ranking the 41 college football bowl video games for 2022-23: Playoff matchups convey as Orange, Sugar disappoint - CBS activities

another faculty football bowl season has come and long past, and for the first time in a number of years, all of the scheduled games went off with out a hitch. it be magnificent what will also be accomplished when there is rarely a world pandemic inserting the sanctity of faculty soccer's postseason in danger, huh? 

ultimately, forty one postseason games have been played, including the college football Playoff semifinals. some of them had been incredible (just like the semis), while some others ... smartly ... they helped kill a few hours, if nothing else. All had been price having, however, no matter what monsters like my cover three Podcast co-host Danny Kanell agree with.

all the bowl video games need to be ranked, too. If I actually have the courage to rank them earlier than they are played, the least i will do is rank them after they are over. So which games ruled and which drooled? Let's settle it as soon as and for all.

2022-23 faculty football bowl rankings forty one. Citrus Bowl

No. 17 LSU sixty three, Purdue 7: We waited unless the remaining day of bowl season to play the worst of all of them. once I ranked the online game earlier than Bowl Season begun, Jeff Brohm turned into still the pinnacle train at Purdue and LSU's Kayshon Boutte changed into planning to come returned and play again next yr. that all modified, and there were so many choose-outs on both sides of this one that it be complicated to imagine it going some other means than the eventual outcomes. And it best went a method. LSU became up 35-0 at halftime, and Purdue didn't ranking except the fourth quarter when it turned into already forty nine-0. That appeared to be a mistake since it simply brought about LSU to retain enjoying. Pregame ranking: 20

40. Las Vegas Bowl

No. 14 Oregon State 30, Florida three: The saddest box goal of all time happened in this online game, nevertheless it didn't do anything for its ranking. Florida got here into the video game with a streak of 436 consecutive video games scoring elements, not having been shut out in view that the 1998 season. It become the longest such streak within the nation -- fifty seven video games longer than another software. it be the type of streak that handiest the team that holds it cares about, and darn it, Billy Napier become going to be certain the streak was extended.

this is why he despatched Adam Mihalek out with 37 seconds left to kick a forty-yard container goal to retailer his crew from the embarrassment of dropping 30-0. dropping 30-3 appears so a great deal improved! As for Oregon State, it turned into an emphatic remark to conclusion a phenomenal season that saw the Beavers win 10 games for the first time given that 2006. Pregame ranking: 7

39. First Responder Bowl

Memphis 38, Utah State 10: This video game never pretended to be exciting. It changed into tied three-3 halfway throughout the 2nd quarter earlier than Memphis ripped off three touchdowns before halftime. Utah State turned into by no means capable of recover. Memphis QB Seth Henigan threw for more yards (284) than Utah State had as a group (261). Pregame rating: 41

38. music city Bowl

Iowa 21, Kentucky 0: adequate, here's the element. I adored this video game. It changed into precisely what it turned into imagined to be. Iowa was missing its top two quarterbacks, while Kentucky was devoid of its beginning QB and two leading rushers. These were two awful offenses during the ordinary season, and it seems that for those who remove all the starters from the equation, they did not improve. there were 21 points scored within the online game and 18 punts ... and Iowa's defense scored two of the three touchdowns on opt for sixes!

if you tuned into this video game, you knew what you have been in for and that's the reason what you bought. That observed, just since it went the style it became speculated to does not imply it was a superb video game. I loved it, however within the way a mom still loves her infant after they have been convicted of heinous crimes in opposition t humanity. Pregame ranking: 17

37. Sugar Bowl

No. 5 Alabama forty five, No. 9 Kansas State 20: The decent news is Bryce younger and will Anderson Jr. played in the online game, and nothing disastrous took place to both of them. The bad information is the game could've been an awful lot greater unique had they sat out. The Wildcats bought off to a hot birth, taking a 10-0 lead in the first half, however Alabama then scored 5 touchdowns before the Wildcats scored once more. young reminded us why he received the Heisman in 2021 as he helped put this online game out of reach while throwing for 321 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

it's no longer how Alabama fans wanted their season to end (they wanted to win the closing video game, however at SoFi Stadium, now not the Superdome), however the Tide accomplished 11-2. it be the fifteenth straight season Alabama has won as a minimum 10 video games, and it says a great deal when an eleven-2 checklist is viewed as a disappointment. Pregame ranking: 19

36. LA Bowl

Fresno State 29, Washington State 6: The one issue the LA Bowl gets right is that it's now not a bowl game with a storied tradition, and it does not behave as such. it be a gimmick meant to get two groups in an NFL stadium to play a video game with low stakes. So why not have your mascot be a vomiting came?! lamentably, whereas last 12 months's debut online game turned into a banger, this 12 months's had a great deal in average with the vomiting camel. Pregame rating: 8

