) and Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4 SEC) shouldn’t disappoint. This could be Dak Prescott’s farewell to college ball, which in itself makes the game worth watching. Not to mention, NC State has a way of stepping up when they’re the underdog. Very good SEC-ACC contest here.

No. 15: Outback Bowl
Northwestern vs. Tennessee
Tampa | Raymond James Stadium
Jan. 1, Noon on ESPN2

This is one of the most intriguing mid-tier bowls. A game between a team in Tennessee (8-4, 5-3 SEC) who was expected to do much more, and Northwestern (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) who far exceeded this year’s expectations. Where’s the give? The Vols boast one of the nation’s best quarterbacks and a solid offensive line, but the Wildcats have been beating teams they shouldn’t have all season. This one will be part of the Big Ten-SEC bragging rights debate this year.

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