From Friday evening, the series on the American university football scene get underway with the new 12-team format, rather than the four of past years. Teams now have the opportunity to create surprises that could shake the columns of the NCAA temple until the national championship on January 20 in Atlanta. To get a clearer picture, here’s a look at the strengths in the first-round matches as well as some bowls to watch so you don’t miss any of the action this holiday season.
SERIES MATCHES (FIRST ROUND)
Indiana (11-1) v. Notre Dame (11-1)
December 20 (8 p.m.), South Bend
Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke powered the Hoosiers’ offense. – Photo AFP
No one would have imagined that Notre Dame would find itself in such a position after the embarrassing defeat against the small Northern Illinois program at the start of the campaign! The Fighting Irish are however given as favorites in this elimination duel, by virtue of a suffocating defense which limited 10 of their 12 opponents below the 20 points mark. As for the Indiana Hoosiers, no one saw them coming this season. This will be an opportunity to observe the excellent Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke (27 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions, 70.4% successful passes) at work. The pivots facing Notre Dame, however, have only completed 51% of their passes since last year, which means the challenge will be enormous. The Notre Dame offense, without being spectacular, does the work on the ground between carriers Jeremiah Love (949 yards, 15 touchdowns) and Jadarian Price (651 yards, 7 touchdowns) as well as quarterback Riley Leonard (721 yards, 14 touchdowns ).
Prediction: NOTRE DAME BY 10
*The winner will face Georgia (11-2) in the quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on June 1is January (8:45 p.m.)
SMU (11-2) c. Penn State (11-2)
December 21 (12 p.m.), University Park
Penn State’s Abdul Carter is considered one of the big defensive names in the upcoming NFL Draft. – Photo AFP
The Penn State Nittany Lions start with a huge home-field advantage in this game which will be played at home in Pennsylvania. As for the SMU Mustangs, their chances of success will lie with athletic quarterback Kevin Jennings, who took the job after a few weeks and never looked back. He will face the fierce defensive front of Penn State, which is banking in particular on the formidable Abdul Carter (10 sacks, two forced fumbles), who will become one of the best choices in the first round of the NFL draft in the spring. The puzzling thing about Penn State is that they haven’t beaten any high-quality opponents. Quarterback Drew Allar (2,894 yards, 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) will have to be in symbiosis with his excellent tight end Tyler Warren (88 receptions, 1,062 yards, 6 touchdowns).
Prediction: PENN STATE PAR 7
*The winner will face Boise State (12-1) in the quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale on December 31 (7:30 p.m.)
Clemson (10-3) c. Texas (10-2)
December 21 (4 p.m.), Austin
Quinn Ewers will try to lead the Longhorns to the greatest heights in the weeks to come. – Photo AFP
With three losses, the Clemson Tigers would not be in the playoffs if not for their close victory against SMU in the ACC conference final. Their only other victory against a winning team came narrowly against Pittsburgh (7-5). For their part, the Texas Longhorns had the misfortune of crossing Georgia twice on their path, losing the SEC conference championship to them in overtime. Texas relies on a defense that has yielded the second-lowest points total (12.5 per game) and the third-lowest total yards (249.8 per game). Quarterback Quinn Ewers (25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) is a prospect the NFL is keeping an eye on for the draft. His opposite Cade Klubnik (33 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) and carrier Phil Mafah (1,106 yards rushing) excelled, but against weaker opposition.
Prediction: TEXAS PAR 13
*The winner will face Arizona State (11-2) in the quarterfinals at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on June 1is January (1 p.m.)
Tennessee (10-2) c. Ohio State (10-2)
December 21 (8 p.m.), Columbus
Even though he has very little experience, receiver Jeremiah Smith is the most dangerous player on Ohio State’s offense. – Photo AFP
This duel promises to be very interesting in Columbus, in the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The latter rely on an exceptional defensive unit and on an attack which, despite a few hiccups at important moments, always has the potential to explode. The Tennessee Volunteers are counting on running back Dylan Sampson (1,485 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns), who will attract attention in the NFL draft. He’s still a big-play threat, having had 38 carries of 10 yards or more this season. However, it is difficult to break through the Buckeyes’ front, led by tackle Tyleik Williams. The order promises to be heavy for first-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava, very promising but inexperienced. One to watch at Ohio State is formidable freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Prediction: OHIO STATE PAR 6
*The winner will face Oregon (13-0) in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on the 1stis January (5 p.m.)
