The idea of picking all the bowl matchups immediately after they're set is equal parts fun and chaotic. Kind of like the college football season.
But we'll do it here -- all 43 games -- from the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T.
Key players likely will opt out of games in the coming days, and many teams are dealing with coaching changes -- at the top and/or the assistant ranks. Motivation is always a huge factor for bowl games. Teams like Duke, Kansas, UConn and New Mexico State will be stoked to play in bowls, while other squads will have a tougher time getting revved up.
Certain matchups jump out, not only those in the CFP/New Year's Six but Group of 5 games like Troy-UTSA. Or pairings with contrasting styles like Illinois-Mississippi State. There's plenty of history in these matchups, from Tulane's return to the big bowl stage to Kansas and Arkansas meeting for the first time in more than 100 years.
These picks are straight up -- I have enough factors working against me here -- although point spreads and other tools were used in making the selections.
Ready, set, bowl!
College Football Playoff
Dec. 31
CFP semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Georgia Bulldogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) | Tickets
Georgia is primed to defend its national title and opens the CFP with a virtual home game. Quarterback Stetson Bennett, defensive lineman Jalen Carter, tight end Brock Bowers and the Bulldogs look unstoppable, having won eight straight games by 10 points or more since a 26-22 Oct. 1 scare at Missouri.
Ohio State has new life after the Michigan loss, and it's notable that the Buckeyes' only CFP championship came in a season (2014) where they were largely counted out because of injuries. Still, Georgia seems like a better version of Michigan, which repeatedly gashed the Buckeyes for long touchdowns. Ohio State starts quickly with a long touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Bennett and the Dawgs take control down the stretch and advance to the national title game.
Prediction: Georgia 38, Ohio State 28
CFP semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Michigan Wolverines vs. TCU Horned Frogs
State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona) | Tickets
J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines quickly shifted their attention to the CFP after the Big Ten title game, saying the team has "got a lot bigger plans" for the postseason after struggling against Georgia in last year's semifinal. TCU makes its first CFP appearance after a dream season, and star quarterback Max Duggan and his supporting cast will stress a Wolverines defense that has exceeded expectations following key personnel losses. The Hypnotoads make their customary second-half push, but Michigan is a second-half team, too, and playing with too much confidence on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines get key contributions from their young, celebrated recruits like McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards and cornerback Will Johnson and march on to the natty.
Prediction: Michigan 38, TCU 31
Final score: TCU 51, Michigan 45
Jan. 9
CFP National Championship presented by AT&T: Georgia vs. Michigan
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
After 41 years without a national title, Georgia can go back-to-back and establish itself as the sport's signature program. The Bulldogs dominated Michigan in last year's semifinal, a game that drove the Wolverines throughout the offseason.
Michigan is a different team -- more athletic at certain spots and more reliant on younger players, namely McCarthy and Edwards. The Wolverines will be much more competitive this time, pacing Georgia into the third quarter. But a McCarthy turnover swings the game to the Bulldogs, who lean on Bennett's big-game expertise and their three-headed running back onslaught to pull away. Linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson gives McCarthy a heavy dose of pressure down the stretch as the Dawgs secure another championship.
Prediction: Georgia 37, Michigan 24
Bowls
Dec. 16
Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl: Miami (Ohio) Redhawks vs. UAB Blazers
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium (Nassau, Bahamas)
A mid-December trip to the Bahamas is always worth celebrating, but Miami seems more excited to be there. UAB players weren't pleased with the coaching search process that led to Trent Dilfer's hiring. Still, they get one final chance to play for their preferred choice, interim coach Bryant Vincent, and deliver a strong performance. Linebacker Noah Wilder, safety Jaylen Key and UAB's defense will be too much for Miami, collecting three takeaways in the win.
