Bowls season: duels not to be missed in the NCAA

Since December 16, the bowl season in the NCAA is launched. Many say that this exhilarating period has lost its luster in recent years since several big players eligible for the NFL draft give up on these games, but season following season, these duels offer a high performance and allow to discover the next generation. Here are 12 bowls to watch to brighten up the holiday season.

Fiesta Bowl (demi-final)

Michigan (13-0) c. TCU (12-1)

December 31 (4 p.m.), Glendale

This will be a very first duel between these two programs. TCU is the Cinderella team this year, she who did not sit in the top 25 before the season. Max Duggan, the quarterback who was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, wasn’t even the starter in the first game of the season. Under the rule of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, the younger brother of the renowned Lincoln Riley, Duggan exploded with 30 touchdown passes, in addition to 404 yards rushing and six touchdowns. His receiver Quentin Johnson will go out in the first round in the draft. Carrier Kendre Miller is also one to watch. Michigan did not change their formula on their side with an overwhelming ground attack. Although carrier Blake Corum will be on the sidelines, Donovan Edwards can get the job done. Michigan’s defense isn’t at 2021 levels, but will make a difference.

► MICHIGAN PAR 10

Peach Bowl (demi-finale)

Georgia (13-0) c. Ohia State (11-1)

December 31 (8 p.m.), Atlanta

Probably of all the possible opponents, the one Georgia didn’t want to know regarding was Ohio State. Indeed, if Georgia’s defensive unit no longer has to prove itself, the Ohio State offense is one of the few capable of bending its knees. Quarterback CJ Stroud will be a high pick in the first round of the upcoming draft. He throws the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr (son of the former Colts star), who is arguably the best receiver in the country despite only being in his second year. The Buckeyes are averaging 207 rushing yards per game. In short, they have everything to hurt. That said, in addition to the defense led by the monster Jalen Carter on the front, Georgia does not have a passive offense with veteran quarterback Stetson Bennett and his dangerous tight ends, including Brock Bowers. It will go to the limit…

► GEORGIA BY 3

► The winners of the two semi-finals will meet on January 9 (7:30 p.m.) in the national championship at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

First Responder Bowl

Memphis (6-6) c. Utah State (6-6)

December 27 (3:15 p.m.), Dallas

Why this confrontation between two teams that disappointed? This will be an opportunity to spy on Quebec linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, a former Elans de Garneau. Cantin-Arku, who returns next year for his final season at Memphis, was third for the Memphis Tigers with 66 tackles, including three for losses. He also had 1.5 quarterback sacks. Be careful though, Utah State finished the season strong with five wins in seven games. Memphis has beaten only one rival with a winning record.

► MEMPHIS PAR 8

Holiday Bowl

Oregon (9-3) c. North Carolina (9-4)

December 28 (8 p.m.), San Diego

Both teams have had some success, and what really catches the eye is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. In his first season as a starter, he amazed with 4,115 yards, 35 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Many already see him as a big hope for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he will be without his favorite receiver Josh Downs, who is focusing on the draft next spring. A heavy loss! On the Oregon side, veteran quarterback Bo Nix will be in charge.

► OREGON PAR 14

Pinstripe Bowl

Minnesota (8-4) c. Syracuse (7-5)

December 29 (2 p.m.), New York

It will be Syracuse’s first appearance in a bowl since 2018. Although Victoriaville tackle Matthew Bergeron has decided to skip the game to prepare for the draft, it will be possible to observe another Quebecer , Montreal receiver Damien Alford. The latter caught 17 passes for 372 yards and two touchdowns this season. Syracuse will be without its best players, including productive running back Sean Tucker. This is what will make the difference in favor of Minnesota.

► MINNESOTA PAR 10

Alamo Bowl

Texas (8-4) c. Washington (10-2)

December 29 (9 p.m.), San Antonio

It was predictable, but too bad that the brilliant carrier of Texas Bijan Robinson makes a cross on the game. The Longhorns’ running game becomes a big question mark for this game and there will be a lot of pressure on young quarterback Quinn Ewers’ shoulders to do well. After a fiery start to the season, he has slowed down and it will be interesting to see him in the spotlight. Washington counterpart Michael Penix Jr. is a solid fifth-year veteran, but Washington’s defense won’t be strong.

► TEXAS PAR 7

Gator Bowl

Notre Dame (8-4) c. South Carolina (8-4)

December 30 (3:30 p.m.), Jacksonville

Notre Dame’s best players, tight end Michael Mayer and defensive end Isaiah Foskey, won’t be in the game. Quarterback Tyler Buchner, injured in the shoulder at the beginning of the season, should return to service. The South Carolina Gamecocks surprised at the end of the season when they overthrew Tennessee and Clemson in quick succession. Quarterback Spencer Rattler hasn’t revived his career, but can make some noise in such a duel.

► SOUTH CAROLINA PAR 3

Orange Bowl

Clemson (11-2) c. Tennessee (10-2)

December 30 (8 p.m.), Miami

Two years following Trevor Lawrence, the Clemson Tigers say goodbye to their quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who opted for a transfer. This bowl will be an opportunity to see at work the one they consider to be their man of the next few years, Cole Klubnik, a leading prospect. He has looked good in relief at the ACC championship. Carrier Will Shipley is also very productive. On the Tennessee side, the fairy tale took a hit with the injury of pivot Hendon Hooker.

► CLEMSON PAR 4

Sugar Bowl

Alabama (10-2) c. Kansas State (10-3)

December 31 (12 p.m.), New Orleans

Surprisingly, according to U.S. insiders, several star Alabama players like quarterback Bryce Young, rusher Jahmyr Gibbs, quarterback fighter Will Anderson and others are planning to go to the Sugar Bowl rather than betting on draft prep. If so, the Crimson Tide should be favored. Kansas State stunned by winning the Big 12 Conference Championship by knocking out TCU. This team will be very motivated.

► ALABAMA PAR 7

ReliaQuest Bowl

Illinois (8-4) c. Mississippi State (8-4)

Jan. 2 (12 p.m.), Tampa Bay

Normally it wouldn’t be the most thrilling bowl in the world, but there will be an emotional atmosphere around the game. On Dec. 12, Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach unexpectedly died of heart complications. True monument of the “Air Raid” offensive and unique personality, Leach is not ready to be forgotten. For Illinois, it will be necessary to monitor whether the productive Canadian bearer Chase Brown will ignore it.

► MISSISSIPPI STATE PAR 6

Cotton Bowl

USC (11-2) c. Tulane (11-2)

January 2 (1 p.m.), Arlington

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams recently suffered a leg injury and his presence is in question. If he’s in charge, USC should produce a ton of points. Tulane is one of the great stories of the “Group of 5”, the five weakest conferences. The team will play its first New Year’s Eve bowl since 1940. Runner Tyjae Spears was phenomenal with 1,376 yards and 15 touchdowns. The defense, however, will not hold up.

► USC BY 7

Rose Bowl

Utah (10-3) c. Penn State (10-2)

January 2 (5 p.m.), Pasadena

Utah carrier Tavion Thomas won’t play, but there’s plenty of depth in the backfield to compensate. Last year, the Utes narrowly lost 48-45 to Ohio State in a spectacular Rose Bowl. It’s time for revenge and Penn State will pay the price, without star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington won’t be there, so it might be a opportunity to see the Quebecer Malick Meiga.

► Utah Par 1