Merry Christmas everyone!
The ACC did not put on a good showing in the 2024 College Football Playoff. SMU got smoked at Penn State, while Clemson put up a decent fight in Austin against Texas, but the outcome was never in doubt for the Longhorns. I also missed the LA Bowl, with Cal losing to #24 UNLV. We still have nine non-Miami ACC bowl games to look at. Will I watch any of them? Probably not. That has never stopped me before in giving my thoughts and opinions though.
Let’s do some rooting.
GameAbove Sports Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Toledo – 12/26 at 2:00 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The Panthers lost five games in a row after their 7-0 start to the season. I love writing that sentence. I don’t know how Toledo did this season and I am too lazy to look it up on my phone sitting right next to me or the computer I am currently using. I just know I want them to beat Pitt. Let’s go Toledo.
Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Vanderbilt – 12/27 at 3:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The battle of the giant killers! The Yellow Jackets and Commodores have both pulled off impressive wins this season against highly-ranked teams. Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia was just granted another year of eligibility. Pavia is going to be 24 years old before next season even starts. That’s crazy. Let’s go Georgia Tech.
Holiday Bowl: #21 Syracuse vs Washington State – 12/27 at 8:00 PM EST, TV – FOX
I still can’t believe Miami lost to Syracuse last month. The Canes had no business blowing their first-half 21-point lead. One thing that was noticeable was how much Syracuse coach Fran Brown whined and cried to the officials. Cam noted it on Twitter, and then there were some shaky calls later in the game. Should Coach Cristobal start doing that? Maybe. Let’s go Washington State.
Fenway Bowl: Connecticut vs UNC – 12/28 at 11:00 AM EST, TV – ESPN
It will be interesting to see how the Tar Heels play knowing the legend Bill Belichick will be their new head coach for 2025. I’ve always been a big Belichick fan and am terrified of what he can accomplish in the ACC. I think he is going to have his defense ready to play every week. The only question for me is whether he will be able to bring in enough talent to make UNC a dark horse threat to make the CFP next season. Let’s go UConn.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs Nebraska – 12/28 at 12:00 PM EST, TV – ABC
I guess Bill O’Brien found his new quarterback in Grayson James. He looked good toward the end of this season and should only get better from an entire offseason playing with the first-team offense. The Eagles are going to be an even tougher out in 2025. Let’s go Boston College.
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs NC State – 12/28 at 5:45 PM EST, TV – ESPN
So, is Miami going to land former Wolfpack receiver Kevin Concepcion? It would be a nice get for the Canes. Concepcion is a playmaker, and Miami desperately needs those at receiver for next season. As far as this game, I like what CJ Bailey has shown at quarterback for the Wolfpack this year. Let’s go NC State.
Sun Bowl: Louisville vs Washington – 12/31 at 2:00 PM EST, TV – CBS
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm got his quarterback for 2025 in USC transfer Miller Moss. College football pundits seem to think this will be a perfect fit, and I have no reason to disagree. I think Brohm will have the Cardinals competing at the top of the conference next season. Let’s go Louisville.
Gator Bowl: Duke vs #14 Ole Miss – 1/2 at 7:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The Blue Devils are big underdogs due to losing quarterback Maalik Murphy to Oregon State. New Duke QB Darian Mensah will be ready to go come spring. Manny Diaz has to be pumped for 2025, especially if they can improve their running game. Lane Kiffin is probably more excited about recruiting and the transfer portal than he is for the Gator Bowl. Let’s go Duke.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs Virginia Tech – 1/3 at 7:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
So much for saving the best for last. I have nothing on this game. I know I can’t root for Virginia Tech in any sport. Row the boat! Let’s go Minnesota.
See you next season!