35. New Orleans Bowl

Western Kentucky 44, South Alabama 23: I handiest had this game ranked at No. 23 prior to now, but it surely didn't come close to assembly the average expectations. it be always entertaining to peer excessive-powered offenses go in opposition t strong defenses, but Western Kentucky put this video game's edition of the talk to leisure right now. The Hilltoppers have been up 31-three at halftime, and while I favored South Alabama's effort in the 2d half, there was not ever any experience of jeopardy. Pregame ranking: 23

34. Fenway Bowl

Louisville 24, Cincinnati 7: This online game would've been so much greater if Scott Satterfield had been pressured to spend the entire video game in a cage between the benches (they had to share a sideline at Fenway Park), but i am no longer bound even that could've saved this game. The crew that appeared happy to lose its coach showed extra power than the crew that appeared surprised by dropping its educate, nevertheless it became a low bar to clear. Louisville entire the primary half amazing to take a 21-7 lead at the half, then sat on it the rest of the way. Cincinnati's offense was hapless and accomplished with 127 yards. Of those 127, 73 got here on the Bearcats' lone TD pressure. That left fifty four yards for Cincinnati's other 11 possessions. Pregame rating: 14

33. defense force Bowl

Duke 30, UCF 13: you'll have concept UCF getting John Rhys Plumlee lower back for this online game would've ended in a thriller, but the Duke defense neutralized him as a runner and forced him to beat it throughout the air. You saw the score; you understand how it went. The Knights put collectively a pleasant fourth-quarter force to make it appear decent, however Duke managed this online game the whole 2nd half. It changed into an emphatic finish for Mike Elko's crew in his first season as the Blue Devils complete 9-4, capping their first nine-win season in view that 2014. Pregame ranking: 26

32. defense force Bowl

Air force 30, Baylor 15: The query dealing with bowl games with alternatives teams all the time facilities round how inclined the non-choice team may be to take care of an option offense. To its credit, Baylor got here out ready to face the problem, but that most effective went thus far seeing as Baylor's rush protection become pretty suspect this season. The Falcons ran for 267 yards on the day, and while they weren't operating wild, they hit ample singles and doubles to stay on the container and grind the Baylor protection into powder. The Bears got a touchdown simply earlier than halftime to reduce it to 9-7, but Air force accomplished things at once within the third quarter. It was 30-7 late in the fourth before Baylor scored a cosmetic landing. Pregame ranking: 31

31. Orange Bowl

No. 6 Tennessee 31, No. 7 Clemson 14: So it seems D.J. Uiagalelei wasn't the difficulty. What if I told you that Clemson ran one zero one performs on offense but simplest managed 14 elements? as a result of it really is what happened. Tennessee became hitting huge shot after huge shot with Joe Milton launching passes that required nuclear codes. in the meantime, Clemson's offense was the soccer equivalent of "anticipating Godot." If i used to be within the temper to watch a couple of hours of existential dread, i may take "The Banshees of Inisherin" next time. As for Tennessee, Joe Milton is not what Hendon Hooker became in this offense, however he makes superhuman throws. it should be enjoyable to look where this offense goes next season. Pregame rating: 12

30. Myrtle seashore Bowl

Marshall 28, UConn 14: or not it's not an outstanding sign that I barely bear in mind anything about this online game, but it truly is why we take notes. Marshall lived as much as its nickname as the Thundering Herd thundered for 210 yards dashing in the game and gained by using two ratings despite most effective ninety three yards through the air. UConn turned the ball over four instances, and it became 28-0 before the Huskies put a bunch on the board. Pregame rating: 39

29. Birmingham Bowl

East Carolina fifty three, Coastal Carolina 29: This became all install to be an epic fight. After getting into the transfer portal, QB Grayson McCall stunned lots of people through taking part in within the online game, and whereas he became dueling with East Carolina's Holton Ahlers, this video game changed into fun. The Chanticleers led 14-10 in the 2d quarter earlier than McCall turned into pressured out of the game with an injury, and the Pirates took over from there. What looked destined to be a basic entire as a blowout, but as a minimum Ahler's 15-yr career resulted in style. He threw for 300 yards, rushed for 48 more and even caught a move for 14 yards. He complete with six total touchdowns. Pregame ranking: 37

28. Texas Bowl

Texas Tech forty two, Ole miss 25: It seems both greatest teams within the big 12 have been TCU and Texas Tech because apart from the Horned Frogs' upset over Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl (greater on that later!), Tech became the only other big 12 team to win its bowl game this season. The ultimate ranking of this video game would not inform the total story, either, as this was a red Raider trouncing. Tech had a 26-7 lead at halftime and was up 35-13 with half the fourth quarter over. It was a two-score game at minimal for the closing 37 minutes of motion as the Tech protection forced five Ole miss turnovers. The Raiders had three of their own. Frankly, neither group valued the ball an awful lot, however made for entertaining moments. Pregame ranking: 15