SOME BOWLS TO WATCH…
Gasparilla Bowl
Florida (7-5) c. Tulane (9-4)
December 20 (3:30 p.m.), Tampa
Quarterback DJ Lagway gives the Gators hope for a better future in the short term. – Photo AFP
Not that it’s a great game ahead, but the Florida Gators, after a rough start, are riding a three-game winning streak, and it’s a chance to watch their first-year quarterback DJ Lagway, I promise. to a bright future. Some even see him as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the MVP, next season. On the Tulane side, a sluggish end to the season and several players in the transfer portal undermined the team.
Prediction: FLORIDA PAR 6
Holiday Bowl
Syracuse (9-3) c. Washington State (8-4)
December 27 (8 p.m.), San Diego
After being rejected by Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord has rebounded well at Syracuse. – Photo AFP
Many Quebec NCAA football fans learned to watch the Syracuse Orange in recent years, when Victoriaville’s Matthew Bergeron was strengthening their offensive line before his jump to the NFL. With nine victories, the team had its best campaign since 2018, thanks to the crazy success of former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord (4,326 yards, 29 touchdowns). Washington State still relies on a top offense, but quarterback John Mateer is changing schools.
Prediction: SYRACUSE PAR 14
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Miami (10-2) c. Iowa State (10-3)
December 28 (3:30 p.m.), Orlando
The University of Miami Hurricanes are banking on one of the nation’s best quarterbacks in Cam Ward. – Photo AFP
Just for the Pop-Tarts trophy that actually includes a toaster function, you have to take a look, right? But much more importantly, for some at least, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward will play, even though he will become a first-round NFL draft pick in April. Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist, and Miami’s offense makes up for a porous defense. This duel will say a lot about Ward, since the Iowa State Cyclones, whom he will face, are fourth against the pass (161.7 yards per game).
Prediction: MIAMI PAR 3
Alamo Bowl
BYU (10-2) c. Colorado (9-3)
28 December (7:30 p.m.), San Antonio
Head coach Deion Sanders talks with his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, during a University of Colorado game. – Photo AFP
It’s hard not to take a look at the Colorado Buffaloes, the team led by the famous Deion Sanders, with his son Shedeur at quarterback. Because even if he is preparing to become a first round choice, Shedeur Sanders (3926 yards, 35 touchdowns, 74.2% successful passes) will be in this bowl. Same thing for the phenomenon Travis Hunter, who shines as much as a receiver as a cornerback. The BYU Cougars can compete, having been heading towards a perfect season before losses against Kansas and Arizona State.
Prediction: COLORADO PAR 4
Music City Bowl
Missouri (9-3) c. Iowa (8-4)
December 30 (2:30 p.m.), Nashville
Iowa still has a voracious defense, but the offense often lags behind. – Photo AFP
Very unfortunate, but two of the best players on these teams will not be in uniform. Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III and Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson prefer to focus on the NFL Draft. Difficult to predict the outcome of the match. Traditionally, Iowa has a strong defense and recruits well on that end, but it will be difficult to score points.
Prediction: MISSOURI BY 3
ReliaQuest Bowl
Alabama (9-3) c. Michigan (7-5)
December 31 (12 p.m.), Tampa
University of Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe – AFP Photo
If you had been told before the season that prestigious programs like Alabama and Michigan would be battling for the title of ReliaQuest Bowl champions, you would have laughed out loud. Michigan has struggled to replace its star players who left for the NFL after last year’s national championship. Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe will play to showcase himself ahead of the draft. The Michigan Wolverines offense hasn’t scored 20 points in six games this season, and defensively, star cornerback Will Johnson won’t play.
Prediction: ALABAMA PAR 12
Citrus Bowl
South Carolina (9-3) c. Illinois (9-3)
December 31 (3 p.m.), Orlando
South Carolina counts on a constant threat on the ground and by passing thanks to its quarterback LaNorris Sellers. – Photo AFP
The South Carolina Gamecocks flirted for a while with a playoff spot and ultimately have to settle for this bowl, which won’t be trivial. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has shown very encouraging signs in his first season and could explode onto the national scene next year. The defense also did very well. The presence of Luke Altmyer of the Illinois Fighting Illini ensures one of the good quarterback matchups this bowl season.
Prediction: SOUTH CAROLINA PAR 6
Gator Bowl
Ole Miss (9-3) c. Duke (9-3)
January 2 (7:30 p.m.), Jacksonville
Jaxson Dart and the Ole Miss Rebels will try to end their season on a good note. – Photo AFP
It won’t be easy for Duke! Two quarterbacks on the team have slipped into the transfer portal. Cohesion in attack risks suffering. As for the Ole Miss Rebels, we expected a playoff appearance, and this season is therefore a disappointment. The opportunity to finish on a good note is there with the presence of quarterback Jaxson Dart (3,875 yards, 25 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, in addition to 452 yards rushing) as well as the second best defense in the country against the run ( 83.5 yards per game).
