College football bowl game today: The schedule features five matchups

On By Littum

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The college football season kicks into high gear over the next few days as the new year approaches. Friday’s lineup offers five competitions with the so-called power four leagues well represented. The board contains a Top 25 teameven though you could be involved in one of today’s biggest mismatches.

The action today is primarily in warm-weather cities, so if you want to see people on the sidelines going to great lengths to stay out of the cold, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

Here’s a quick look at Friday’s games, starting in the Texas Metroplex before heading east and then west.

Time/TV/Place: Noon ET, ESPN, Fort Worth, Texas.

Why watch: Fresh off their memorable performance toppling Army, the Midshipmen hope to close out a double-digit win campaign. The Before had a rough debut season in the SEC, but picked up a notable win against Alabama along the way. Navy QB Blake Horvath amassed 2,365 yards of offense and 28 total touchdowns, and he will once again make extensive use of FB Alex Tecza and SB Eli Heidenrich. A host of Oklahoma players are transferring out, so freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr. will not have many experienced ball dealers to work with. The Sooners will need to establish their running game and shut down the Midshipmen’s option.

Why it might disappoint: As long as Navy avoids putting the ball on the ground, they’ve been fine. Preparing for an academy offense is difficult enough, even with extra practice time, so how the short-handed Sooners handle it will largely determine whether this one will be close.

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Time/TV/Place: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Birmingham, Ala.

Why watch: These academic institutions enjoyed some signature wins in their respective conferences, setting up what could be one of the more intriguing bowl lineup pairings. It’s already been an eventful offseason for Commodores QB Diego Pavia, who earned another year of collegiate eligibility on the court. He and TE Eli Stowers should be ready for this one. Yellow jackets QB Haynes King battled injuries for significant chunks of the season but should also be available along with RB Jamal Haynes.

Why it might disappoint: It shouldn’t. These are programs that should be pretty excited to be treated to the bowl experience. Both teams are gearing up for ball control, which should also keep the score within reach for everyone.

Time/TV/Place: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, Memphis, Tenn.

Why watch: It’s an old Southwest Conference reunion here on the banks of the Mississippi, marking just the third meeting between the schools since Arkansas joined the SEC in 1992. Razorbacks lead the all-time series 29-8, but the Red Raiders took the last meeting in 2015. The current season was a mixed bag for both programs, but both can claim a win against a playoff contender. The Razorbacks’ backfield tandem of QB Taylen Green and RB Ja’Quinden Jackson does most of their work in the ground game. The Red Raiders will be without starting QB Behren Morton due to injury, putting the onus on freshman Will Hammond to lead the offense in his first start. RB Tahj Brooks has been to practice, but may choose to save himself for the draft.

Why it might disappoint: If it does come off, it would likely mean a good night for the Red Raiders with the more explosive offense. The Razorbacks will need to have the ball for long stretches to keep it in hand.

Time/TV/Place: 8 p.m. ET, Fox, San Diego.

Why watch: One has to feel for Washington State fans who have endured a challenging year. Despite seeing their conference disintegrate, they had a strong start to the 2024 season, only to now see almost everyone in charge, players and coaches alike, out the door. The Cougars — those left — will be led in this contest by interim coach Pete Kaligis with Jake Dickert for Wake Forest. Zevi Eckhaus will make his first start at QB for Washington State in the game, and at least he can take solace in having top WR Kyle Williams in his huddle. The Orange, who closed the regular season with a stunning comeback win against Miami, have fewer personnel issues. QB Kyle McCord, WR Jackson Meeks and TE Oronde Gadsden will look to keep their late-season momentum going.

Why it might disappoint: The Cougars will do their best, but it’s hard to see how they can put a competitive product on the field given all the turnover. Orange should have this in hand before long.

Time/TV/Place: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Las Vegas.

Why watch: This isn’t where either of these name-brand programs had hoped to end the season, but both should still attract large numbers of fans to this popular destination. The Aggies were in the mix for their conference championship considerably longer, not officially eliminated until their season-ending loss to Texas. Little went right too Trojan horses after September, but at least they got a rivalry win against UCLA to reach bowl eligibility. The QB job at A&M going forward belongs to Marcel Reed, prompting opening starter Conner Weigman to hit the portal. Reed will unfortunately be without the services of injured RB Le’Veon Moss, but Amari Daniels has done a nice job stepping in. USC also made a midseason change at QB, turning to Jayden Maiava. However, he figures to be more shorthanded with other playmakers such as WR Zachariah Branch switching and RB Woody Marks opting out after an injury in the regular season finale.

Why it might disappoint: It’s conceivable that both sides could check out if things start to go badly, but hopefully there will be enough playmakers to keep it interesting into the wee hours.