27. Potato Bowl

japanese Michigan forty one, San Jose State 27: in contrast to pretty much the entire bowls we have already lined, the Potato Bowl had a lead trade. it is an key ingredient in an enjoyable online game! We additionally had a 13-point comeback! The issue become that San Jose State took a 13-0 lead within the first 10 minutes, however jap Michigan blocked the PAT on the 2nd TD, lower back it for a security and it grew to become out to be essentially the most momentum-transferring security within the historical past of activities. San Jose State didn't rating once again unless the third quarter after giving up 33 straight. japanese Michigan's Taylor Powell threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns. within the conclusion, Chevan Cordeiro's 366 yards passing just weren't adequate for the Spartans. Pregame rating: 30

26. Rose Bowl

No. eleven Penn State 35, No. eight Utah 21: For a second it seemed as if we have been about to get a sequel. In closing 12 months's Rose Bowl, Utah changed into locked in a shootout with Ohio State when QB Cam Rising left the video game with an harm, turned into replaced via Bryson Barnes and one of the crucial top of the line bowl games of remaining season commenced from there. It changed into 21-14 Penn State when Rising went down with this 12 months's damage while the teams had been in the course of trading touchdowns. lamentably, the sequel is never as good as the long-established. Barnes threw an interception almost immediately after coming in, and Penn State took over. The Nittany Lions scored two touchdowns of 80+ yards (an 87-yard TD run by Nick Singleton within the third and a 88-yard TD catch with the aid of KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fourth) to position this aspect away, though the Utes did get a consolation touchdown with 25 seconds left. It made over bettors happy, if nothing else. Pregame rating: 3

25. Pinstripe Bowl

Minnesota 28, Syracuse 20: It finished a one-rating game, however it wasn't a one-rating video game. Minnesota took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter as working lower back Mohamed Ibrahim grew to be the courses all-time chief in speeding yards while additionally environment the single-season mark for speeding touchdowns. however then Ibrahim took the leisure of the afternoon off and Minnesota's offense did not do anything else as a result of its defense made sure that turned into the case. The Gophers scored on a 70-yard decide on six, and one more turnover set them up for a straightforward 25-yard landing force. Syracuse acquired a ranking with 2:30 left to make it 28-20 however didn't recuperate the onside kick. The Gophers ran out the clock and received the video game regardless of 215 yards of offense. just truly big Ten West stuff, but nothing in comparison to what Iowa did within the tune metropolis Bowl. Pregame ranking: 29

24. brief Lane Bowl

New Mexico State 24, Bowling green 19: An surely outstanding moment for new Mexico State's football application, but not a superb bowl online game. The Aggies controlled many of the video game and took a 24-7 lead into the fourth quarter earlier than Bowling eco-friendly rallied to reduce it to 24-19 with 6.5 minutes left. The Falcons not ever acquired the ball lower back, though, as New Mexico State ran 13 performs and drained the rest of the clock to stream 43 yards and ice it.

The celebrity of the game became Aggies QB Diego Pavia, who had the pleasure of being a kind of avid gamers who lots of the country didn't recognize in the past best to turn into a folk hero all through bowl season. Pavia is formed like a fireplace hydrant and perpetually hurled his physique into the protection to keep drives alive. He helped give the Aggies their first bowl win when you consider that 2017, and the seven wins the group picked up almost matched the eight wins total the application earned from 2018-21. Pregame ranking: 35

23. certain fee Bowl

Wisconsin 24, Oklahoma State 17: This online game become an bizarre visual. now not because it changed into a football game performed in a baseball stadium --  now we have viewed plenty of those -- however as a result of Luke Fickell became on the sideline in a headset although he turned into now not teaching the group. protective coordinator Jim Leonhard become nevertheless the meantime coach, and Bobby Engram changed into calling plays on offense, but the cameras kept displaying Fickell on the sideline. He was even received the halftime interview on the way to the locker room.

this is some thing so as to become the norm. one of the crucial ideal methods for new coaches to find out about their new players is to be on the sideline with them right through a video game, so i might wager we'll see this happen extra. nevertheless, it was awkward, but so have been soccer video games in baseball stadiums and we obtained used to them, correct? Anyway, the proven fact that's my largest takeaway from this online game says a lot. It become 24-7 entering the fourth quarter as each groups performed with backup QBs, and whereas the Cowboys made an effort late, it wasn't nearly adequate. Pregame ranking: 25

