2015 Bowl Games: Ranking all 41 college football bowls by watchability
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans cheer during their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Invite friends and have a party, this will be entertaining
Here we have the cream of the crop, the best of the best. Bowl games that are party and DVR-worthy. If you aren’t having friends over for a hootenanny to watch these games, you’d better be heading to your local sports bar so you can hoop and holla with some rowdy fans.
These games will test the mettle of your vocal chords.
No. 6: Allstate Sugar Bowl:
Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
New Orleans | Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma State (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) narrowly missed being a playoff team, and Ole Miss (9-3, 6-2 SEC) is the only team to defeat Alabama this season. Rebels QB Chad Kelly is going to be looking to finish the season on an upbeat note, and the Cowboys want to redeem themselves for two end of season losses that knocked them out of playoff contention. Look for some serious scoring in this game.
No. 5: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Houston vs. Florida State
Atlanta | Georgia Dome
Dec. 31, Noon on ESPN
The Peach Bowl has turned into one of the premier bowl games every year, but the lack of traditional SEC-ACC powers and early start time has some questioning if it will be as big. FSU (10-2, 6-2 ACC) wants to finish the year with some momentum after a couple of disappointing losses this season, while surprising Houston wants to thank Tom Herman for staying by beating one of the top powers in the nation. Those who decided to stay away from this game will be sorry.
No. 4: Valero Alamo Bowl
Oregon vs. TCU
San Antonio, Texas | Alamodome
Jan. 2, 6:45 p.m. on ESPN
Want to see fast offenses and lots of points? Then the Alamo Bowl is your game. Both TCU (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) and Oregon (9-3, 7-2 Pac-12) came into the season with championship hopes. While that’s no longer an option, these are still two of the most entertaining teams in the nation to watch, and to have them go head-to-head will be a game worth viewing twice over, because as fast as they are you’ll probably miss something the first time.
No. 3: Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual:
Stanford vs. Iowa
Pasadena, California | Rose Bowl
Jan. 1, 5 p.m. on ESPN
The Rose Bowl at its roots – Big Ten vs Pac-12 – is always worth watching. The matchup of Iowa (12-1, 8-0 Big Ten) who fought to a nearly undefeated season, and Pac-12 champion Stanford (11-2, 8-1 Pac-12) who will bring Heisman finalist Christian McCaffrey should prove to be one of the best games of the year. These are two solid teams who hit hard and are well-coached.
No. 2: College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl
No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Clemson
Miami Gardens, Florida | Sun Life Stadium
Dec. 31, 4 p.m. on ESPN
Not much else to be said other than the undefeated No. 1 team in the nation, Clemson, taking on an Oklahoma team who has only gotten better each week since their inexplicable loss to Texas. Some would argue that the Sooners got a pass by not having to play in a championship game. Perhaps that will bring rust? Either way, Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson will provide the best overall QB matchup in the entire bowl season.
No. 1: College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Alabama
Arlington, Texas | AT&T Stadium
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. on ESPN
This game features not only two of the best teams in the nation, but also two of the best coaches in the nation. Nick Saban and Mark Dantonio are sticklers for preparing their teams, and making all the little details count. Heisman winner Derrick Henry will be the primary focus of the Spartans defense, while QB Connor Cook will be playing what is likely his last game in the green and white. Smash mouth football at it’s finest here folks.
Next: Top 30 College Football Coaches of All Time
Enjoy the games, from the worst to the best, all the way to the national championship game on Jan. 11th. It’s still college football and better than a day without football at all.