Prediction: UAB 27, Miami (Ohio) 20
Final score: UAB 24, Miami (Ohio) 20
Duluth Trading Cure Bowl: Troy Trojans vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Exploria Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
There's a lot to love with this matchup. It pits two conference champions and two excellent coaches in UTSA's Jeff Traylor and Troy's Jon Sumrall, who guided the Trojans to the Sun Belt title in his first season. Troy's late offensive surge behind running back Kimani Vidal and others could make things interesting, especially with a very good defense, but UTSA's Frank Harris is too good to pick against on the bowl stage.
Prediction: UTSA 31, Troy 24
Final score: Troy 18, UTSA 12
Dec. 17
Wasabi Fenway Bowl: Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Louisville Cardinals
Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts)
This game got just a tad bit awkward Monday when coach Scott Satterfield left Louisville for the Cincinnati job. Satterfield's players now must prepare for a game against their former coach, who likely will take some current Louisville assistants with him. Fun times in Beantown. Barring opt-outs, the game will feature two of the nation's best linebackers in Cincinnati's Ivan Pace Jr. (120 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks), a national awards candidate and Louisville's Yasir Abdullah (8 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions). Abdullah and the Cardinals get it done in a low-scoring game.
Prediction: Louisville 20, Cincinnati 16
Final score: Louisville 24, Cincinnati 7
Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State Tigers vs. NC Central Eagles
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
I picked Jackson State in last year's Celebration Bowl and got burned badly. But it's hard not to think Jackson State shows up in coach Deion Sanders' final game before taking the Colorado job. Jackson State has been flat-out dominant, outscoring opponents 456-135 and 309-70 in SWAC play. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, running back Sy'veon Wilkerson and the Tigers find a way against standout defensive back Khalil Baker and the Eagles.
Prediction: Jackson State 29, North Carolina Central 21
Final score: North Carolina Central 41, Jackson State 34 OT
New Mexico Bowl: BYU Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs
University Stadium (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
SMU should be extremely motivated to play, as it had its last two bowls canceled because of COVID-19 outbreaks. The Mustangs flexed their offensive muscle down the stretch and will attack BYU with quarterback Tanner Mordecai and record-setting wideout Rashee Rice. BYU quarterback Jaren Hall is set to return from an ankle injury, so an offensive surge is likely. But SMU has a bit more fire, and rallies with two late touchdowns.
Prediction: SMU 41, BYU 37
Final score: BYU 24, SMU 23
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel: Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Washington State Cougars
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
Quarterback Jake Haener's final college game will be a must-watch. He leads a surging Fresno State team that claimed the Mountain West title and hasn't lost since he returned from an ankle injury. Haener and Washington State quarterback Cam Ward should provide some highlights, and both defenses have star power with Fresno State's David Perales and WSU's Daiyan Henley. Washington State has a bit more balance, but I can't go against Haener here.
Prediction: Fresno State 33, Washington State 30
Final score: Fresno State 29, Washington State 6
LendingTree Bowl: Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Rice Owls
Hancock Whitney Stadium (Mobile, Alabama)
I've been burned by picking against 5-7 teams before, and Rice certainly will be excited to play in its first bowl game since the 2014 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl. Neither team finished the season particularly well, but Southern Miss owns a signature win over Tulane and has an opportunistic defense led by safety Jay Stanley (4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery). Coach Will Hall's defense is the difference in a game where points will be at a premium.
Prediction: Southern Miss 20, Rice 14
Final score: Southern Miss 38, Rice 24
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State Beavers vs. Florida Gators
Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Oregon State comes in hot after winning six of its final seven games, including an upset of rival Oregon, while Florida lost its rivalry game to Florida State and four of its final six contests. The Beavers improved markedly on defense this season but must contend with Florida running backs Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne, who combined for 1,532 rush yards and 16 touchdowns. Oregon State counters with its own dynamic young running back in Damien Martinez, who scores a late touchdown for the win.
