2015 Bowl Games: Ranking all 41 college football bowls by watchability
Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) poses with students after leading the Naval Academy past the Army Black Knights 21-17 at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Must-See Games
These aren’t the premier games of the bowl season, but these are eight games every college football fan will want to sit and watch. Absolutely some fantastic matchups here.
No. 14: Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Louisville
Nashville | Nissan Stadium
Dec. 30, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Two teams who have exciting futures ahead, but severely underachieved in 2015. Texas A&M (8-4, 4-4 SEC) could return to the exciting days of Johnny Football with Kyler Murray under center, while Louisville (7–5, 5-3 ACC) has yet to look like a Bobby Petrino offense since his return. This is another SEC-ACC clash that could prove to be one of the better bowl games. Watch for the Aggies to really pour it on.
No. 13: Military Bowl presented By Northrop Grumman
Pittsburgh vs. Navy
Annapolis, Maryland | Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Dec. 28, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
This is a must-see game. Navy’s (10-2, 7-1 AAC) 10-win season has been nothing short of miraculous and playing in a very tough AAC has proven that the service academies can compete on the bigger stages. The match with Pittsburgh (8-4, 6-2 ACC) will be a tough one, and should be loaded with some great running on both sides. Absolutely fantastic bowl in the home of the Midshipmen.
No. 12: Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
California vs. Air Force
Ft. Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium
Dec. 29, 2 p.m. on ESPN
This is a game featuring an outstanding quarterback – Cal’s Jared Goff – and a stable of powerful running backs on the Air Force (8-5, 6-2 MWC) roster. The Golden Bears (7-5, 4-5 Pac-12) started off hot, but struggled late in the season. They still have the ability to put up some serious numbers. Air Force was the Mountain West runner-up, and will want to snap their 2-game losing streak.
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No. 11: Russell Athletic Bowl
North Carolina vs. Baylor
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
North Carolina (11-2, 8-0 ACC) gave No. 1 Clemson all they could handle in the ACC Championship game, and Baylor (9-3, 6-3 Big 12) is competing on a high level using their 4th string quarterback…FOURTH STRING. This is a matchup of two teamse who love to score and love to slice up opposing defenses. No matter who is playing QB for the Bears, this game will be a feast for those who love offense.
No. 10: AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
LSU vs. Texas Tech
Houston | NRG Stadium
Dec. 29, 9 p.m. on ESPN
One of the few SEC-Big 12 games this bowl season has two teams that couldn’t be more different. LSU (8-3, 5-3 SEC) saw a late-season slide end their championship hopes, but still has Leonard Fournette, who has a lot to prove in this game. The Red Raiders (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) just love to air it out, Kliff Kingsbury style. Ground and pound vs. the air attack. This will be fun to watch.
No. 9: Holiday Bowl
USC vs. Wisconsin
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 30, 10:30 p.m. on ESPN
This game could potentially be a playoff matchup next season. Both teams have solid cores and underachieved early in the season. USC (8-5, 6-3 Pac-12) came on strong late in the season and made their way to the Pac-12 championship game. Wisconsin (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten) couldn’t overcome the early loss to Iowa, who eventually won the Western Division. Still, two strong teams with a lot to prove in this game.
No. 8: BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
Glendale, Arizona | University of Phoenix Stadium
Jan. 1, 1 p.m. on ESPN
It’s a shame that Notre Dame (10-2) and Ohio State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) don’t play each other more often, because the games would be fantastic. Both teams had playoff dreams crushed late in the season, and will be looking for some redemption. Notre Dame will no doubt be the healthiest they’ve been in a while, and this will be the farewell for Buckeyes J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones. Don’t miss this game. The Fiesta bowl never disappoints.
No. 7: Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Michigan vs. Florida
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
Jan. 1, 1 p.m. on ABC
Some people like offense, others want to see a head-smashing defensive battle. Michigan (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten) and Florida (10-3, 7-1 SEC) have both played some of the best defense of the season respectively, and will no doubt be ready to shut down each other on offense. This is one of the premier SEC-Big Ten battles, and the repercussions of this game will be heard loud and clear after the dust settles.
Next: Cream of the Crop