Guide to every 2019 bowl game
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Charlotte 49ers quarterback Brett Kean (7) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C.
(AP/Brian Westerholt)
Friday, Dec. 20
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl
Buffalo (7-5) vs. Charlotte (7-5)
Anagram: Wow, a bandmaster’s bleak ham
A reason to care: I usually pooh-pooh the 40 (?!?!) bowl slate, but it’s kind of cool for the 49ers, who didn’t give up and won five straight to secure a spot in the Bahamas. — Dave Preston
2 p.m., ESPN
Utah State quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws against New Mexico during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Tropical Smoothie Café Frisco Bowl
Utah State (7-5) vs. Kent State (6-6)
Anagram: A critical offshore composite
A reason to care: Utah State quarterback Jordan Love is one of the more polarizing draft prospects on this year’s board. We won’t know until an NFL team takes a chance whether his talent is a small school mirage or he’s a diamond in the non-Power Five rough. — Noah Frank
7:30 p.m., ESPN2
San Diego State cornerback Darren Hall (23) celebrates after intercepting a Nevada pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in San Diego.
Saturday, Dec. 21
New Mexico Bowl
Central Michigan (8-5) vs. San Diego State (9-3)
Anagram: Cow elm box wine
A reason to care: The MAC is the early bowl schedule winner, with three teams playing in the first three bowls. Don’t sleep on the Aztecs, who were 13 points away from finishing 12-0. — DP
2 p.m., ESPN
Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (11) catches a pass for a 29-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J.
FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl
Liberty (7-5) vs. Georgia Southern (7-5)
Anagram: Combat blogger curfew
A reason to care: Seven and fiiiiiiiiiiiive. — NF
2:30 p.m., CBSSN
FILE – In this Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin looks over his team during warm-ups before an NCAA college football game against Old Dominion, in Boca Raton, Fla. Kiffin has Florida Atlantic in the Conference USA title game for the second time in three years. The Owls play host to defending champion UAB on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, amid speculation that it might be Kiffin’s farewell at FAU.
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl
SMU (10-2) vs. Florida Atlantic (10-3)
Anagram: Ha, coconut birdbrain below
A reason to care: Lane Kiffin coached FAU to a home bowl game…which he won’t be around to actually coach, having bolted for the Ole Miss job. — NF
3:30 p.m., ABC
Arkansas State’s Trent Ellis-Brewer (26) and Kirk Merritt (13) celebrate after Merritt returned a kickoff 94-yards for a touchdown during the second quarter of during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark.
Camellia Bowl
Florida International (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
Anagram: Claimable owl
A reason to care: Red Wolves wide receiver Omar Bayless notched 1,473 yards and 16 touchdowns. — DP
5:30 p.m., ESPN
Washington head coach Chris Petersen talks on his headset during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Seattle. Washington won 52-20.
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
No. 19 Boise State (12-1) vs. Washington (7-5)
Anagram: Solve bag laws
A reason to care: Call this the Chris Petersen retirement send-off. The former Boise State coach stepped down from the helm at Washington earlier this month. — CC
7:30 p.m., ABC
Appalachian State running back Daetrich Harrington (4) carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Troy on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Troy, Ala.
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
No. 20 Appalachian State (12-1) vs. UAB (9-4)
Anagram: Narrow cranberries sell low
A reason to care: Shawn Clark takes over as Mountaineers head coach while the Blazers try to bounce back from a 49-6 loss in the Conference USA Championship Game.
9 p.m., ESPN
Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) sprints away from the South Florida defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla.
Monday, Dec. 23
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
UCF (9-3) vs. Marshall (8-4)
Anagram: Alas, grab pillow
A reason to care: When the aliens unearth the ashes of our culture, just imagine the amount of time the archeologists will spend trying to decipher what in the world this game was.
2:30 p.m., ESPN
BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the team’s NCAA college football game against Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Provo, Utah.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Sofi Hawai’i Bowl
Hawai’i (9-5) vs. BYU (7-5)
Anagram: If ibis? Wow, aloha (yes, I’m very sad Miami’s in the next game, not this one)
A reason to care: The only FBS independent with a win over both a Pac-12 and an SEC team this year? Not Notre Dame — it’s BYU, which beat USC by the same 30-27 final that the Irish did.