22. ReliaQuest Bowl

No. 22 Mississippi State 19, Illinois 10: The final score for this one is deceptive; it became a one-ranking game until the remaining play of the online game. Mississippi State, playing for the primary time due to the fact the demise of teach Mike Leach, drove 68 yards in 106 seconds to set up the video game-successful, 27-yard field purpose with four seconds left. Illinois had time for one play after the following kickoff, threw a bunch of laterals and State's Marcus Banks picked considered one of them up and housed it for a touchdown. while the online game become shut, it become in no way that entertaining. Neither offense did a lot except Mississippi State bought getting into the fourth quarter. The game did begin with a tribute to Leach as Mississippi State lined up in an Air Raid formation and took a lengthen of video game penalty, which Illinois declined. Pregame ranking: 10

21. Alamo Bowl

No. 12 Washington 27, No. 20 Texas 20: I had such high hopes for this online game, ranking it within the exact 10 earlier than games begun, and while it wasn't unhealthy, it could've been so a whole lot more suitable. trust me the one billionth grownup disillusioned through a Texas group failing to meet expectations. Now to be fair, Washington did not easy it up, either. i wished this to be an Alamo Bowl shootout between Michael Penix Jr. and Quinn Ewers. Penix threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns however averaged simplest 5.3 yards per attempt. It changed into greater quantity than best. Ewers performed smartly, throwing for 369 yards, however the lack of a run game for Texas (the 'Horns were devoid of Bijan Robinson and Roshon Johnson) made it tons more convenient for Washington to shelter. Plus, my unofficial count number of 432 drops by means of Texas receivers didn't aid a whole lot. Washington never trailed and took a 27-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. After that, it become content to sit down on the lead. Texas obtained a field aim with 1:40 left however failed to recuperate the onside kick. Pregame rating: 9

20. remedy Bowl

No. 24 Troy 18, No. 25 united states of america 12: This online game turned into similar to the Alamo Bowl in that I had very excessive hopes for it -- I ranked it in the accurate 5! -- as a matchup between the sun Belt and conference us of a champions. Two neighborhood of 5 groups that don't get a lot of consideration but have been decent and interesting to observe. To Troy's credit score, its defense changed into astounding as it flustered Frank Harris and the Roadrunners. Harris threw for only 194 yards and had two interceptions to go with one touchdown. u.s.a. became held to 345 yards, and 75 came on its lone TD power. meanwhile, Troy managed best 153 yards of offense and 1.05 yards per carry within the online game, and it turned into greater than ample! Pregame ranking: four

19. Gasparilla Bowl

Wake wooded area 27, Missouri 17: It turned into one closing trip for Wake woodland's duo of Sam Hartman and A.T. Perry. Hartman recovered from a rough 2nd half of the season to throw for 280 yards and three touchdowns during this video game; Perry, as common, changed into his preferred target. He caught 11 passes for 116 yards, though he didn't trap any of the three touchdowns! Missouri struggled offensively within the 2nd half, killing a shot at making this one enjoyable down the stretch. The Tigers took a 17-14 lead late within the third quarter however most effective managed to run three plays in Wake territory after that. Their final five possessions saw them punt twice and turn the ball over on downs the different thrice. Pregame rating: 28

18. Independence Bowl

Houston 23, Louisiana 16: sit down down, and i'll inform you a story of a man who did not seem to care tons about winning bowl video games in his past however has changed his approaches. that's right. After Dana Holgorsen went 2-6 in his first eight career bowl video games, he is gained two straight after his Coogs knocked off Louisiana in Shreveport. It became an magnificent performance via the Cougars, who fell in the back of 13-0 in the first half however outscored the Ragin' Cajuns 17-0 within the 2nd half. Houston put together a monster power to conclude it, too, going 92 yards within the final minutes. Clayton Tune hooked up with Tank Dell one closing time on a 12-yard touchdown to provide the Coogs a 23-sixteen lead with 20 seconds left. additionally, we will in no way forget Houston's kicking tee retriever, Hawk, who had probably the most stunning tee-retrieving performances the area has ever considered. Pregame ranking: 32

17. LendingTree Bowl

Southern miss 38, Rice 24: This game wasn't supposed to be very good, and in fact, it became no longer. besides the fact that children, it bought some bonus credit score in these rankings because it had something just one different bowl video game had this season: a tie getting into the fourth quarter. we will get to the different video game later (or not it's ranked a good deal larger since it had other appealing attributes), but this one turned into not ever as close because it felt. Rice scored 21 aspects within the third quarter to make it a video game, however Southern omit dominated the leisure of ways (together with the fourth quarter), 31-3. Frank Gore Jr. was the famous person, dashing for an FBS bowl list 329 yards in the game. Gore acquired the americans hyped, no person greater so than his auntie. Pregame rating: 38

16. Duke's Mayo Bowl

Maryland 16, No. 23 NC State 12: You into conspiracy theories? because I've obtained a doozy of a conspiracy for you here. before the game, each coaches -- Mike Locksley and Dave Doeren -- agreed to have a bucket of mayo dumped over their head to rejoice. There had been questions on whether they'd be inclined to as a result of, well, it's mayo for your head. but additionally as a result of South Carolina train Shane Beamer pretty much suffered a anxious mind harm when he got his mayo bath remaining season with a pleasant smack on the again of his head.

