The college football bowl season is one of the most exciting times of the year for fans. With over 40 games played over the course of several weeks, there's no shortage of thrilling matchups to look forward to. As the regular season comes to a close, we're taking a closer look at the top 10 projected college bowl game matchups that are sure to captivate audiences nationwide.
These matchups are based on current team rankings, conference standings, and the latest bowl game projections from experts around the country. From powerhouse programs like Alabama and Clemson to up-and-coming teams like Cincinnati and Coastal Carolina, this year's bowl season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Ranking the Top 10 Projected College Bowl Game Matchups
In the following sections, we'll break down each of the top 10 projected college bowl game matchups, including the teams involved, the bowl game itself, and what fans can expect from these exciting contests.
10. Peach Bowl: Georgia vs. Cincinnati
The Peach Bowl is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the bowl season, and this year's matchup between Georgia and Cincinnati promises to be a thriller. The Bulldogs come into the game ranked #8 in the country, while the Bearcats are looking to cap off an impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
Top 5 New Year's Six Bowl Games
In addition to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, the New Year's Six bowl games are some of the most prestigious and highly watched contests of the bowl season. Here are the top 5 New Year's Six bowl games to keep an eye on:
1. Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Iowa State
The Fiesta Bowl is always one of the most exciting games of the bowl season, and this year's matchup between Oregon and Iowa State should be no exception. The Ducks come into the game ranked #10 in the country, while the Cyclones are looking to build on their impressive Big 12 Championship Game appearance.
2. Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. USC
The Rose Bowl is one of the most iconic bowl games in college football, and this year's matchup between Ohio State and USC promises to be an instant classic. The Buckeyes come into the game ranked #6 in the country, while the Trojans are looking to cap off a resurgent 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
3. Sugar Bowl: Baylor vs. Ole Miss
The Sugar Bowl is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the bowl season, and this year's matchup between Baylor and Ole Miss should be no exception. The Bears come into the game ranked #12 in the country, while the Rebels are looking to build on their impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
4. Cotton Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State
The Cotton Bowl is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football, and this year's matchup between Notre Dame and Oklahoma State promises to be an exciting contest. The Fighting Irish come into the game ranked #5 in the country, while the Cowboys are looking to cap off a resurgent 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
5. Orange Bowl: Miami vs. Wisconsin
The Orange Bowl is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the bowl season, and this year's matchup between Miami and Wisconsin should be no exception. The Hurricanes come into the game ranked #15 in the country, while the Badgers are looking to build on their impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinals
The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are the culmination of the college football regular season, pitting the top four teams in the country against each other in two thrilling matchups. Here are the CFP semifinal matchups to keep an eye on:
1. Playoff Semifinal: Alabama vs. Clemson
The CFP semifinal matchup between Alabama and Clemson promises to be an instant classic. The Crimson Tide come into the game ranked #1 in the country, while the Tigers are looking to build on their impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
2. Playoff Semifinal: Michigan vs. Oklahoma
The CFP semifinal matchup between Michigan and Oklahoma promises to be an exciting contest. The Wolverines come into the game ranked #2 in the country, while the Sooners are looking to cap off a resurgent 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
Other Notable Bowl Game Matchups
In addition to the New Year's Six bowl games and CFP semifinals, there are several other notable bowl game matchups to keep an eye on. Here are a few of the most exciting contests:
1. Citrus Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State
The Citrus Bowl matchup between Florida and Penn State promises to be an exciting contest. The Gators come into the game ranked #20 in the country, while the Nittany Lions are looking to build on their impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
2. Outback Bowl: Tennessee vs. Minnesota
The Outback Bowl matchup between Tennessee and Minnesota promises to be a thrilling contest. The Volunteers come into the game ranked #24 in the country, while the Golden Gophers are looking to cap off a resurgent 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
3. Texas Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M
The Texas Bowl matchup between Arkansas and Texas A&M promises to be an exciting contest. The Razorbacks come into the game ranked #25 in the country, while the Aggies are looking to build on their impressive 2022 campaign with a major bowl victory.
What is the College Football Playoff (CFP)?
+The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a four-team tournament held at the end of each college football season to determine the national champion.
How are the CFP semifinal matchups determined?
+The CFP semifinal matchups are determined by a committee of 13 members, who select the top four teams in the country and match them up against each other in two semifinal games.
What are the New Year's Six bowl games?
+The New Year's Six bowl games are a group of six prestigious bowl games that are played on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, including the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl.
As the college football bowl season approaches, fans around the country are eagerly anticipating the top matchups and thrilling contests that will unfold. Whether you're a die-hard fan of a particular team or just love the excitement of college football, this year's bowl season promises to be an unforgettable experience. So grab some snacks, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the best that college football has to offer!