8 p.m., ESPN
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jarren Williams (15) throws during practice at the University of Miami Greentree Practice Field in Coral Gables on Wednesday, September Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jarren Williams (15) throws during practice at the University of Miami Greentree Practice Field in Coral Gables on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in preparation for their home opener against Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Louisiana Tech (9-3) vs. Miami (6-6)
Walk-on’s Independence Bowl
Anagram: Been kind, cleaned snowplow
A reason to care: Fun fact: This game’s title sponsor was once Poulan-Weed Eater. — DP
4 p.m., ESPN
Pittsburgh running back Vincent Davis (22) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Deslin Alexandre (5) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.
Quick Lane Bowl
Pittsburgh (7-5) vs. Eastern Michigan (6-6)
Anagram: Equal block, win
A reason to care: The Eagles have an easy commute, as their campus in Ypsilanti, Michigan is only 38.4 miles away from Ford Field.
8 p.m., ESPN
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.
Friday, Dec. 27
Military Bowl, presented by Northrop Grumman
North Carolina (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4)
Anagram: Army bio twill
A reason to care: This year’s selection process for our local bowl wasn’t nearly as dramatic as last year’s, detailed here. — NF
Noon, ESPN
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio argues a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Michigan State won 27-0.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Michigan State (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (8-4)
Anagram: Winter’s plebian prow
A reason to care: If you’re a believer in redemption, or at least making the most of a lost season, both these teams were ranked and had high designs before tough finishes left them in this game, each with a chance to end the year on the right foot.
3:20 p.m., ESPN
Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (30) avoids a tackle by Oklahoma linebacker Caleb Kelly (19) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl
No. 25 Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (7-5)
Anagram: Alarmed cowboys text spas
A reason to care: Texas A&M, which had one of the hardest schedules in the country (losses to Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia & LSU), squares off against OK St. running back Chuba Hubbard, the nation’s leading rusher. — CC
6:45 p.m., ESPN
Iowa players including wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) and defensive back Michael Ojemudia (11) celebrate following an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Iowa won 27-24.
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
No. 22 USC (8-4) vs. No. 16 Iowa (9-3)
Anagram: Howdy, cubical olds
A reason to care: Last time Iowa played a bowl game in California, it got real ugly (a 45-16 loss to Stanford in 2016). — CC
8 p.m., FS1
Washington State coach Mike Leach looks toward the scoreboard during the first half of the team’s NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Pullman, Wash.
Cheez-It Bowl
Air Force (10-2) vs. Washington State (6-6)
Anagram: We echo blitz
A reason to care: The Air Raid takes on the Air Force. At least there should be more points than in last year’s mess of a game. — CC
10:15 p.m., ESPN
Memphis running back Patrick Taylor Jr. (6) carries the ball against Mississippi defensive back Kweisi Fountain (39) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
No. 17 Memphis (12-1) vs. No. 10 Penn State (10-2)
Anagram: Tiger scolds a coolant cowboy
A reason to care: Because somebody told you Memphis would be playing in this game. Please stop there and do not look at my playoff predictions. — NF
Noon, ESPN
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Duke in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
Camping World Bowl
No. 15 Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Iowa State (7-5)
Anagram: Bland glowworm pic
A reason to care: A change of venue has hurt Fighting Irish QB Ian Book this fall — he completes 59% of his passes with 21 TD and 2 INT at home while hitting 55% with a 12-4 ratio on the road. Maybe that’s why the seven-win Cyclones are only 3.5-point underdogs. — CC
Noon, ABC
FILE – In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up before the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Georgia, in Atlanta. Burrow is a unanimous selection as the offensive player of the year on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference football team, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 1 LSU
Anagram: Blah, hip cowlick face
A reason to care: It’s the Playoff!
