The 2024-2025 college football bowl season is officially underway, showcasing competitive matchups and signaling the end of the regular season for many teams. On Monday, December 23, two key games graced television screens, continuing the holiday tradition of postseason college football.
Kicking off at 11 AM ET, the Myrtle Beach Bowl unfolded at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina, featuring the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers against the UTSA Roadrunners. Both teams entered the game with identical 6-6 records, desperate for victory to end their seasons on a high note and avoid the woes of losing seasons.
UTSA emerged victorious with impressive gameplay, defeating Coastal Carolina with a score of 44-15. Roadrunners' offense was highlighted by their quarterback Owen McCown, who capitalized on the opportunities presented by the Chanticleers' defense. Given the recent roster shifts, including the transfer portal changes affecting player lineups, McCown’s performance was particularly commendable.
Following this action, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl commenced at 2:30 PM ET, as Northern Illinois faced off against Fresno State on Boise's renowned blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. The Huskies, also sporting a 6-6 record, looked to leverage their past successes against Fresno State, having previously recorded three wins against them throughout their history.
Both teams approached the game with significant roster adaptations due to the transfer portal. Quarterbacks for both squads, Ethan Hampton of Northern Illinois and Fresno State's Mikey Keene had entered the portal, forcing the teams to start backup quarterbacks. For the Huskies, Josh Holst took the reins, and Fresno State split quarterback duties between Joshua Wood and Jayden Mandal.
The game ended dramatically, with Northern Illinois managing to secure victory in overtime, finishing with a score of 28-20 over the Bulldogs. The tension through the padded tackles and powerful runs kept the audience on the edge of their seats, making it a thrilling conclusion to the day’s college football festivities.
Notably, prior to the Potato Bowl, Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock expressed confidence about his team’s preparation, stating, "It’s been a couple weeks since we had the opportunity to play as a team. I love the preparation... I really like the way our football team has been locked in and focused". His sentiments encapsulated the anticipation and importance these games held for the teams involved.
The Myrtle Beach Bowl was typically marked by its festive spirit, allowing Coastal Carolina’s players to take the field on their unique teal turf, which has become their trademark. Yet, for this year's showdown, expectations were high as fans watched closely amid the holiday hustle and bustle, ensuring their own festive spirit remained intact.
Television audiences tuned in via ESPN to catch the action, relying on the network’s extensive coverage to bring the excitement of each game directly to their living rooms. This engagement showcases the continued popularity and cultural significance of college football during the holiday season, as enthusiasts prepare for the New Year's bowl lineup.
With the 2024 bowl season kicking off strong, numerous matchups lie on the horizon. The excitement for the 12-team College Football Playoff system emerges, inviting broad discussions about its impact on future bowl games and the traditional playoff format, now embraced with modern enhancements.
While Monday marked only the beginning of the postseason excitement, the results from the Myrtle Beach and Famous Idaho Potato bowls set the tone. Fans watched eagerly, anticipating more matchups and compelling storylines as teams across the nation vie for recognition and success as college football progresses through its bowl schedule.
Looking forward, college football fans will keep their eyes peeled for the next set of bowl games on the schedule, ensuring the joyous spirit of competition continues through the holidays. With Monday's games generating notable interest and showcasing the talent present across the collegiate football field, the upcoming matchups promise even more thrilling action as the season heads toward its climax, culminating with the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025.
