With the conclusion of the conference championships, the dust has settled on the 2023 regular season and now it's time for the college football bowl season.
Our panel of contributors have put together a list of the bowl games — outside the college football playoff — that we recommend tuning into in the coming weeks.
New Mexico Bowl - New Mexico State vs. Fresno State, Dec. 16 5:45pm (ESPN)
Since taking over at New Mexico State, Jerry Kill has done wonders in two seasons. The program won 10 games this year, which hasn't happened in 63 years. Jim Tedford and the Bulldogs have also had an impressive season, pulling off key wins over Purdue and a ranked Arizona State team this season. If you're needing another reason to be interested, NMSU quarterback Diego Pavia is worth taking a look at.
Alamo Bowl - (14) Arizona vs. (12) Oklahoma, Dec. 27 9:15pm (ESPN)
These two teams could easily have been playing in a New Year's 6 game. But instead, these two soon-to-be Big 12 opponents (Arizona will be joingin in 2024) will face off in a bowl game that usually showcases high-powered offenses. And with Arizona QB Noah Fifita and the Sooners high-powered offense, there's a chance they'll continue that tradition.
Gator Bowl - Clemson vs. Kentucky, Dec. 29 Noon (ESPN)
This is going to be a crucial one for both programs looking to gain momentum heading into the offseason. For Dabo Sweeny, this game will help his Tigers end the season on a high note after coming under fire for a rather lackluster 2023 campaign. As for Kentucky, this would be a strong ending for a team that had a lot of talent, but never quite met expectations this season.
Cotton Bowl Classic - (9) Missouri vs. (7) Ohio State, Dec. 29 8:00pm (ESPN)
What makes this game intriguing is that Ohio State will be without Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr. and several other key players in this one. So it will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes handle a Mizzou team, who has been itching to make it to a major bowl game and face a top tier oppoent.
Orange Bowl - (5) Florida State vs. (6) Georgia, Dec. 30 4:00pm (ESPN)
Some are considering this "the other" national championship game. Both squads will be looking to make a statement for themselves after being snubbed by the college football playoff committee. If Florida State can knockoff the two-time defending champs and depending the outcomes of the two semifinal games, many sportswriters could possibly write the Seminoles in as national champions.
Citrus Bowl - (17) Iowa vs. (21) Tennessee, Jan. 1 1:00pm (ABC)
This will be football fans last chance to watch one of college football greatest anomalies, the Iowa Hawkeyes. This team sports one of the best defenses in the country and a Broyles Award for their coordinator Phil Parker, but they also feature one of the most anemic offenses. For Tennessee, they will be looking to end their season on a high note after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
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