Saturday is the busiest day of the college football bowl season. Eight games are on the calendar, starting in the morning in the eastern time zone and continuing well into the wee hours.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal bowls are still a few days away, but today’s slate at least features a US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 showdown. There will also be a giant toaster at that one, but we’ll leave the analysis of flavor choice to other pundits.
The lineup also includes a couple contests set at baseball parks, one of which features a matchup of playoff participants from last year hoping to end a disappointing year on a positive note. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
Time/TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN in in Annapolis, Md.
Why watch: The busy day begins at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, a familiar venue for the Pirates who’ve played here over the course of their membership in the American. They dropped their season opener against N.C. State but get another crack at an ACC opponent after concluding the campaign with wins in five of their last six games. East Carolina took some hits in the transfer portal, notably QB Katin Houser and RB London Montgomery, and also saw both coordinators depart. Pitt was in the ACC mix until the final November stretch, but a win against Georgia Tech was sandwiched between decisive losses to Notre Dame and Miami. QB Mason Heintschel looks to wrap up a breakout freshman season on a high note, with help from WRs Kenny Johnson and Raphael Williams.
Why it could disappoint: Pitt has been on both ends of one-sided contests this year, so it would seem to depend upon which version of the Panthers shows up. The Pirates will be motivated enough with an opportunity to beat a so-called power conference team.
Pinstripe Bowl: Clemson vs. Penn State
Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: These were playoff participants a year ago and ranked in the top 10 in the preseason, but the 2025 campaign did not go according to script for either of these proud programs. The Nittany Lions were at least able to win their last three games to salvage bowl eligibility, while the Tigers come in with a four-game winning streak. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik will play, though a number of other draft-bound Tigers will sit out. The Nittany Lions have their share of optouts as well, but QB Ethan Grunkemeyer should at least have RB Kaytron Allen with him in the backfield.
Why it could disappoint: Given all the new faces in both lineups it’s hard to know what to expect. A low score seems likely so fourth-quarter drama is possible, but the energy might not be there.
Fenway Bowl: Army vs. Connecticut
Time/TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, ESPN in Boston.
Why watch: This regional matchup could prove to be a compelling contest, though the Black Knights came up a point short in their rivalry game with Navy when they last took the field. UConn won this same bowl a year ago, but coach Jim Mora Jr. is now off to Colorado State and several key players responsible for this breakthrough campaign will not be available. The Huskies’ offense will likely be in the hands of QB Nick Evers, who attempted just 15 passes this season, but standout WR Skylar Bell is expected to play. Optouts aren’t an issue at Army, which will count on QB Cale Hellums and SB Noah Short to lead the punishing ground attack that typifies the program.
Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. UConn’s three losses were all in overtime, and Army’s methodical style makes a big lead either way unlikely.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 13 Brigham Young vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC in Orlando, Fla.
Why watch: The game of the day – and arguably one of the best of the non-playoff matchups of the entire bowl season – features a couple of squads still seemingly fighting for respect. BYU beat every opponent on its schedule not named Texas Tech, while the Yellow Jackets were in the ACC hunt until their final league contest. It is anticipated that both teams will have full participation, meaning Georgia Tech QB Haynes King and BYU QB Bear Bachmeier could put on a show. King is most dangerous when he pulls the ball down, while Bachmeier prefers to let L.J. Martin get the bulk of the rushing yards. Names to know on the defensive side include Yellow Jackets LB Kyle Efford and Cougars DB Tanner Wall.
Why it could disappoint: It’s possible the BYU defense will be the strongest unit, though the Yellow Jackets were able to hang with Georgia when we saw them last.
Arizona Bowl: Fresno State vs. Miami (Ohio)
Time/TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, The CW in Tucson, Ariz.
Why watch: If an appearance from Snoop Dogg doesn’t move the needle for you, a competitive MAC vs. Mountain West matchup should at least be worth a look. The RedHawks came up short against Western Michigan in the conference championship game but put together a solid season nonetheless. QB Thomas Gotkowski would like to have a better showing heading into the offseason. A two-game offensive outage in October kept the Bulldogs out of the MWC title chase. They’ll hope to produce more points and finish with nine wins for the fourth time in five seasons.
Why it could disappoint: This game probably won’t have a lot in the way of fireworks. The point differential for both teams is within a touchdown, so hopefully it will remain competitive throughout.
New Mexico Bowl: North Texas vs. San Diego State
Time/TV: 5:45 p.m. ET, ESPN in Albuquerque.
Why watch: If you want a contrast in styles for your bowl matchup, this one is for you. The Mean Green, runners-up in the American, are all about airing it out. The Aztecs rely on their stout defense to control games to compensate for a somewhat punchless attack. North Texas architect Eric Morris is off to Oklahoma State, but QB Drew Mestemaker will take the field one more time for the Mean Green before likely entering the transfer portal. He’ll try and make use of WRs Wyatt Young and Cameron Dorner while avoiding Aztecs edge rushers Ryan Henderson and Trey White. SDSU will count on workhorse RB Lucky Sutton to move the chains. He’ll become well acquainted with Mean Green LBs Ethan Wesloski and Trey Fields.
Why it could disappoint: The Mean Green were held in check by Tulane when we last saw them, so the aerial show might not materialize if the Aztecs are able to control the tempo and force turnovers. Conversely, if North Texas finds a rhythm and grabs the lead, San Diego State will be hard pressed to stage a comeback.
Gator Bowl: No. 21 Virginia vs. Missouri
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC in Jacksonville, Fla.
Why watch: The Cavaliers must shake off the disappointment of coming a win away from a playoff appearance to conclude what was otherwise a highly successful season. The Tigers similarly had some disappointing results and now hope to demonstrate staying power for future SEC campaigns. Freshman Matt Zollers will be back at QB for Mizzou with Beau Pribula again headed to the transfer portal. UVa QB Chandler Morris should have his entire arsenal available, though a productive outing from RB J’Mari Taylor could be the biggest need.
Why it could disappoint: The ACC has not fared well against the SEC of late, but from a physical standpoint this one looks to be more even. Should that prove not to be the case, at least there will be viewing alternatives.
Texas Bowl: No. 24 Houston vs. LSU
Time/TV: 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPN in Houston.
Why watch: The long day concludes with a clash of teams that would in all honesty prefer to be elsewhere. This fall was a breakthrough of sorts for the Cougars as they exceeded projections in the Big 12 with nine wins, though there were also a couple of puzzling losses in November. LSU’s offensive woes that led to a coaching change were of course well documented, but they’ll try to produce something to build on for next year here. The LSU defense was not the problem, but CB Mansoor Delane is in draft preparation, which might mean a somewhat less rough night for Houston QB Connor Weigman. LSU QB Michael Van Buren might not be around once Lane Kiffin assumes the reins next year, but a strong showing here would improve his options.
Why it could disappoint: LSU games have been tough to watch all season, but the Tigers aren’t likely to give up many points regardless. A multi-score lead either way might mean it’s time for bed.