Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fans Sara Porter (left) and Von Porter (center) and Amanda Kelly before the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Bowl games are the season of seemingly unending gifts for the college football fan, but which of this year’s 41 bowls are actually worth viewing?
RELATED: Full 2015-16 College Football Bowl Schedule
Set the speed dial to the local pizza parlour, check the hours of the liquor store, stock up on chips and salsa, and make sure your remote control batteries are well stocked…college football bowl games are almost here!
This year we have 41 postseason bowl games upon which to feast, although some of them may leave you feeling a bit hungry an hour later. With 82 teams needed to fill out this year’s bowl schedule there were some *ahem* unlikely teams invited to play…namely three 5-7 teams – San Jose State, Nebraska and Minnesota – who normally would be joining the rest of us on the sofa.
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We’ve reviewed the bowl schedule and ranked the watchability factor of each game. Some you’ll want to completely avoid, while others you’ll be sorry if you aren’t enjoying with all your best Twitter friends at least.
With playoff expansion inevitable, and the NCAA talking a closer look at the bowl selection process, this may be one of the last years of such a wide array of games, so if you’re one of those people who will watch football even if it’s lingerie league, then pay close attention.
Here are this year’s bowls, ranked for your pleasure.
Next: Begin Slideshow
Sep 20, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Fans leave the stadium after a weather delay during a game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and San Jose State Spartans at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Unwatchable. Go binge something on Netflix
Here are five completely forgettable bowl games, and part of the reason why the NCAA is looking at revamping the bowl system. Two of them – Cure Bowl and Quick Lane Bowl – featured 5-7 teams who were invited based on academic eligibility. Fluff to fill out the bowl pairings in a schedule that is obviously bottom heavy.
Do yourself a favor and don’t even waste the disc space on your DVR for these.
No. 41: Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Ohio vs. Appalachian State
Montgomery, Alabama | Cramton Bowl
Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
Between the name and the host city, not much to cheer about on this one.
No. 40: Cure Bowl
San Jose State vs. Georgia State
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
Dec. 19, 7 p.m. on CBSSN
Georgia State’s first ever bowl appearance. Outside of that, not much to see here.
No. 39: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Akron vs. Utah State
Boise, Idaho | Albertsons Stadium
Dec. 22, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
Is there a game played on the Smurf Turf without Boise State that’s worth watching?
No. 38: Quick Lane Bowl
Central Michigan vs. Minnesota
Detroit | Ford Field
Dec. 28, 5 p.m. on ESPN2
Another game with a 5-7 team. If Jerry Kill were coaching the Gophers, it might have been worth it.
No. 37: Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan
Nassau, Bahamas | Robinson National Stadium
Dec. 24, Noon on ESPN
You get to play in the Bahamas, fellows….be happy with that. Merry Christmas.
Next: Getting Better
Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats fans during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Try tuning in, but have a 6-pack close by
The stakes go up a little in these seven games (which may take a 6-pack to get through), and the matchups become a little more interesting. At the very least, you could have these on as background noise while wrapping presents or testing out a new eggnog recipe.
Nothing DVR-worthy here either, but at least there are some possible moments of entertainment happening.
No. 36: Foster Farms Bowl
UCLA vs. Nebraska
Santa Clara, California | Levi’s Stadium
Dec. 26, 9:15 p.m. on ESPN
This bowl would be ranked higher if it weren’t for 5-7 Nebraska being involved. UCLA deserves better.
No. 35: Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
Alcorn State vs. North Carolina A&T
Atlanta | Georgia Dome
Dec. 19, Noon on ABC
Inaugural game for this bowl between HBCUs from the SWAC and MEAC. Could be fun to watch, and ultimately really important for these conferences.
No. 34: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech
New Orleans | Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Dec. 19, 9 p.m. on ESPN
This bowl has had some great games in the past, but this matchup may not live up to some of those past games.
No. 33: Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Arizona vs. New Mexico
Albuquerque | University Stadium
Dec. 19, 2 p.m. on ESPN
A season of high expectations for Arizona ends in Albuquerque. You’ll probably wish they had taken the left turn.
No. 32: NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Nevada vs. Colorado State
Tucson, Arizona | Arizona Stadium
Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. on Campus Insiders
First year Rams head coach Mike Bobo is probably pleased. Nevada has had yet another middling season. Yawn.
No. 31: Miami Beach Bowl
Western Kentucky vs. South Florida
Miami, Florida | Marlins Park
Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
Worthy of watching if for no other reason than to see more than 5,000 people in Marlins Park at once….and, South Florida is a fun team to watch.