Anyway, both coaches agreed to the bath and then proceeded to educate this video game as if they had been doing every little thing of their vigor to avoid successful and getting the mayo bath. Locksley wearing the big hat after the game and having to be coerced into casting off it for the mayo best additional convinces me here is what came about. This leads me to ask yourself if the Duke's Mayo Bowl may still trust threatening the losing instruct with a mayo bath next season. give an added layer of motivation. truly, what if each non-playoff bowl game found whatever unpleasant to dump over a educate's head in the event that they lost? could that lead to even more suitable video games? there may be nothing wrong with asking questions, individuals. Pregame rating: sixteen

15. Boca Raton Bowl

Toledo 21, Liberty 19: This became an uneventful game for essentially the primary 3.5 quarters of action, and it all of sudden got unique at the end. Liberty jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter however Toledo took over from there, building a 21-7 lead early in the fourth quarter. Then Liberty woke from its slumber to ranking two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but a 2-point conversion attempt after a sixty seven-yard touchdown circulate to Bentley Hanshaw became no first rate to depart the score at 21-19. Liberty did not attempt an onside kick with just beneath 4 minutes still to play, but the Flames on no account acquired the ball lower back. Toledo in no way even confronted one other third-down determination not to mention a fourth down. Pregame ranking: 27

14. New Mexico Bowl

BYU 24, SMU 23: This game turned into grotesque however close! well, close-ish. BYU failed to do tons of anything else noteworthy on offense, nonetheless it had a seventy six-yard decide upon six and saved SMU from doing anything, which changed into greater than enough. The Cougars had a 24-10 lead going into the fourth quarter, and issues eventually received enjoyable. After cutting it to a one-rating video game early within the quarter, SMU went on a 14-play, 88-yard touchdown pressure in the ultimate minutes. Jordan Kerley caught a 12-yard move from Tanner Mordecai to make it 24-23, and the Mustangs had no desire to move to extra time. sadly for them, the two-element conversion effort failed. Mordecai stored it on a draw and turned into stuffed a yard short to provide BYU the victory. Pregame rating: 24

13. Camellia Bowl

Buffalo 23, Georgia Southern 21: hear, i could by no means complain about bowl season as a result of i love the entire video games, however as an entire, this bowl season became not dazzling, and this video game helps validate that judgement. The Camellia Bowl become satisfactory. It changed into one of the most few games that on no account saw either group construct a double-digit lead, making certain it was close and fascinating all through, however there wasn't a great deal back-and-forth, either. Georgia Southern took a three-0 lead. a few minutes later, Buffalo went forward 7-three, and that became the ultimate lead exchange. The Eagles tied it up early in the third, however the Bulls took the lead again a few minutes later. also, it was a two-score game for most of the fourth quarter before Southern scored to make it a bit enjoyable within the ultimate minutes. and that's the reason first rate sufficient to earn No. 13 this season. Pregame ranking: 34

12. Bahamas Bowl

UAB 24, Miami OH 20: Bahamas Bowl, I owe you an apology. I ranked you fortieth before the games all started, and little did I realize it on the time, but now not most effective became the game you gave us to start bowl season interesting nonetheless it would prove to be some of the greater exciting games of the season. i am hoping you are going to forgive me with a free shuttle to the Bahamas Bowl subsequent season, no longer so i will be able to spend a week with all my fees paid in your alluring island but so i will be able to get a higher thought of what the Bahamas Bowl is all about and do a far better job of ranking it next 12 months.

This video game had pretty much everything you could hope for from two usual groups with nothing to lose. UAB took an early 10-0 lead within the first quarter, Miami fought again to take a 13-10 lead within the third quarter after which the two groups traded scores and the lead three extra instances within the fourth quarter. at last, Jermaine Brown Jr. capped a big day (116 yards dashing, 2 TD) with a 12-yard, video game-profitable ranking to provide the Blazers the 24-20 lead with 80 seconds left to play. Pregame ranking: forty

eleven. holiday Bowl

No. 15 Oregon 28, North Carolina 27: I anticipated a lot more facets during this video game than we acquired. all and sundry did. the entire for it closed at 76.5, however while the offenses did not meet these lofty expectations, we were still provided with an unique online game. My cover 3 Podcast co-host and North Carolina tremendous Fan Chip Patterson has maintained due to the fact ultimate spring that the Tar Heels now are living with the teach ok Curse. They beat teach ok in his remaining domestic online game at Duke, and then in his remaining video game, knocked the Blue Devils out of the closing four. Chip says that to pay the rate for all that pleasure, the Heels are doomed to lose in heartbreaking fashion for ages. This video game is one other illustration of Chip's psychic powers.