4 p.m., ESPN
FILE – In this Oct. 18, 2019, file photo, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young rushes against Northwestern during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Evanston, Ill. Young got back on the field, and immediately back into the Heisman Trophy race. In his return from a two-game NCAA suspension, he had three sacks among nine tackles in the Buckeyes’ win over Penn State last Saturday.
Playstation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 2 Ohio State
Anagram: Teapots insatiably flow
A reason to care: It’s the other Playoff!
8 p.m., ESPN
Western Michigan Broncos running back LeVante Bellamy (2) stiff arms Bowling Green Falcons defensive back Jordan Anderson (18) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.
Monday, Dec. 30
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
Anagram: Rover prowls, befriends sport
A reason to care: Believe it or not, WKU’s campus resides in the central time zone while WMU’s is in east. The game’s also at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, which is not named after the 38th President. — DP
12:30 p.m., ESPN
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks up at the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Champaign, Ill.
Redbox Bowl
California (7-5) vs. Illinois (6-6)
Anagram: Bed brow lox
A reason to care: Lovie Smith’s impressive job in Champaign has been one of the feel-good underdog stories in the sport and has Illinois back in a bowl for the first time since 2014. — NF
4 p.m., FOX
Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore reacts following a touchdown by his team against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. The act resulted in a 15-yard penalty assessed on the extra point that was missed.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Louisville (7-5)
Anagram: Limy cubist cow
A reason to care: The Bulldogs are only bowling because an Ole Miss player pretended to go to the bathroom in the end zone after scoring a touchdown in the Egg Bowl. — DP
4 p.m., ESPN
Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) tosses a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Virginia Tech in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Virginia defeated Virginia Tech 39-30.
Capital One Orange Bowl
No. 9 Florida (10-2) vs. No. 24 Virginia (9-4)
Anagram: Wonton peel airbag coal
A reason to care: One last chance to see Bryce Perkins at work. The senior threw for 300 yards three times while rushing for 100 yards three times despite being the Cavaliers’ only offensive threat worth worrying about. — DP
8 p.m., ESPN
Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who is retiring after the season, gestures as he is honored before the team’s NCAA college football game against Wake Forest on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Blacksburg, Va.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Belk Bowl
Virginia Tech (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
Anagram: None
A reason to care: The Hokies play one more game for longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster who’ll retire after the game, while their future is bright with sophomore quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Wildcats went 3-5 in the SEC but 2-0 against the MAC (beating Toledo and Eastern Michigan). — DP
Noon, ESPN
FILE – In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk dashes past Oregon State defensive back Isaiah Dunn during the first half of an NCAA football game, in Corvallis, Ore. Aiyuk was selected to The Associated Press All-Pac 12 Conference team, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Florida State (6-6) vs. Arizona State (7-5)
Anagram: Litterbug honesty now
A reason to care: Should we just call Arizona State vs Florida State the battle for best party school? — CC
2 p.m., ESPN
Navy’s Malcolm Perry celebrates after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
No. 23 Navy (10-2) vs. Kansas State (8-4)
Anagram: Woozily notable brute
A reason to care: The Midshipmen are trying to tie the 2015 team for most wins in a season. Senior QB Malcolm Perry is averaging 150 yards per game and is 196 yards shy of reaching 2,000 for the year. — DP
3:45 p.m., ESPN
Wyoming quarterback Tyler Vander Waal drops back to pass against Air Force in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Air Force Academy, Colo.
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Wyoming (7-5) vs. Georgia State (7-5)
Anagram: Savannah monorail below zoo
A reason to care: One last all 7-5 matchup to keep the theme song in order. — NF
4:30 p.m., CBSSN
FILE – In this Oct. 19, 2019, file photo, Utah’s Julian Blackmon (23) and Francis Bernard (13) celebrate after a play against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Blackmon was selected to The Associated Press All-Pac 12 Conference team, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.