Prediction: Oregon State 27, Florida 24
Final score: Oregon State 30, Florida 3
Frisco Bowl: Boise State Broncos vs. North Texas Mean Green
Toyota Stadium (Frisco, Texas)
After losing the Mountain West championship game on the blue turf, Boise State must play a virtual road game against North Texas, the Conference USA runner up, which has only a 30-minute commute to Frisco. If Boise State has safety JL Skinner and all of its defensive standouts available, it should be able to stress quarterback Austin Aune and a Mean Green offense with depth at running back and wide receiver. I liked how Boise State rebounded from its early season offensive woes, and North Texas, which fired coach Seth Littrell on Dec. 4, has struggled in bowls recently.
Prediction: Boise State 35, North Texas 27
Final score: Boise State 35, North Texas 32
Dec. 19
Myrtle Beach Bowl: UConn Huskies vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
Brooks Stadium (Conway, South Carolina)
After winning just three games in its previous three seasons, UConn is back in a bowl game for the first time since 2015. It's a remarkable accomplishment for first-year coach Jim Mora and the players. The Huskies finished strong with wins over Boston College and Liberty, but Marshall also surged by winning four straight and five of six to end the regular season. Marshall ranks fourth nationally in defensive efficiency and allows only 16.2 points per game. UConn won't be able to score much against defensive lineman Owen Porter, defensive back Micah Abraham and the Herd.
Prediction: Marshall 23, UConn 10
Final score: Marshall 28, UConn 14
Dec. 20
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: San Jose State Spartans vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho)
These teams have similar records and profiles, as both have feasted on sub.-500 opponents. Both beat Western Michigan easily, and San Jose State has a few more lopsided victories than the Eagles, who are 0-4 in bowls under Chris Creighton and own only one postseason win in the 1987 California Bowl. A fun matchup features Eastern Michigan defensive end Jose Ramirez, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year with 12 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, chasing talented Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who has 20 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. Cordeiro and the Spartans pull away late.
Prediction: San Jose State 35, Eastern Michigan 27
Final score: Eastern Michigan 41, San Jose State 27
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo Rockets vs. Liberty Flames
FAU Stadium (Boca Raton, Florida)
Toledo won its first MAC championship since 2017 and easily could have a better record, dropping four of its five games by seven points or fewer. Dequan Finn is one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks when healthy -- 22 passing touchdowns, eight rushing touchdowns -- and Toledo's defense finished strong. Liberty, which lost coach Hugh Freeze to Auburn, looked disinterested down the stretch, and I don't see that changing in Boca.
Prediction: Toledo 37, Liberty 24
Final score: Toledo 21, Liberty 19
Dec. 21
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. South Alabama Jaguars
Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana)
South Alabama is one of four Group of 5 teams to reach the 10-win mark. Coach Kane Wommack's squad thrived in close games, winning five by seven points or fewer. Western Kentucky had mixed results in close contests, but also registered several blowout wins, thanks to quarterback Austin Reed (4,247 pass yards, 36 touchdowns) and a deep and talented receiving corps led by Malachi Corley. The better offensive outfit gets it done in ideal conditions inside the dome.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 34, South Alabama 31
Final score: Western Kentucky 44, South Alabama 23
Dec. 22
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force Falcons vs. Baylor Bears
Amon G. Carter Stadium (Fort Worth, Texas)
Is there a really good program/coach that generates less acclaim than Air Force and Troy Calhoun? The Falcons went 9-3 and have the nation's No. 1 defense, allowing only 256.4 yards per game. Baylor will play in TCU's home stadium (awkward). They come in on a three-game losing streak and having recently made a defensive coordinator change. Air Force hasn't seen the type of skill Baylor possesses too often this season. Baylor has faced a much tougher schedule and finds enough offense down the stretch with running back Richard Reese and others.
Prediction: Baylor 26, Air Force 21
Final score: Air Force 30, Baylor 15
Dec. 23
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. Houston Cougars
Independence Stadium (Shreveport, Louisiana)
The Ragin' Cajuns have played six bowl games within the state, but all in New Orleans. They make their Shreveport debut against a Houston team that fell short of expectations this fall but did win five of its final seven games. Coach Michael Desormeaux's team played the Sun Belt's best squads close, so I like the Cajuns to hang around because of a defense featuring safety Bralen Trahan, end Zi'Yon Hill-Green and others. But Houston has too much thrust on offense and will prevail.
