The most wonderful time of the year for college football fans -- bowl season -- is upon us. This year, there's more to get excited about than ever with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. From December 14, 2024, through January 20, 2025, the college football postseason offers thrilling matchups, culminating with the CFP National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The revamped playoff format promises to add more excitement and give teams greater chances at championship glory. The first round kicks off with significant matchups, including No. 7 Notre Dame taking on No. 10 Indiana at Notre Dame Stadium, where Notre Dame triumphed 27-17.
Other exciting games feature No. 6 Penn State dominating No. 11 SMU 38-10 at Beaver Stadium, and No. 5 Texas triumphing over No. 12 Clemson with a score of 38-24 at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. One of the most talked-about games was No. 8 Ohio State defeating No. 9 Tennessee 42-17 at Ohio Stadium.
These early matchups set the stage for the quarterfinals, held on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Notably, Penn State faced off against No. 3 Boise State, winning decisively 31-14. No. 5 Texas continued its winning streak, overcoming No. 4 Arizona State after two overtimes with a nail-biting score of 39-31. Meanwhile, Ohio State showcased its dominance with a 41-21 victory against No. 1 Oregon, and No. 7 Notre Dame won 23-10 against No. 2 Georgia at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Looking forward to the semifinals, No. 6 Penn State will meet No. 7 Notre Dame at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on January 9, 2025. Following this, the Goodyear Cotton Bowl will showcase No. 8 Ohio State taking on No. 5 Texas on January 10, 2025. Both matchups promise to deliver high-stakes action as teams vie for the chance to compete for the national title.
The bowl season doesn’t just stop at the playoff games. A total of 36 bowl games are scheduled, each bringing competitive spirit and excitement to college football. From traditional matchups to holiday-themed bowl games, fans will be treated to various contests, including the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, and the Valero Alamo Bowl, among many others.
Notable performances include South Alabama's victory against Western Michigan at the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl and Memphis clinching the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl with a last-minute touchdown against West Virginia. These games not only serve to entertain but also to display the talent and hard work of teams from across the country.
Further adding to the thrill of the season is the array of bowl game locations, from warm climates to iconic stadiums. Whether it’s the sunny beaches of California or the lively atmosphere of New York City, each location will provide its own unique flavor to the games, drawing fans and teams alike.
Now, as the playoffs grow closer, excitement is building. College football aficionados eagerly await the outcomes of every game, knowing they contribute to the larger narrative of the playoff and bowl season.
The national championship is set for January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking the pinnacle of collegiate football. A fierce battle is expected, with the winner claiming the title of national champion, and adding to the storied history of college football.
This year’s bowl season is more than just games; it’s festive. For college football fans, it symbolizes the culmination of hard-fought seasons and hopes for glory—truly, the most wonderful time of the year.