With bowl season right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to rank the games based on my interest. Between big-time matchups, total duds, and everything in between, here are my best-to-worst games for the Big 12 bowl season.
Orange Bowl: #4 Texas Tech vs Oregon/James Madison
It’s no secret that this is by far the biggest game not just for Texas Tech but the Big 12. The Red Raiders have earned a first-round bye and will play the winner of Oregon/James Madison on New Year’s Day. Texas Tech was the only team from the Big 12 to make the playoff, which means they will be responsible for carrying the conference through the postseason. The Big 12 is counting on the Red Raiders to go all the way.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: #12 BYU vs #22 Georgia Tech
If you like delicious Pop-Tarts and physical football, then this is the game for you. Despite Notre Dame being scared to play after being left out of the playoff, BYU still got an interesting opponent in Orlando. Georgia Tech is an old school football team that loves to run the ball and play great defense, which is exactly what BYU likes to do. This will be one of those smash-mouth football games from the old days.
Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs Duke
As crazy as it may sound, I really am looking forward to the Sun Bowl, which is something I never thought I would say. Last year’s Big 12 champ, Arizona State, gets to face the reigning ACC champion who got left out of the playoff. If the Sun Devils can beat the ACC champ without Sam Leavitt, then what does that say about the ACC this year?
Alamo Bowl: TCU vs #16 USC
I don’t know why I find this game appealing, but I do. Maybe it’s because I despise Lincoln Riley or just USC in general. It’s been an up-and-down year for TCU, and now they get a shot at one of the best teams in the Big Ten to try and end their year on a high note. I would be curious to see who all plays in this game, but for a mid-tier bowl, I do like the matchup in San Antonio.
Holiday Bowl: #17 Arizona vs SMU
It’s great to see Arizona making its first bowl appearance as a member of the Big 12. On top of that, they get a shot at SMU, which has taken its fair share of shots at the Big 12 since the conference wanted nothing to do with them. Even though there’s not a lot at stake here, this is a game you shouldn’t miss.
Texas Bowl: #21 Houston vs LSU
If this game happened years ago, I would have a lot more interest in it but due to LSU’s current situation, I expect a lot of their starters to sit this one out. But I do know that NRG Stadium will be packed since both schools are nearby. Plus, it’s a chance to get a win over an SEC school.
Las Vegas Bowl: #15 Utah vs Nebraska
While Vegas is always a good time, this is going to be awkward for Utah. Kyle Whittingham is leaving after this game, and there’s a chance that he’s coaching at another school next season. With that said, any time you get an opportunity to put a beatdown on Nebraska, you take it.
Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati vs Navy
No disrespect to the service academies, but I don’t particularly like it when the Big 12 gets matched up with them in bowl games. There aren’t many fans who are looking forward to playing a team like Navy just because you don’t have anything to gain from it. Out of all the bowl games for the Big 12, this is the one I am least excited to watch.