Prediction: Houston 37, Louisiana 31
Final score: Houston 23, Louisiana 16
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Missouri Tigers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
Record-setting Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman won't return to the Demon Deacons in 2023. The question is whether he plays in the bowl against a Missouri defense that has made significant strides under first-year coordinator Blake Baker. Wake Forest dropped four of its final five games, although all but one by single digits. Missouri will grind out a late lead, but if Hartman plays, he'll engineer the decisive drive.
Prediction: Wake Forest 27, Missouri 24
Final score: Wake Forest 27, Missouri 17
Dec. 24
EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex (Honolulu, Hawai'i)
After a shaky start, San Diego State started doing San Diego State things again, grinding out wins on defense and finding some late offense from quarterback Jalen Mayden and others. Middle Tennessee won four of five games to finish the season but didn't exactly beat the best competition (UTEP, Charlotte, FAU, FIU). San Diego State rides defensive lineman Jonah Tavai, safety Patrick McMorris and its defense to its third straight bowl victory.
Prediction: San Diego State 27, Middle Tennessee 23
Final score: Middle Tennessee State 25, San Diego State 23
Dec. 26
Quick Lane Bowl: Bowling Green Falcons vs. New Mexico State Aggies
Ford Field (Detroit, Michigan)
The teams combined to go 6-18 last season but turned things around to end bowl droughts. First-year coach Jerry Kill helped New Mexico State reach only its second bowl game since 1960, while Scot Loeffler got Bowling Green to the postseason for the first time since 2015. Bowling Green has some solid wins -- Toledo, Marshall and Miami (Ohio) -- and boasts an excellent defensive lineman in Karl Brooks (10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles). The Falcons do enough to tame quarterback Diego Pavia and a fun Aggies team.
Prediction: Bowling Green 34, New Mexico State 21
Final score: New Mexico State 24, Bowling Green 19
Dec. 27
Camellia Bowl: Buffalo Bulls vs. Georgia Southern Eagles
Cramton Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama)
Quarterback Kyle Vantrease started 25 games for Buffalo before transferring to Georgia Southern, where he has blossomed under first-year coach Clay Helton. Vantrease helped the Eagles to wins over Nebraska and James Madison, and enters the bowl game with 3,901 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Buffalo has been a streaky team -- three losses to begin, then five wins, then three more losses -- but squeaked into a bowl under second-year coach Maurice Linguist. Vantrease gets the best of his former team.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 38, Buffalo 30
Final score: Buffalo 23, Georgia Southern 21
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Utah State Aggies vs. Memphis Tigers
Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas, Texas)
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield seemingly is safe for 2023 despite a second consecutive 6-6 season, but his team needs to take care of business against Utah State, which struggled early before beating Air Force and San Jose State down the stretch to reach its 10th bowl game since 2011 (after none since 1997). The Aggies need a big game from running back Calvin Tyler Jr., but Memphis has a significant edge on offense and pulls away behind quarterback Seth Henigan.
Prediction: Memphis 34, Utah State 20
Final score: Memphis 38, Utah State 10
TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl: East Carolina Pirates vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Protective Life Stadium (Birmingham, Alabama)
ECU should be the more incentivized team after last year's bowl game -- the program's first since the 2014 season -- was canceled because of COVID-19 issues. Coastal Carolina has lost coach Jamey Chadwell to Liberty and surrendered a combined 92 points in losses to James Madison and Troy. ECU's triple threat of quarterback Holton Ahlers, running back Keaton Mitchell and wide receiver Isaiah Winstead will prove too much for the Chants.
