The slate of bowl games on deck this year is pretty fantastic - we can't remember another year in recent memory with this many must-watch matchups. To help you put together your viewing schedule, here are the five we're most excited about:
5. Alamo Bowl: Kansas State vs. UCLA
Two very good offenses, two defenses that have looked shaky against very good offenses...these teams will both be hungry after falling short of their goals for the season, and that formula always leads to extremely fun, open football games. UCLA has one of the most dynamic players in the country in Myles Jack, and K-State's dual-threat QB Jake Waters is one of the most underrated playmakers around. Bring the popcorn.
4. Russell Athletic Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Clemson
Both of these teams won't be happy about ending up here, and that's part of what makes second-tier bowls between successful programs so much fun. Oklahoma has one of the nation's best running backs in Samaje Perine, and Clemson has a loaded defense anchored by future NFL star Vic Beasley.
3. Music City Bowl: LSU vs. Notre Dame
Will Notre Dame's second-half slide continue against Les Miles and the Tigers, or will Notre Dame finally rediscover the form that saw them start the season 7-1? You never know exactly which LSU team is going to show up - the defensive juggernaut who held Ole Miss to seven points, or the chaotic mess that lost to Auburn by 34. This game will be giving Vegas nightmares as they try to get a read on how these teams match up...and we can't wait to see who comes out on top.
2. Cotton Bowl: #8 Michigan State vs. #5 Baylor
The Bears are NOT HAPPY about missing out on the playoff, and they'll try to beat up on the Spartans to prove they should have taken Ohio State's spot in the final four. Michigan State's defense, meanwhile, will be out to avenge their losses to Ohio State and Oregon by shutting down the nation's #1 scoring offense. Something's gotta give...
1. Fiesta Bowl: #20 Boise State vs. #10 Arizona
The combined number of points scored in the last four Fiesta Bowls: 94, 52, 79, 68. This has been the place to be for high-scoring shootouts over the last few years, and the return of Boise State - who produced one of the most memorable wins in college football history here back in 2007 - can only be a good omen. Rich Rodriguez teams are never boring, for better or worse, and we can't wait to see how he tries to handle Boise's unconventional attack.
What bowl game are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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