Ranking college football's bowl games Nos. 10-1
And so we come to the best of the best.
These are the true highlights of the bowl season, the dream matchups no college football fan should miss leading right up to the College Football Playoff clashes.
Without further ado then, let's wrap up the countdown.
10. Las Vegas— Utah vs. Brigham Young
Sat., Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
This is simply too delicious not to put in the top 10. The jewel of the bowl season's opening day has reignited the Holy War. That BYU finds itself somewhat unexpectedly in the midst of a coaching search shouldn't diminish the intensity.
9. Holiday — Southern California vs. Wisconsin
Wed., Dec. 30, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
With a few breaks here and there, this could have been a Rose Bowl. As it is, the Trojans' record is somewhat deceptive, and the Badgers will be quite motivated to get a win against a team with a name.
8. Sugar — Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi
Fri., Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
We put this at the back of the pack in terms of the Playoff access bowls due to the participants combined five losses. But this nevertheless has the potential to be the most entertaining of the lot, as both teams have been in their share of track meets this year.
7. Russell Athletic — Baylor vs. North Carolina
Tue., Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
A season ago, the participants in this game were Clemson and Oklahoma. We're not saying this year's duo will make their way to the Playoff next year, but the winner can claim a very positive result heading into the offseason. Baylor's injury woes at quarterback might hinder the game's shootout potential, but it should still entertain.
6. Alamo — TCU vs. Oregon
Sat., Jan. 2, 6:45 p.m. ET, ESPN
This gets the highest rank among the non-New Year's Six bowls, and no one would bat an eye if it were indeed a matchup in one of the majors. The Ducks overcame a dismal start to stay in the Pac-12 North hunt, and the time off should help the Horned Frogs — most notably Trevone Boykin — heal up.
5. Peach — Houston vs. Florida State
Thu., Dec. 31, Noon ET, ESPN
The Cougars represent not just the American but the Group of Five leagues with this huge opportunity on the big stage. The Seminoles' season went mostly as expected, the Georgia Tech loss notwithstanding, and ended on a high note with a dominant win against Florida. The Houston offense figures to pose more of a challenge.
4. Rose — Iowa vs. Stanford
Fri., Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Hawkeyes were a few seconds short of a perfect regular season, but a trip to Pasadena ought to ease the sting. The Cardinal would probably like to have a few plays back against Oregon, but all in all 2015 has been a success. The Hawkeyes' defense vs. Christian McCaffrey tops the marquee, but Stanford can play a little defense as well.
3. Fiesta — Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
Fri., Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
What a way to kick off the new year. About as close as one can get to being a Playoff game, the winner of this clash of college football royalty can take a top-five finish into next season.
2. Cotton — Alabama vs. Michigan State
Thu., Dec. 31, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
And here we go — the semifinals. This one features the Heisman Trophy winner taking on the defense that has carried the Spartans all year long. Of course, they play a little defense in Tuscaloosa as well. We fully expect this one to be hard-hitting, low-scoring, and down to the wire. Enjoy.
1. Orange — Clemson vs. Oklahoma
Thu., Dec. 31, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
We give this one the top nod over the other Playoff matchup because of its greater likelihood for explosive plays. Obviously the Tigers and Sooners are quite accomplished on the defensive side as well, but both teams are here primarily due to their offensive stars. Honestly, though, we're splitting hairs with these top two. Don't miss either, then we'll see you 12 days later to crown a champion.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF TEAMS