Prediction: East Carolina 42, Coastal Carolina 31
Final score: East Carolina 53, Coastal Carolina 29
Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Chase Field (Phoenix, Arizona)
New Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell will be involved with the Badgers in some way for the game, but the team is still dealing with coaching transition, and the transfer portal departure of three-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz. Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders' status also is worth watching, and the Pokes lost leading tackler Mason Cobb to the portal. There's not much to love about this matchup, but someone has to win and I'll go with coach Mike Gundy's crew.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 23, Wisconsin 17
Final score: Wisconsin 24, Oklahoma State 17
Dec. 28
Military Bowl Presented by Peraton: Duke Blue Devils vs. UCF Knights
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)
First-year Duke coach Mike Elko took a team that went 3-9 (0-8 in ACC play) last season and guided it to a bowl for the first time since 2018. Both teams are solid on defense, and while UCF has an edge offensively with athletic quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, if healthy, Duke should be much more motivated to play. The Elko-Gus Malzahn coaching matchup should be fun, but Duke rallies in the fourth quarter behind dual-threat QB Riley Leonard.
Prediction: Duke 36, UCF 33
Final score: Duke 30, UCF 13
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (Memphis, Tennessee)
The drought is over and Kansas will be bowling for the first time since the 2008 Insight Bowl. Even better, Kansas and Arkansas will play for the first time since 1906. The game should feature a fun quarterback matchup with Kansas' Jalon Daniels and Arkansas' KJ Jefferson, who will return to the Hogs in 2023. Both teams finished 6-6, but the metrics say Arkansas should have done much better (four losses by three points or fewer). Kansas will take an early lead, but the second half will be all Hogs.
Prediction: Arkansas 45, Kansas 37
Final score: Arkansas 55, Kansas 53
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Petco Park (San Diego, California)
Both teams struggled down the stretch, but the quarterback matchup should be excellent with UNC's Drake Maye and Oregon's Bo Nix. Their combined stats this season are staggering: 7,504 passing yards, 62 passing touchdowns, 21 rushing touchdowns and 1,157 rushing yards. The difference is Oregon's defense, which can be formidable when things are aligned right. UNC won't have enough answers for Nix, running back Bucky Irving and the Ducks, who end coach Dan Lanning's first season on a good note.
Prediction: Oregon 47, North Carolina 37
Final Score: Oregon 28, North Carolina 27
TaxAct Texas Bowl: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Ole Miss Rebels
NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Ole Miss tumbled down the stretch, amid rumors coach Lane Kiffin would leave for the Auburn job. Now that the Lane Train remains parked in Oxford, the Rebels could revive their play against a Texas Tech team that played really well at home but looked shaky away from Lubbock. Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins will remind us why he's one of the most impressive young players in college football, and have a big night against a solid Texas Tech defense that doesn't have its best player (linebacker Tyree Wilson). Quarterback Tyler Shough keeps the Red Raiders close in this one.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Texas Tech 29
Final score: Texas Tech 42, Ole Miss 25
Dec. 29
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Syracuse Orange vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Yankee Stadium (New York, New York)
If Minnesota's Mohamed Ibrahim and Syracuse's Sean Tucker both play, arguably no bowl game will feature a better matchup of running backs. Ibrahim eclipsed 100 rushing yards in each of his first 11 games this season, while Tucker recorded his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season. Minnesota has the edge on defense, though, and the Gophers finished the season strong with wins in four of their final five games. Ibrahim, standout safety Tyler Nubin and the Gophers record their sixth straight bowl win.
Prediction: Minnesota 26, Syracuse 17
Final score: Minnesota 28, Syracuse 20
Cheez-It Bowl: Oklahoma Sooners vs. Florida State Seminoles
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
The Seminoles thought they were free of Brent Venables, the longtime Clemson defensive coordinator who had a difficult first season as OU's coach. All the ingredients seem to favor FSU, which ended the season on a five-game win streak and has a short trip to the game site. The Seminoles' improved defense must slow down Dillon Gabriel, the former UCF quarterback who returns to Orlando. But Oklahoma won't have answers for quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson and the Noles.
