Bowl Game Rankings: Bowls. Yes. Bowls.
15. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Saturday, January 2
ESPN, 12:00 pm
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
NC State vs Kentucky
Don’t let your memory of last year’s Gator Bowl fool you – that Tennessee comeback over Indiana was a dog with fleas before the final few minutes. This year’s matchup might be better, even if you’re not all that interested in the brand names. And why?
Kentucky gives good bowl under Mark Stoops.
The last three Wildcat bowl games were decided by a total of 11 points and all three were fantastic. It’s asking a lot for the same here, but it should be entertaining.
Line: NC State -3, o/u: 52.5
Last Season: Tennessee 23, Indiana 22
Last year pre-bowl season ranking: 10
Last year final bowl season ranking: 15
14. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
Saturday, January 2
ESPN, 4:00
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Oregon vs Iowa State
There are a few conflicting things happening at once here. Three of the last four Oregon bowl games have been fantastic – the last two under Mario Cristobal were each decided by one point. But there’s no way this game can match last year’s CFP Semifinal between Clemson and Ohio State.
Iowa State is going to be pumped up to be here, and it closed the season strong before losing to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, but there’s a chance the Big 12 just isn’t very good. For those still suffering from the 33-9 loss to Notre Dame in last year’s Camping World Bowl, you are not alone.
Line: Iowa State -4.5, o/u: 57.5
Last Season: Clemson 29, Ohio State 23
Last year pre-bowl season ranking: 1
Last year final bowl season ranking: 1
13. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Tuesday, December 22
ESPN, 3:30
Lyle Smith Field at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
Tulane vs Nevada
As long as Tulane is okay in the colder temperatures, this should be sneaky-good fun. Both teams have an offense, they’re both well coached, and this is one of those true fish-out-of-water matchups that should be a key component in any sort of post-bowl conference ranking.
Line: Tulane -3, o/u: 56.5
Last Season: Ohio 30, Nevada 21
Last year pre-bowl season ranking: 31
Last year final bowl season ranking: 31
12. TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Wednesday, December 30
ESPN, 3:30 pm
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Iowa vs Missouri
Call it a hunch that the two head coaches are going to bring it. It’s been a rough run off the field for Iowa in 2020, but it’s on a six-game winning streak and Kirk Ferentz has won three straight bowl games. Missouri struggled late, but it seemed like a team that needed a bit of a break.
Line: Iowa -14, o/u: 50.5
Last Season: Louisville 38, Mississippi State 28
Last year pre-bowl season ranking: 26
Last year final bowl season ranking: 22
11. Arizona Bowl
Thursday, December 31
CBS Sports Network, 4:00 pm
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Ball State vs San Jose State
I’ve always been proud of this bowl – like you care, but I was one of the main talking heads at the opening press conference when it first came together. I don’t know if anyone has actually seen it, since it always seems to come on at the same time as other bowls, but this year it’s worth the watch with two Group of Five champs going at it. Fair warning, though – San Jose State has won every game by double-digits.
Line: San Jose State -7, o/u: 64
Last Season: Wyoming 38, Georgia State 17
Last year pre-bowl season ranking: 38
Last year final bowl season ranking: