2019 NCAAF Bowl Season Preview: Odds, How to Watch, and Key Statistics

Between December 20th and January 13th, various bowl games will kick off across America. Some teams will approach these games as program milestones, others may see them as consolation prizes after disappointing seasons. Regardless, each of these games offer interesting storylines and players to make them worth the watch. Let’s take a look at the first 21 bowl matchups starting with the opener in the Bahamas.

Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo Bulls vs Charlotte 49ers

Where: Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas

When: Friday, December 20th at 2pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: One of these teams will come away with their first bowl win in program history, as the 49ers are in their first-ever bowl, while Buffalo looks to end a three bowl losing skid.

Key Stat: 15: The number of sacks Charlotte’s Alex Highsmith has tallied this year, which ranks second only to Heisman finalist Chase Young.

Where: Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX

When: Friday, December 20th at 7:30 pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN2

Why You Should Watch: Utah State will look to secure their fifth bowl victory this decade, while Kent State is in search of their first bowl win in their 58-year history.

Key Stat: 57: Utah State quarterback Jordan Love’s career touchdown total, which ranks third in program history, behind Jose Fuentes (60) and Chuckie Keeton (62).

New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan Chippewas vs San Diego State Aztecs

Where: Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, NM

When: Saturday, December 21st at 2 pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Aztecs and their fourth-ranked scoring defense will look to hold up against a CMU offense that has topped the 40 point mark six times this season.

Key Stat: 16: The number of passes defended each by SDSU corners Luq Barcoo and Darren Hall, which is tied for the most in the country with Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson.

Where: Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL

When: Saturday, December 21st at 2:30pm EST

TV Coverage: CBS Sports Network

Why You Should Watch: In just their second season on the FBS circuit, Liberty makes their bowl season debut against an upstart Georgia Southern program that has won two bowl games since becoming an FBS member in 2014.

Key Stat: 192.9: That is how many rushing yards per game the Flames have allowed to opposing rushing attacks, which ranks 100th out of 130 FBS programs.

Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU Mustangs vs Florida Atlantic Owls

Where: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, FL

When: Saturday, December 21st at 3:30pm EST

TV Coverage: ABC

Why You Should Watch: Even without Lane Kiffin calling plays for FAU after accepting the head job at Ole Miss, this game should be entertaining with SMU’s high powered offense.

Key Stat: 2.4: Despite being known for his offensive mind, Kiffin’s team had the nation’s best defense when it came to forcing turnovers, averaging 2.4 per contest.

Where: Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL

When: Saturday, December 21st at 5:30 pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Red Wolves enter their ninth straight bowl game, while FIU will look to win consecutive bowl games for the first time in program history.

Key Stat: 1,473: Arkansas receiver Omar Bayless’ receiving yardage total, which ranks second in the nation behind LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase.

Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: #19 Boise State Broncos vs Washington Huskies

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV

When: Saturday, December 21st at 7:30 pm EST

TV Coverage: ABC

Why You Should Watch: Washington coach Chris Petersen will get to close out his coaching career against a program that he put on the map with two BCS bowl titles, and Boise has made some off-season moves.

Key Stat: 1-4: Petersen’s bowl record since taking the Washington job in 2014, with the lone win coming in the 2015 Heart of Dallas Bowl.

For more on the Huskies check out: Washington Huskies Football Team Preview.

R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: #20 Appalachian State Mountaineers vs UAB Blazers

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA

When: Saturday, December 21st at 9 pm EST

TV Coverage ESPN:

Why You Should Watch: The Mountaineers will look to stay undefeated in bowls as they take on a UAB program that is in their third straight bowl after being reinstated in 2017.

Key Stat: 0.7: Appalachian State ranks third in the nation in turnovers committed at just 0.7 per game, trailing only San Diego State and Oregon State in that category.

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF Knights vs Marshall Thundering Herd

Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL

When: Monday, December 23rd at 2:30 pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: After playing in consecutive New Year Six bowls, the self-proclaimed 2017 National Champs will aim for a third straight double-digit season against a Marshall program that has not lost a bowl game since 2004.

Key Stat: 3,393: UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel led all freshman quarterbacks (including redshirts) in passing yards while ranking third in passing touchdowns with 27 behind USC’s Kedon Slovis (28) and UNC’s Sam Howell (35).

SoFi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs BYU Cougars

Where: Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI

When: Tuesday, December 24th at 8pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: BYU coach Kalani Sitake returns to his home state, while Hawai’i’s Nick Rolovich will look to become the first coach not named June Jones to win multiple bowl games for the Rainbow Warriors.

Key Stat: 2.1: Although their sixth-ranked passing attack can be fun to watch, Hawai’i can sometimes shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers, committing 2.1 per game which puts them at 126th in the nation.

Where: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA

When: Thursday, December 26th at 4pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Bulldogs have won nine games seven times in their 39 history, but have yet to hit the double-digit mark. They will try to reach that milestone against an underwhelming Miami squad.

Key Stat: 1-9: Bowl season has not been kind to the Canes in recent years, as The U has a 1-9 record in bowl games since 2007, with the lone victory coming in the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl.

Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh Panthers vs Eastern Michigan Eagles

Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI

When: Thursday, December 26th at 8pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Fans who enjoy grind it out games will enjoy what should be a defensive battle that features pass rusher, Jaylen Twyman, from Pitt and ball-hawking safety Brody Hoying from Eastern Michigan.

Key Stat: 20.1: To say that Pittsburgh’s defense has carried the team to bowl season is an understatement, as Pat Narduzzi’s offense averaged just 20.1 points per game, which ranks 115th in the nation.

Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman: North Carolina Tarheels vs Temple Owls

Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD

When: Friday, December 27th at 12pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: All eyes will be on the Tarheels to see if they complete the turnaround from two nine loss seasons.

Key Stat: 13: Mack Brown’s career bowl wins in his coaching career, which ranks fifth all-time and is one less than the next man up, Nick Saban.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Where: Yankee Stadium in New York, NY

When: Friday, December 27th at 3:20pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Two schools historically known for basketball greats such as Magic Johnson and Tim Duncan will get to square off in “the house that Derek Jeter built.” Michigan had some interesting moves in the preseason.

Key Stat: 82.1: The number of plays the Demon Deacons’ high octane offense averaged per game, which ranks first in the nation.

Where: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX

When: Friday, December 27th at 6:45pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Big 12 fans who miss having the Aggies on their schedule and vice-versa will have their thirst quenched, while Chuba Hubbard will look to be the second Cowboy after Barry Sanders to break 2,000 rushing yards.

Key Stat: 9: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is keeping good company with coaches who have won nine bowl games, a list that includes names such as Bobby Dodd, Les Miles, and Barry Alvarez. A victory over TAMU would tie him with Don James, Mark Richt, and John Vaught for 13th all-time in bowl wins.

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: #22 USC Trojans vs #16 Iowa Hawkeyes

Where: SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, CA

When: Friday, December 27th at 8pm EST

TV Coverage: Fox Sports 1

Why You Should Watch: USC coach Clay Helton will try to prove himself to the school’s higher-ups that they made the right choice in retaining him instead of looking for high profile replacements like Urban Meyer.

Key Stat: 85.3: Lou Groza Award finalist Keith Duncan has been money for Iowa this year, hitting 85.3% of his field-goal attempts.

Cheez-It Bowl: Air Force Falcons vs Washington State Cougars

Where: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ

When: Friday, December 27th at 10:15pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Two teams with completely different offenses will get to battle it out in a baseball stadium, what’s not to like about that?

Key Stat: 465:The number of passes WSU quarterback Anthony Gordon has completed this season, just three behind Gardner Minshew for the school’s single-season record. If he can complete 47 passes in the desert, he will break Graham Harrell’s record of 512 set in 2007.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: #17 Memphis Tigers vs #10 Penn State Nittany Lions

Where: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX

When: Saturday, December 28th at 12pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Memphis will get a chance to showcase how far they have come as a program against a Penn State team that was in contention for the playoff.

Key Stat: 40.5: The Tigers had one of the highest-scoring offenses in the nation, averaging 40.5 points per game, a number that will be tough to match against Penn State’s defense.

Camping World Bowl: #15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Iowa State Cyclones

Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL

When: Saturday, December 28th at 12pm EST

TV Coverage: ABC

Why You Should Watch: After turning down the Florida State job for an extension, ISU coach Matt Campbell will get to prove himself against a well rounded Notre Dame team.

Key Stat: 14.9: The Cyclones have managed to convert that many first downs per game on passing plays, ranking third in the country behind LSU (16.0) and Washington State (20.3).

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal): #4 Oklahoma Sooners vs #1 LSU Tigers

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA

When: Saturday, December 28th at 4 pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Points should come aplenty in this game, with Heisman winner Joe Burrow facing off against fellow Heisman finalist Jalen Hurts, who will look to break Oklahoma’s CFP semifinal curse. Check the LSU season overview here.

Key Stat: 3-4: That is the win/loss record of Heisman winners in the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014.

Playstation Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal): #3 Clemson Tigers vs #2 Ohio State Buckeyes

Where: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ

When: Saturday, December 28th at 8pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: After cruising through relatively light schedules, we will see which championship contender truly lives up to their record. The Tigers have a good chance if they can keep the Buckeyes at bay.

Key Stat: 2-0: Dabo Swinney’s record against Ohio State, with both wins coming in postseason play.

Despite having lost some lustre due to the emergence of the College Football Playoff, the New Year’s Six bowls still give their participants a big stage to showcase their programs and put star players in the spotlight. We will take a look at those games and the other bowls leading up to the National Championship in New Orleans. If you have not already, be sure to check out Part 1 of our bowl preview.

Servpro First Responder Bowl: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Western Michigan Broncos

Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX

When: Monday, December 30th at 12:30pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Broncos coach Tim Lester will try to win the program’s first bowl since P.J. Fleck left for Minnesota in 2016.

Key Stat: 23: WMU running back LeVante Bellamy leads all runners with 23 rushing touchdowns and counting.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Louisville Cardinals

Where: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN

When: Monday, December 30th at 4pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Louisville coach Scott Satterfield, won three straight bowl games at Appalachian State. Will that carry over in Nashville? The Bulldogs are a competitive team and will give a good fight.

Key Stat: 5: Since 2010, five Music City Bowls have been decided by one touchdown or less.

Where: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA

When: Monday, December 30th at 4pm EST

TV Coverage: FOX

Why You Should Watch: Chicago Bears fans can see if former coach Lovie Smith can add a bowl win to his coaching resume.

Key Stat: 7: Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen forced seven fumbles this season, tied for the most with Chase Young.

Capital One Orange Bowl: #9 Florida Gators vs #24 Virginia Cavaliers

Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL

When: Monday, December 30th at 8pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Cavaliers will try to prove the ACC is not “Clemson and the 13 Dwarves” by making an upset bid against a Florida program that is 3-0 in this game.

Key Stat: 78: Virginia punter Nash Griffin’s longest punt of the season went for 78 yards, tied for the longest this season with Army’s Zach Harding.

Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies vs Kentucky Wildcats

Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC

When: Tuesday, December 31st at 12pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Hokies will get a chance to send longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster out on a high note against a school from his state of birth.

Key Stat: 8.2: Kentucky running back Lynn Bowden Jr.’s yards per carry on the season, which is tied for the best in FBS with Clemson’s Travis Etienne.

Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State Seminoles vs Arizona State Sun Devils

Where: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX

When: Tuesday, December 31st at 2pm EST

TV Coverage: CBS

Why You Should Watch: This game will be a sneak preview of what next year’s Florida State team could look like under new coach Mike Norvell, especially with star running back Cam Akers sitting out to prepare for the draft.

Key Stat: 2,748: Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels’ passing yardage total, which is a school record for freshman signal-callers.

Autozone Liberty Bowl: #23 Navy Midshipmen vs Kansas State Wildcats

Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, TN

When: Tuesday, December 31st at 3:45pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Navy can lock up their second-ever 11 win season, while Kansas State’s Chris Klieman can be the program’s first coach to win his bowl debut.

Key Stat: 3.9: Unsurprisingly, the Midshipmen were one of the most disciplined teams in the nation, ranking third in penalties per game behind Rice (3.8) and Air Force (3.3).

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming Cowboys vs Georgia State Panthers

Where: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ

When: Tuesday, December 31st at 4:30pm EST

TV Coverage: CBS Sports Network

Why You Should Watch: Wyoming coach Craig Bohl can be the first coach in program history to win two or more bowl games.

Key Stat: 36.1: Georgia State’s porous defense has given up 36.1 points per game, which ranks 120th in FBS.

Where: Alamodome in San Antonio, TX

When: Tuesday, December 31st at 7:30pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: After having their playoff hopes dashed by Oregon, Utah should come out hot against a Texas team that fell apart down the stretch.

Key Stat: 70.5: The Utes had the top rushing defense in the country this year, one of six teams to hold opponents under 100 rushing yards per game.

Outback Bowl: #18 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs #12 Auburn Tigers

Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL

When: Wednesday, January 1st at 1pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Gophers can add to their best season in recent history over an SEC powerhouse that knocked Alabama out of playoff contention showing the Tigers will have a tough fight.

Key Stat: 83.5: Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan’s total QBR this season, which ranks eighth in the FBS.

VRBO Citrus Bowl: #14 Michigan Wolverines vs #13 Alabama Crimson Tide

Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL

When: Wednesday, January 1st at 1pm EST

TV Coverage: ABC

Why You Should Watch: Jim Harbaugh could get the signature win he and Michigan fans have been looking for, against an Alabama team that may have multiple NFL draft prospects sitting out.

Key Stat: 24.9: Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle has been dangerous on punt returns, leading the nation with a 24.9 return yard average.

Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: #6 Oregon Ducks vs #8 Wisconsin Badgers

Where: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA

When: Wednesday, January 1st at 5pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Fans of trench warfare will want to tune in to this game as Oregon’s decorated offensive line takes on a hard-nosed Wisconsin front seven.

Key Stat: 49: The Badgers have brought down opposing quarterbacks 49 times this season, third-most behind SMU (50) and Ohio State (51).

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA

When: Wednesday, January 1st at 8:45pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Baylor gets a chance to prove they are for real after two overtime losses to Oklahoma this year, taking on a Georgia team that should be hungry after missing the playoffs.

Key Stat: 1956: The last year the Bears won a Sugar Bowl.

Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl: Boston College Eagles vs #21 Cincinnati Bearcats

Where: Legion Field in Birmingham, AL

When: Thursday, January 2nd at 3pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: BC should come out fired up to win for interim coach Rich Gunnell against a Cincy team that fell short in the AAC title game.

Key Stat: 121: The number of penalties Cincinnati has committed this season, which leads the nation and has caused headaches for Luke Fickell.

Taxslayer Gator Bowl: Indiana Hoosiers vs Tennessee Volunteers

Where: TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL

When: Thursday, January 2nd at 7pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The Volunteers will try to build momentum towards the future as they close out Jeremy Pruitt’s second season in Knoxville.

Key Stat: 1991: Indiana’s most recent bowl victory, which came during that season’s 24-0 Copper Bowl win over Baylor.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio Bobcats vs Nevada Wolfpack

Where: Albertsons Stadium in Boise, ID

When: Friday, January 3rd at 3:30pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Arguably the best bowl name coupled with it being played on the Smurf Turf.

Key Stat: 51.6%: Ohio’s third-down conversion rate this season, which puts them behind only Alabama, Air Force, and Ohio State for best in the FBS.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles vs Tulane Green Wave

Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX

When: Saturday, January 4th at 11:30am EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: Tulane coach Willie Fritz will try to notch a second straight bowl victory, a feat that has never been done in the program’s 115-year history.

Key Stat: 33: The Green Wave went for in on fourth down 33 times, tied for third-most behind Old Dominion (34) and Army (39).

LendingTree Bowl: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns vs Miami (Ohio) Redhawks

Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL

When: Monday, January 6th at 7:30pm EST

TV Coverage: ESPN

Why You Should Watch: The last taste of college football before the National Championship.

Key Stat: 0: The 10-3 Ragin’ Cajuns have never won 11 games in a season since beginning play in 1973.