Valero Alamo Bowl
No. 11 Utah (11-2) vs. Texas (7-5)
Anagram: Lo, moral law above
A reason to care: Let’s just hope we don’t hear any “we’re baaaaaaaaaaack” talk even if Texas beats No. 11 Utah. — CC
7:30 p.m., ESPN
Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) celebrates after Alabama place kicker Joseph Bulovas, right, missed a field goal that would’ve tied the score late in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn won 48-45.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Outback Bowl
No. 18 Minnesota (10-2) vs. No. 12 Auburn (9-3)
Anagram: Back blowout
A reason to care: The Giant-Killers Bowl. While the Golden Gophers handed Penn State its first loss of the year, the Tigers kept both Oregon and Alabama out of playoff contention. — DP
1 p.m., ESPN
Alabama looks on after missing a field goal that would have tied an NCAA college football game against Auburn during the second half Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.
VRBO Citrus Bowl
No. 14 Michigan (9-3) vs. No. 13 Alabama (10-2)
Anagram: TV bios curl brow
A reason to care: Each school is coming off of tough losses to their arch-rivals: while the Wolverines got rolled again by Ohio State the Crimson Tide were cursed by crazy plays in their loss at Auburn. — DP
1 p.m., ABC
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert throws a pass against Utah during the second half of the Pac-12 Conference championship NCAA college football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, Dec. 6, 2018.
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
No. 6 Oregon (11-2) vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (10-3)
Anagram: Omega bowlers
A reason to care: You want guys you’ll be watching on Sunday? Get a look at Oregon QB Justin Herbert and Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, both likely future first-round picks. — NF
5 p.m., ESPN
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Atlanta.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 5 Georgia (11-2) vs. No. 7 Baylor (11-2)
Anagram: A bagel allows trust
A reason to care: “Jake Fromm-2019” was a step back from “Jake Fromm-2018.” What will the 2020 vintage taste like on Jan. 1? — DP
8:45 p.m., ESPN
Boston College running back AJ Dillon (2) runs over 50 yards for a touchdown against Pittsburgh during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Pittsburgh.
Thursday, Jan. 2
TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
Boston College (6-6) vs. No. 21 Cincinnati (10-3)
Anagram: Boring lamb whim
A reason to care: For those who care about old conference ties, this one features old school Big East versus new school Big East (now AAC obviously) with the Bearcats. — CC
3 p.m., ESPN
Indiana tight end Turon Ivy Jr. (84) and place kicker Nathanael Snyder (99) celebrate with the Old Oaken Bucket following an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Indiana defeated Purdue 44-41 in double overtime.
Taxslayer Gator Bowl
Indiana (8-4) vs. Tennessee (7-5)
Anagram: To raw lobster galaxy
A reason to care: Basketball school battle between Indiana and Tennessee on the football field! — CC
7 p.m., ESPN
Nevada running back Devonte Lee (2) cuts back against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.
Friday, Jan. 3
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio (6-6) vs. Nevada (7-5)
Anagram: Omit spud? A flaw! Ooh, taboo!
A reason to care: My Uncle Chris used to own a chocolate shop in Boise. The Chocolat Bar still crushes it, and you can order online. — DP
3:30 p.m., ESPN
Tulane wide receiver Darnell Mooney, right, goes up to catch a touchdown pass from quarterback Justin McMillan, not visible, as Navy cornerback Cameron Kinley tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Annapolis.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Southern Mississippi (7-5) vs. Tulane (6-6)
Anagram: Debacle for worms
A reason to care: The colorful Golden Eagles/Green Wave showdown features a sneaky Tulane squad that’s better than its record, losing three games — to Navy, Temple and UCF — by a single possession. — NF
11:30 a.m., ESPN
FILE – In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photo, Louisiana Lafayette offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (75) plays during an NCAA college football game against Liberty, in Lafayette, La. Dotson was selected to The Associated Press All-America team, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019.
Monday, Jan. 6
LendingTree Bowl
Louisiana (10-3) vs. Miami OH (8-5)
Anagram: Let low, gin bender
A reason to care: Monday Night Football’s over, but you’ve got one final game to keep you entertained before the national title game.
7:30 p.m., ESPN
Clemson’s Travis Etienne celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16.
Monday, Jan. 13
CFP National Championship, presented by AT&T
Anagram: Fanatical chimps hoppin’ on
A reason to care: It’s literally the national title game.
TBD vs. TBD, 8 p.m.
