5 underrated bowl games to watch this season
Here is how college football bowl games work, including how to quality, how teams can become eligible to compete and an explanation of the College Football Playoff system.
What is a bowl game?
Compared to other NCAA sports, FBS football has a relatively small playoff system. Only four teams compete for the national championship. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a postseason.
If a team is eligible for a bowl game (more on that later), it will earn the chance to play in a bowl game: A one-off matchup against a team of similar skill that it would not usually face in the regular season. The winners of bowl games receive trophies and bragging rights, but do not advance to any other games.
There are currently 40 bowl games in addition to the National Championship. You can view the schedule, location and TV listings for each 2018-19 bowl here.
How to qualify for bowl eligibility
Here's the official rule from the NCAA:
"An eligible team is defined as one that has won a number of games against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents that is equal to or greater than the number of its overall losses (e.g., a record of 6-6, or better). Ties or forfeited games do not count in determining won-lost record."
There are a few exceptions. For example, a loss in your conference championship game does notcount against your record.
If there are not enough teams that are eligible under those rules, the eligibility requirements change, but the minimum record for a team to become bowl eligible is set at 5-7. Teams with winning records always receive priority.
You can read the full rulesand all exceptions for bowl eligibility here.
College Football Playoff
In 2014, a new championship system went into place. The College Football Playoff consists of a selection committee that ranks teams throughout the year. The top four teams compete in two semifinal games in late December or early January, with the winners advancing to the national championship a week later.
New Year’s Six and Semifinals
With the advent of the College Football Playoff system, the six biggest bowl games got a little bit bigger. Both CFP national semifinal games rotate among the New Year’s Six — six historic bowl games played on our around New Year’s Day.
Here’s the schedule for the next eight years:
| Year | Semifinals bowls | National Championship location |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl | Bay Area |
| 2019-2020 | Peach Bowl, Fiesta Bowl | New Orleans |
| 2020-2021 | Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl | Miami |
| 2021-2022 | Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl | Indianapolis |
| 2022-2023 | Peach Bowl, Fiesta Bowl | Los Angeles |
| 2023-2024 | Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl | Houston |
| 2024-2025 | Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl | TBD |
| 2025-2026 | Peach Bowl, Fiesta Bowl | TBD |
2023-24 FCS National Championship Game: Date, time, TV channel, history
Here's everything you need to know about the 2023-24 FCS Championship game.
HBCU football championship history
Here is the history of every HBCU conference championship across FCS and DII levels.
A history of every HBCU football classic
Here's a look at the history of every HBCU football classic.
As a seasoned enthusiast in college football, it's apparent that the landscape of bowl games and postseason dynamics adds an intriguing layer to the sport. Let's dive into the concepts highlighted in the article on "5 underrated bowl games to watch this season" and explore the underlying principles of college football bowl games, bowl eligibility, and the College Football Playoff.
Firstly, the article rightly points out the unique structure of FBS football, distinguishing it from other NCAA sports due to its relatively small playoff system. Only four teams vie for the national championship, intensifying the significance of each bowl game in the postseason.
Understanding what a bowl game is becomes pivotal. These games offer a one-off matchup between teams of similar skill levels that wouldn't typically face each other during the regular season. Winning a bowl game grants teams trophies and bragging rights, although it doesn't propel them further into additional games.
The article also touches upon the eligibility criteria for teams to participate in bowl games. According to the NCAA, an eligible team must have won a number of games against FBS opponents equal to or greater than its overall losses. The exceptions are duly noted, such as losses in conference championship games not counting against a team's record. The minimum record for bowl eligibility is set at 5-7, with teams boasting winning records receiving priority.
The College Football Playoff, instituted in 2014, involves a selection committee ranking teams throughout the year. The top four teams engage in two semifinal games, with the victors advancing to the national championship a week later. This system has undoubtedly added an extra layer of excitement and competition to the postseason.
Additionally, the New Year's Six concept is highlighted, wherein the six major bowl games are given enhanced significance. The CFP national semifinal games rotate among these New Year's Six bowls, amplifying their historical relevance.
Lastly, the article provides a schedule for the next eight years, detailing the locations and matchups for the CFP national semifinals and championship games. This forward-looking approach emphasizes the long-term planning and anticipation that accompanies the college football postseason.
In essence, the article encapsulates the intricacies of college football postseason, shedding light on the underrated bowl games while weaving in the broader context of bowl eligibility and the College Football Playoff system. It's a comprehensive guide for both avid fans and those looking to delve deeper into the nuances of the sport's culminating events.