No. 30: St. Petersburg Bowl
Connecticut vs. Marshall
St. Petersburg, Florida | Tropicana Field
Dec. 26, 11 a.m. on ESPN
UConn is in a bowl game….
I got nothing else.
Next: Somewhat Decent
Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion fans during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Could be OK, but have the remote handy
Moving on to eight more meaningful matchups (and familiar names) there are a lot of teams in these games which aspired for much more this season, but simply faltered. Some of these games might have looked like great clashes if you mentioned them before the season started.
Plenty of potential upsets in the works in this section of the list as well. You might do some flipping between games, but ultimately you’ll see some decent football.
No. 29: Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
West Virginia vs. Arizona State
Phoenix | Chase Field
Jan. 2, 10:15 p.m. on ESPN
A bowl between two teams full of “could have beens”. The Mountaineers (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) can score in bunches when they click, and Arizona State (6-6, 4-5 Pac-12) has some defensive studs who can step up. This had the potential to be a nice New Year’s Six matchup when you looked at these teams in the preseason.
No. 28: Hawai’i Bowl
San Diego State vs. Cincinnati
Honolulu | Aloha Stadium
Dec. 24, 8 p.m. on ESPN
It’s a football game in Hawaii that matters to the teams involved. That’s a switch. Tommy Tuberville’s Bearcats (7-5, 4-4 AAC) have had some bad breaks this year. At least they get to close out the year in a nice venue. San Diego State (10-3, 8-0 MWC) has had a nice season, capped off by a win over a tough Air Force team in the Mountain West Championship. Potentially a lot of points coming in this game.
No. 27: Marmot Boca Raton Bowl
Toledo vs. Temple
Boca Raton, Florida | FAU Stadium
Dec. 22, 7 p.m. on ESPN
This has been a storybook year for Temple (10-3, 7-1 AAC), and the Owls were probably hoping for a New Year’s Six bowl. Baby steps are fine. Toledo (9-2, 6-2 MAC) didn’t quite live up to the hopes for this season, but still has a lot of quality football left in them. This will be an interesting game to watch.
Nov 20, 2015; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) during first half action against the Air Force Falcons at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
No. 26: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State vs. Northern Illinois
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN
Two teams in Boise State (8-4, 5-3 MWC) and Northern Illinois (8-5, 6-2 MAC) who had become accustomed to being BCS-busters now coming down to earth. This would have been a fantastic game a few seasons ago, but isn’t much more than a typically fair Poinsettia Bowl.
No. 25: GoDaddy Bowl
Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green
Mobile, Alabama | Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. on ESPN
This bowl features two teams who potentially could be playing in much bigger bowls next season. Georgia Southern (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt) may have a tough time halting MAC champion Bowling Green (10-3, 7-1 MAC). On the flip side, the Falcons aren’t used to facing a rushing attack as potent as the Eagles. Defense will be at a premium here.
No. 24: AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Kansas State vs. Arkansas
Memphis | Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Jan. 2, 3:20 p.m. on ESPN
Don’t go to sleep on this game. Arkansas (7-5, 5-3 SEC) has come on strong late in the season once again, and you never want to count out a Bill Synder coached Kansas State (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) team. Probably a lot of bruises to be tended to after this game. These guys will hit each other…a lot.
No. 23: Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs. Utah
Las Vegas | Sam Boyd Stadium
Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Utah (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) looked like they might be one of the teams to beat in the Pac-12 this season, but stumbled later in the season. BYU (9-3) once again had a season derailed by injuries, and now they are losing head coach Bronco Mendenall. The intrigue here is that there is no love lost between these two schools, so you’ve got a great rivalry in a bowl game.
No. 22: TaxSlayer Bowl
Penn State vs. Georgia
Jacksonville, Florida | EverBank Field
Jan. 2, Noon on ESPN
Oh how the mighty have fallen. It was just…well… a “mere” 32 years ago that Penn State (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten) and Georgia (9-3, 5-3 SEC) played for the national championship in their first and only meeting in the 1983 Sugar Bowl. Joe Paterno and Vince Dooley have given way to James Franklin and interim UGA head coach Bryan McClendon. Not quite as much drama involved in this game, but still two traditionally strong programs meeting for the first time in over three decades adds something.
Next: Now We're Getting Some Games
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.
Next: Now We're Cookin'
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.
FanSided
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
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.