We are gearing up for an exciting December in college football, especially with the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff. But before we dive deep into the playoff matchups, let’s take a moment to reflect on the other bowl games that will soon be upon us.
Do the Bowls Matter?
Inevitably, this time of year brings up the question: do the rest of the bowls even matter? While some fans may dismiss them, Bowl Season means something different to everyone. For many teams and players, these games can serve as a springboard for future success. With a handful of intriguing matchups in our latest projections, these bowls could be must-watch events, especially depending on who opts out of their games.
Exciting Bowl Matchups to Watch
Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting bowl matchups that could unfold:
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Syracuse vs. Michigan
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord will get another shot at the Wolverines. Will Michigan stars like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant decide to play? And what about Will Johnson, a projected top-five pick who has been sidelined for most of the season with a toe injury? This game could be pivotal for all involved.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Miami vs. USC
Imagine Miami’s Cam Ward taking the field in this matchup. However, if the Hurricanes don’t make the College Football Playoff, his participation is uncertain. Still, it promises to be a fun matchup and a chance for Trojans freshman Jayden Maiava to showcase his skills.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Illinois vs. South Carolina
Both the Illini and Gamecocks have had solid seasons, winning nine games each. This matchup could serve as a significant stepping stone for both programs heading into 2025. Plus, who doesn’t love Cheez-Its?
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Clemson vs. Iowa
The thought of either Dabo Swinney or Kirk Ferentz accepting a “Mayo Bath” is enough to get fans excited. This quirky tradition adds a fun twist to the matchup.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Schedule
As we look ahead, the penultimate set of College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled on Tuesday. Sporting News will continue to provide weekly bowl projections leading up to the first 12-team playoff field announcement on December 8.
The first round of the new CFP will kick off with one game on Friday, December 20, and three more on Saturday, December 21. Mark your calendars for the quarterfinals, which will take place at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (December 31), Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (January 1), Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential (January 1), and Allstate Sugar Bowl (January 1). The semifinals are scheduled for the Capital One Orange Bowl (January 9) and Cotton Bowl Classic (January 10), culminating in the CFP National Championship on January 20 in Atlanta.
College Football Playoff First-Round Predictions
Now, let’s take a look at the four College Football Playoff first-round matchups for the 2024-25 season. These games will be played on campus, adding an extra layer of excitement:
| DATE | BOWL | MATCHUP |
| Dec. 20 | First-Round CFP game | No. 11 Arizona State at No. 6 Notre Dame |
| Dec. 21 | First-Round CFP game | No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia |
| Dec. 21 | First-Round CFP game | No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State |
| Dec. 21 | First-Round CFP game | No. 12 Alabama at No. 5 Penn State |
Is Dabo Swinney right when he calls this the “SEC-Big Ten Invitational”? With Indiana and Alabama as underdogs on the road, which team has the better chance to pull off an upset? It’s worth noting that Ohio State’s Will Howard, Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, and Penn State’s Drew Allar all rank in the top five in FBS passer efficiency. How will they fare against SEC defenses?
Quarterfinal and Semifinal Predictions
Looking ahead to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchups for the 2024-25 season, these games will be hosted at the traditional New Year’s Day Six bowl sites:
| DATE | BOWL | MATCHUP |
| Dec. 31 | Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 4 Boise State vs. No. 5 Penn State |
| Jan. 1 | Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 3 SMU vs. No. 6 Notre Dame |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential (quarterfinal) | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State |
| Jan. 1 | Allstate Sugar Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 2 Texas vs. No. 7 Georgia |
Fans of Penn State and Notre Dame may be frustrated knowing they’ll be ranked in the top five while Boise State and SMU enjoy first-round byes. The Broncos will look to relive their Fiesta Bowl glory against the Nittany Lions.
For the semifinals, the matchups will be:
| DATE | BOWL | MATCHUP |
| Jan. 9 | Capital One Orange Bowl (semifinal) | No. 2 Texas vs. No. 6 Notre Dame |
| Jan. 10 | Cotton Bowl Classic (semifinal) | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 5 Penn State |
The Orange Bowl matchup between the Longhorns and Irish promises to be an instant classic, with both teams ranking high in scoring defense.
Championship Matchup
Finally, the stage is set for the College Football Playoff championship game, scheduled for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta:
| DATE | BOWL | MATCHUP |
| Jan. 20 | CFP National Championship | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 2 Texas |
This matchup may be the chalky answer, but the Ducks and Longhorns have consistently proven themselves throughout the regular season. With the stakes high, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between these two powerhouse programs.
As we eagerly await the action, one thing is clear: college football is about to deliver an unforgettable postseason!