The Tar Heels took a 24-14 lead early within the fourth, only to look Oregon reduce it to a 24-21 game with seven minutes left. no longer to fret, although, as the Heels replied with a long landing pressure to make it 27-21 with 2:29 left, however the container intention wasn't ample. They obligatory the touchdown as a result of Oregon went 79 yards in 2:10 before Bo Nix found Chase Cota for a 6-yard TD move with 19 seconds left to win the game. Pregame ranking: 6

10. Gator Bowl

No. 21 Notre Dame forty five, No. 19 South Carolina 38: When discussing the LendingTree Bowl prior, i discussed it was certainly one of most effective two bowl games to enter the fourth quarter with a tie ranking this season. This become the different, and become the a good deal superior game, which is why it cracks our correct 10. The Gator Bowl offered tons extra pleasure due to all of the features scored and again-and-forth shootout nature. whereas the lead best formally changed arms once, there were three video game-tying touchdowns within the closing 16 minutes.

South Carolina came out sizzling, taking a 21-7 lead within the first quarter, however seems the combating Irish easily wanted to make up for blowing a major lead against Oklahoma State within the Fiesta Bowl final year. This time, the Irish stormed lower back to tie it early within the third quarter. The Irish took their first lead early within the fourth, going forward 38-31, and have been poised to place it away a couple of minutes later. as an alternative, Tyler Buchner became picked off on the aim line, and O'Donnell Fortune (what a reputation) took it lower back a hundred yards for the decide upon six to tie the game at 38. It changed into the 2nd select six of the day for the Gamecocks, but it surely wasn't enough. Buchner would get well and lead the Irish on an eighty-yard touchdown power, throwing the game-profitable score to Mitchell Evans with 1:38 left. Pregame ranking: 22

9. Hawaii Bowl

core Tennessee 25, San Diego State 23: ok, hand up. I barely saw any of this game. i am sorry, however's played on Christmas Eve, and i spend Christmas Eve at my sister's condominium with family. lots of the time, there aren't NFL video games being performed that evening, so i will be able to get away with placing the Hawaii Bowl on the tv and preserving an eye fixed on it. That wasn't the case this 12 months, and that i had problem convincing my family that a video game between center Tennessee and San Diego State become extra worthwhile of their attention than the NFL video game that become on at the time. there's simplest so an awful lot i will be able to do. That spoke of, the video game seemed pretty good! i am sorry I missed it! It became certainly one of four bowl games this year to characteristic 5 lead adjustments (none had more), and neither crew ever led by more than two ratings. Pregame ranking: 33

eight. sun Bowl

Pittsburgh 37, No. 18 UCLA 35: If I have been to ever rank bowl days as a substitute of bowl games, the day this game was played would've been No. 1 effortless. 5 games have been played on Friday, Dec. 30, and the Orange Bowl (the greatest one) is the just one ranked outdoor the excellent sixteen bowls (No. 31). The relaxation have been all good-to-high-quality, and the sun Bowl skewed high-quality. The online game was pleasing and exciting during with both teams throwing haymakers and buying and selling leads numerous instances, but it surely truly bought nuts within the fourth quarter.

Pitt perceived to have taken manage, erasing a 28-14 deficit to take a 34-28 lead on a 27-yard container aim with four:24 left. Then the Bruins, with out starting QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who had left the video game with an damage previous within the half, went on an eight-play, 70-yard landing pressure with backup Ethan Garbers. T.J. Harden comprehensive it with an eight-yard TD run to provide the Bruins a 35-34 lead with 34 seconds left.  The celebration turned into on, though it turned out to be untimely. Nick Patti and the Panthers got the ball again, instantly drove into container purpose latitude and Ben Sauls drilled the forty seven-yard, game-profitable container intention with four seconds left. It changed into an absolute roller coaster journey of a finish. Pregame rating: 13

7. Frisco Bowl

Boise State 35, North Texas 32: The Frisco Bowl obtained lost within the shuffle slightly because it changed into performed on the first Saturday of the bowl season, and it had the newest kick, however i'm hoping you caught it. Odds are you did not since the game got off to a sluggish start with North Texas ahead 10-6 at halftime. It was then, I assume, a lot of casual viewers decided to do anything else with their time, which changed into a mistake on their part since the 2d half became exhilarating.

