Top Ten Bowl Games to Watch During the 2018-19 Bowl Season

Written by Michael Ferrill

Christmastime is just around the corner, and that means Bowl season is upon us! There are 40 games on tap this month, which is more than enough for the football fan in you. But December figures to be a very busy month for all of us, so we’ve taken the liberty to list down 10 of the best bowl games you have to absolutely watch. These are can’t miss games, so mark them down on your calendars and get your picks ready! 

1. Capital One Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff Semifinal)

Oklahoma (+14) vs. Alabama

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

(December 29, 8 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

Two titanic programs, two Heisman-worthy quarterbacks, two elite, dynamic offenses — but only one spot for the national championship. What’s not to like about this match-up? Kyler Murray testing the Crimson Tide’s ferocious defense is must-see TV, as is Tua Tagovailoa slinging it for the Sooners. Alabama have been elite for like eternity, but Oklahoma is trying to prove that they belong in the final four. The stakes are high and the storylines are compelling, so make sure you tune in.

2. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (College Football Playoff Semifinal)

Notre Dame (+11.5) vs. Clemson

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

(December 29, 4 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

There’s a case for the Cotton Bowl Classic to be number one, but number two isn’t too shabby. The second of the two final four match-ups, Notre Dame vs. Clemson features two elite defenses who can put points on the board, too. There’ll be a preponderance of NFL-ready talent when these two programs overrun AT&T Stadium, including two of the best running backs in the nation. Oh, and Dabo Swinney, ladies and gentlemen! 

3. Rose Bowl 

Washington (+4.5) vs. Ohio State

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

(January 1, 2019, 5 PM Eastern Time, ESPN) 

Urban Meyer’s swan song will be offense vs. defense with Ohio State’s elite offense taking on Washington’s topflight defense. The prolific quarterback Dwayne Haskins testing Washington’s stout secondary is must-see TV, and whichever wins that battle may very well decide the outcome of this game. That the Buckeye defense is prone to surrendering big plays adds a layer of intrigue to this match-up of two top-15 teams, which will likely go down the wire. 

4. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl 

LSU vs. UCF (+8)

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

(January 1, 2019, 1 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

Another offense vs. defense clash is LSU vs. UCF in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The Knights and their spectacular offense will look to challenge the Tiger’s highly rated defense, and it will be all sorts of interesting…and fun. Plus, UCF coach Ed Orgeron brings added entertainment to any game, and watching him egg on his Tigers will be appointment viewing. Will LSU be up to try and knock off undefeated UCF or will the Tigers fall victim to a Group of Five foe like fellow SEC member Auburn did in the 2018 Peach Bowl. 

5. Allstate Sugar Bowl 

Texas vs. Georgia (–10.5)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

(January 1, 2019, 8:45 PM Eastern Time, ESPN) 

The last of the prestigious New Year’s Six bowls in this list is the Allstate Sugar bowl, and it figures to be a dandy, like the other four included here. The Bulldogs have been one of the four best teams in college football, and not making the final four means they’ll be playing with that proverbial chip on their shoulder. That could be bad news for the Longhorns, which have been both exciting and fascinating all season long. They’ve had a great season, fueling talks that the once mighty program is back. A win here cements those talks as fact. 

6. Alamo Bowl

Iowa State vs. Washington State (–3)

Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

(December 28, 9 PM Eastern Time, ESPN) 

The Alamo Bowl has produced classics nearly every year since 2011 (2013 and 2016 being the exceptions), and Iowa State vs Washington State has the looks of a potential classic. These are two evenly matched teams that can get to the end zone, and get to the end zone they will. There’ll be fireworks in the Alamo, so make sure you’re tuned in.

7. Las Vegas Bowl

Fresno State (–3.5) vs Arizona State

Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

(December 15, 3:30 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

One of the Group of Five’s best going up against a fun, free-wheeling Sun Devil team should be a heck of a game. Plus, there’s Herm Edwards — in Las Vegas, no less. That certainly ratchets up the “watchability” factor of this bowl game. It’s just too bad N’Keal Harry won’t be suiting up for Arizona State.

8. Camping World Bowl

West Virginia vs. Syracuse (+7)

Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

December 28, 5:15 PM Eastern Time, ESPN

West Virginia and Syracuse boast of two of the nation’s best offenses, so expect fireworks in this bowl game. What’s more, prolific quarterbacks Eric Dungey and Will Grier might be playing their final game in college, which means they’ll sling that football like there’s no tomorrow. That’ll make this match-up more fun, and more exciting.

9. Red Box Bowl

Michigan State (+1.5) vs. Oregon

Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

(December 31, 3 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

Oregon’s Justin Herbert is a singular talent, and him going up against one of the nation’s stingiest defense qualifies as must-see TV. Can the Spartans keep Herbert in check? Tune in to find out!

10.  Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Purdue vs. Auburn (–3)

Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

(December 28, 1:30 PM Eastern Time, ESPN)

Their records notwithstanding, Purdue and Auburn boast more than enough talent to put on a show. The stars of this game, though, will be NFL-bound Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham and Purdue’ dazzling WR, Rondale Moore. Even the fans of both teams will be watching, the feelings surrounding the game couldn’t be more opposite as one side is ecstatic that its 6-6 coach stayed (Jeff Brohm) while the other is furious that its 7-5 coach wasn’t fired (Gus Malzahn).

Yes, bowl season is finally upon us. So, buy those Christmas presents now, wrap them up early, and finish decorating your humble abode. That'll leave you lots of time to watch as many games as you can possible catch before it all ends until next August.

Happy bowl watching!