Prediction: Florida State 44, Oklahoma 37
Final score: Florida State 35, Oklahoma 32
Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas Longhorns vs. Washington Huskies
Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas)
This will be a tough draw for Washington, which helped Utah get to the Pac-12 title game, only to lose a potential Rose Bowl spot when the Utes beat USC. The Huskies now enter a virtual road environment against Texas, which has won four straight bowl games, including two in the Alamo. Will Longhorns star running back Bijan Robinson play or opt out? Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation's No. 1 pass offense. Expect a good amount of scoring, but Texas has the edge with its defense and the location.
Prediction: Texas 38, Washington 35
Final score: Washington 27, Texas 20
Dec. 30
Duke's Mayo Bowl: NC State Wolfpack vs. Maryland Terrapins
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
The teams played regularly in the ACC before Maryland left for the Big Ten, and the all-time series is remarkably deadlocked: 33 NC State wins, 33 Maryland wins and four ties. NC State will have the crowd edge and an excellent defense, but Maryland has more options on offense if they all suit up. Both teams struggled for most of the back half of the season, but NC State, which had its bowl game called off last year at the last minute, will have a bit more juice to finish strong behind linebacker Drake Thomas, cornerback Aydan White and a very sound defense.
Prediction: NC State 27, Maryland 21
Final score: Maryland 16, NC State 12
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: UCLA Bruins vs. Pitt Panthers
Sun Bowl Stadium (El Paso, Texas)
The opt-out situation for UCLA could swing this game. If quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, running back Zach Charbonnet and UCLA's other NFL draft hopefuls play, UCLA should have an edge. Pitt likely won't be thrilled with this matchup, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Calijah Kancey already announced he won't play because of an injury. The running back matchup between Charbonnet and Pitt's Israel Abanikanda is fun, and former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis gets another shot at the Bruins. DTR finishes a fascinating and record-setting career on a high note.
Prediction: UCLA 34, Pitt 30
Final score: Pitt 37, UCLA 35
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)
This feels like a fairly big game for Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, who lost his debut in the Fiesta Bowl last year. After starting quarterback Drew Pyne entered the transfer portal, the Irish could turn to opening game QB1 Tyler Buchner, who is back from injury, or reserves Steve Angeli and Ron Powlus III. South Carolina comes in hot after wins over Tennessee and Clemson, and both squads excel on special teams. It's hard to pick against Shane Beamer's crew right now, and they win on a field goal.
Prediction: South Carolina 27, Notre Dame 25
Final score: Notre Dame 45, South Carolina 38
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: Ohio Bobcats vs. Wyoming Cowboys
Arizona Stadium (Tucson, Arizona) | Tickets
Expect a low-scoring game in the desert, especially as Ohio finishes the season without star quarterback Kurtis Rourke (knee). Backup CJ Harris played well against Bowling Green but struggled in the MAC title game loss to Toledo. Wyoming was shut out 30-0 in its regular-season finale and only reached 30 points once against an FBS opponent. I like Ohio's defense, led by end Jack McCrory and others, to find a way and give the team its 10th victory.
Prediction: Ohio 20, Wyoming 17
Final score: Ohio 30, Wyoming 27 (OT)
Capital One Orange Bowl: Clemson Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | Tickets
Hard Rock Stadium will be extremely orange for this one, as Tennessee makes its first New Year's Six bowl appearance in the CFP era. Both teams have had quarterback changes, one because of injury (Tennessee's Joe Milton replacing Hendon Hooker) and the other because of performance (Clemson's Cade Klubnik replacing D.J. Uiagalelei). Clemson doesn't have opt-outs for bowls, and the Tigers should benefit from having Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee and others against a Vols offense that, even without Hooker, packs a punch. The Tigers also can start to build behind dynamic young quarterback Klubnik.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Tennessee 31
Final score: Tennessee 31, Clemson 14
Dec. 31
TransPerfect Music City Bowl: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
If you thought Iowa's offense with a full quarterback room was an adventure, get ready for the Hawkeyes without starter Spencer Petras (injury) or backup Alex Padilla (transfer portal). The Hawkeyes will go with Joe Labas or Carson May against Kentucky, which also might be without its top quarterback Will Levis, who has already declared for the NFL draft. Iowa likely will need points from its defense and special teams, or at least short fields, in its bowl rematch from last season with the Wildcats. Kentucky leans on running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to get just enough offense to win.