There changed into a 36-point third quarter that saw Boise take a 28-24 lead at the back of Taylen eco-friendly. They'd lengthen the result in 35-24 within the fourth earlier than North Texas went on a ninety-yard touchdown force to reduce it to 35-32 with 8:17 left. regrettably, it on no account acquired nearer. Boise State's protection and particular groups took over and pinned the suggest eco-friendly inside their own 20 on their final two possessions whereas choking the life out of the video game. Pregame rating: 36

6. Arizona Bowl

Ohio 30, Wyoming 27: The ultimate thriller from the historical Friday, Dec. 30 slate of bowl video games. The Arizona Bowl became impressive and had every thing you could desire. there were five lead alterations, and neither group led by means of more than seven points. It become a one-point game heading into the fourth quarter, and the remaining 5 minutes offered a ton of exhilaration.

First, Ohio extended its cause 21-17 with a forty five-yard box purpose with four:17 left. Wyoming replied with a 75-yard TD pressure to take a 24-21 lead with 2:04 left. It become the Cowboys' first lead considering going up 17-11 just before halftime. The Bobcats would respond with a quick drive into field intention latitude, and Nathanial Vakos drilled his third FG of the evening with a forty six-yarder to tie it up with four seconds left. The game went to additional time (one in all simplest two bowls to achieve this), the place the Bobcats acquired the cease they needed. They held Wyoming to a box aim, enabling C.J. Harris to hit Tyler Foster in the lower back of the conclusion zone for a 10-yard, online game-successful landing on their first possession. additionally, particular credit score to the asserting crew during this online game, who were very independent in their reactions. authentic journalists. Pregame rating: 21

5. Fiesta Bowl

No. three TCU 51, No. 2 Michigan forty five: good enough, so i do know what you might be considering. This changed into some of the two most exciting school football Playoff semifinals we've ever viewed, and it is going to be ranked higher than No. 5. I hear you, however while this online game -- paired with the Peach Bowl -- gave us the gold standard day of semifinals, there is one key aspect it become lacking. As aggravating because it acquired and as unexpected because the ultimate influence may additionally have been, the lead not ever modified fingers. TCU took a 7-0 lead on Bud Clark's first-quarter choose six and under no circumstances gave it up. Michigan by no means even managed to tie the video game.

The game turned into nevertheless remarkable, though, at the least when players from both teams weren't slipping and sliding far and wide as if they had been taking part in on an ice rink. even though I believe you may argue the turf turned into a function, not a worm, since it helped deliver us with a 44-aspect third quarter. The game turned into so fun that I do not intellect looking past one of the crucial terrible calls by the officers, but I didn't have a dog in the fight. or not it's a good deal less difficult for me to say that now than it's for a Michigan fan.

in the conclusion, are trying because it could, Michigan could not overcome its error. TCU turned into comfortably too good of a crew to let them accomplish that, and because the Horned Frogs did all season, they answered to a punch within the face by punching correct again. truly a Fiesta Bowl for the a while. Pregame rating: 2

4. Cheez-It Bowl

No. 13 Florida State 35, Oklahoma 32: The rematch of the 2001 BCS Championship video game for which we waited over two decades! This was the variety of bowl video game you're keen on in that it gave each teams factors to think good about themselves heading into next season, besides the fact that only one group emerged positive. For Florida State, that you may argue no group in the ACC had an improved finish to the season, and this win offers the Seminoles even more momentum heading into 2023. For the Sooners, you can't spin the 2022 season as the rest apart from a failure. or not it's the first time the Sooners complete with a dropping list since going 5-7 in 1998, the season before Bob Stoops become employed. still, this online game confirmed lots of indications for how respectable the Sooners may also be subsequent yr.

Offseason narratives aside, the game itself changed into just loads of enjoyable. It become high-scoring with a lot of wonderful plays, and the fourth quarter changed into nonstop drama. Oklahoma took a 25-18 lead early in the quarter; the Noles answered appropriate away to tie the online game at 25-25 and then took a 32-25 lead a few minutes later. It become then Oklahoma's turn to reply with a seventy five-yard touchdown force to tie the video game an extra time at 32-32. finally, with the game on the line, Florida State drove into container aim latitude, and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked the online game-successful 32-yarder with 55 seconds left to ship the Noles domestic with the entire Cheez-Its. Pregame ranking: 11

3. Liberty Bowl

Arkansas fifty five, Kansas fifty three: there were best two bowl video games that went to additional time this year, however the Jayhawks and Razorbacks have been form satisfactory to give us three in one online game. As you may probably guess after searching on the closing rating, this was the optimum-scoring bowl video game of the season with 108 aspects. The ninety six-point Fiesta Bowl was 2d, and we are going to get to the third-maximum-scoring video game right here momentarily. What makes this video game even more memorable is that we didn't seem destined for drama early on. Arkansas led 24-7 after the first quarter, and when Kansas scored a touchdown just earlier than halftime to make it a 31-13 online game, my preliminary reaction become, "if you want to give them whatever thing to suppose respectable about going to the locker room as a minimum." 

I did not are expecting what changed into to come.

The 2nd half all started with Arkansas extending its lead to 38-13 with eight:forty three left in the third quarter. The Jayhawks then spent the remaining 24 minutes of the online game erasing the 25-aspect deficit. Kansas cut Arkansas' result in 38-23 with 14:07 left, nonetheless it wasn't unless there have been sixty five seconds left to play that the Jayhawks scored a landing to make it 38-30. Kansas then went with an onside kick, and i do not know if Arkansas' web went out or whatever thing, but the Razorbacks seemed like they lost connection as they simply stared on the ball rolling towards them. Kansas, meanwhile, did not. The Jayhawks pounced on the ball and went 50 yards for a short strike. Jalon Daniels hit Luke Arnold for the two-point conversion and off to extra time we went.

Arkansas bought its internet again, and as soon as we received to the third overtime 2-factor shootout, the Hogs received a stop, and Kansas failed to. The video game ended with 108 points, 1,284 yards of offense, 5 lead adjustments and one 25-point, second-half comeback. It turned into a game necessary of a No. 1 rating but has to settle for No. three. Pregame ranking: 18

2. Cotton Bowl

No. 16 Tulane forty six, No. 10 USC forty five: do not say I didn't try to warn you before the video games had been played. I ranked this at No. 5 within the pre-bowl rankings and spoke of that some americans have been bound to analyze a matchup between USC and Tulane and push aside the eco-friendly Wave, but there changed into a purpose Tulane became handiest a 2-point underdog when the game opened. No matter how good Caleb Williams and the USC offense play, the Trojans defense continues to be cheeks, making it inconceivable for them to tug away from decent teams. So, what came about here?

neatly, Williams and Co. had been spectacular because the Trojans racked up 594 yards of offense with the Heisman Trophy winner throwing for 462 yards and 5 touchdowns. but Tulane has surprising gamers, too. Michael Pratt threw for 234 yards and two rankings in opposition t USC whereas additionally dashing for eighty three yards. Tyjae Spears has been one of the vital superior avid gamers within the nation all season, and he was up in opposition t an lousy run protection, so things went as you would predict as he rushed for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns, together with three in the second half.

Oh, and there become a distinct teams blunder in the ultimate minutes that buried USC at its 1-yard line and led to a security that made it a forty five-39 video game. The moment it took place, all of us knew what become coming. Tulane changed into going to go on a long touchdown force to tug off the upset. And certainly, it really is precisely what happened. The green Wave went 66 yards in 12 performs before Pratt hit Alex Bauman for the 6-yard touchdown. There weren't enough laterals on the planet that would have saved USC afterward. Pregame ranking: 5

1. Peach Bowl

No. 1 Georgia 42, No. 4 Ohio State 41: This was the finest faculty football Playoff game of all time. I had high expectations for it moving into, and it surpassed them all. Ohio State become mostly written off after dropping to Michigan to finish its general season, however it got here out like a group on a mission. each criticism it heard within the six weeks considering the Michigan loss, it took to heart and got down to enrich upon them. It did. C.J. Stroud turned into magnificent against some of the surest defenses in the nation, evading pressure and making fantastic throws. The Buckeyes had the defending champions on the ropes late, taking a 38-24 lead into the fourth quarter. It appeared as though we have been going to get the least-expected title game matchup of all, however by no means count number out a champion.

The fourth quarter begun, and after struggling for thus a good deal of the online game, Stetson Bennett IV and the Georgia offense got here to existence in the final body. The greatest play turned into on a blown coverage as Bennett discovered a wide -- and i mean broad -- open Arian Smith for a seventy six-yard touchdown flow to cut Ohio State's cause 38-35. Ohio State answered with a box aim to head up 41-35 with 2:forty three left, however it wasn't enough. Bennett led an additional landing drive, finding Adonai Mitchell for a 10-yard landing with fifty four seconds left. still, that wasn't the end of the drama.

Ohio State answered and drove into Georgia territory as time dwindled. Then, as every person in the jap Time Zone counted down the last seconds of 2022, kicker Noah Ruggles' 50-yard container intention attempt sailed neatly left of the uprights. The online game was over. The timing changed into impecable.

Stroud comprehensive with 348 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. both Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. complete with over one hundred yards receiving. nevertheless it wasn't ample. Bennett had 398 yards, and Georgia scored as many features as vital and never a point extra. This became a online game between two of the best groups in the country enjoying at an elite stage, and it was brilliant. i may not ever neglect it. Pregame ranking: 1