Prediction: Kentucky 16, Iowa 10
Final score: Iowa 21, Kentucky 0
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Kansas State Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Motivation is by far the biggest factor here. Kansas State returns to its first New Year's Six bowl in a decade (2013 Fiesta), while Alabama missed the CFP for just the second time since it began following the 2014 season. The Crimson Tide did show up the last time they fell short of the top 4, crushing Michigan in the 2000 Citrus Bowl, but opt-outs likely will be a significant factor for coach Nick Saban's team. Will quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and others even play? Kansas State can hold its own with anyone, and boasts standouts on both offense (running back Deuce Vaughn, quarterback Will Howard, receiver Malik Knowles) and defense (defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, cornerback Julius Brents, linebacker Austin Moore). Maybe the more talented Tide roll, but I like the more engaged team to pull off the upset. Once again, Ty Zentner kicks the game-winning field goal.
Prediction: Kansas State 31, Alabama 30
Final score: Alabama 45, Kansas State 20
Jan. 2
ReliaQuest Bowl: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida) | Tickets
Illinois' defense fueled its return to the postseason, and All-America DB candidate Devon Witherspoon and his teammates will try to slow down quarterback Will Rogers and Mississippi State's Air Raid offense. The status of Illini star running back Chase Brown is worth watching, as coach Bret Bielema's team will try to limit possessions against the Bulldogs, who split their final six games after a 5-1 start. Illinois hasn't won a bowl game since 2011, but collects two second-half turnovers to rally past Mississippi State.
Prediction: Illinois 26, Mississippi State 24
Final score: Mississippi State 19, Illinois 10
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: LSU Tigers vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida) | Tickets
The SEC and Big Ten championship game runners up meet in Orlando, where Purdue hasn't played since the 2004 game. Purdue shouldn't be overly impacted by opt-outs, while LSU always has a group who must decide if they want to participate in a non-CFP bowl. Purdue showed last year it could outscore an SEC team in a bowl. Coach Jeff Brohm will employ an aggressive game plan with quarterback Aidan O'Connell, wide receiver Charlie Jones and the offense, but LSU is a much better defense than Tennessee was last season and the Boilers will fall just short.
Prediction: LSU 31, Purdue 27
Final score: LSU 63, Purdue 7
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: USC Trojans vs. Tulane Green Wave
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) | Tickets
What an incredible season for Tulane and coach Willie Fritz, who went 2-10 last year and now return to a New Year's Six-level bowl for the first time since the 1940 Sugar. USC was hoping for its first CFP appearance, so the Trojans' motivation level will be a factor, as will some likely NFL draft opt-outs. But if a healthy quarterback Caleb Williams plays, USC should be able to move the ball, although Tulane's defense has been very solid (20.5 ppg allowed, 342.3 ypg allowed). Quarterback Michael Pratt, running back Tyjae Spears and the Green Wave will pile up yards against a leaky USC defense, but I'm going with Williams and USC to win a high-scoring game.
Prediction: USC 41, Tulane 38
Final score: Tulane 46, USC 45
Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential: Utah Utes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | Tickets
Utah heads to Pasadena for the second straight season, while Penn State makes its first Rose Bowl appearance in six years. Opt-outs likely will be minimal, although Penn State will miss star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. against Utah's passing game. Penn State is poised for a big 2023 season with a lot of key players returning, but this will be the final game as a Nittany Lion for quarterback Sean Clifford and he'll play well. But I can't pick against Utah and quarterback Cam Rising, who missed most of last year's game with an injury. Rising and tight end Dalton Kincaid lead the Utes on a late touchdown drive to rally for the win.
Prediction: Utah 31, Penn State 28
Final score: Penn State 35, Utah 21