The 2024 College Football Bowl Season has come to a thrilling conclusion, showcasing an array of exciting games, stunning performances, and key moments across all bowl matchups. This year, the competitions revealed not only the strength of teams within the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure but also highlighted incredible individual displays and the promising future of various programs across the FBS.
Starting with the latest developments, the standout No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions made history by becoming the first team to reach the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal. On New Year’s Eve, they charged past the No. 3 seed Boise State with a solid 31-14 victory, achieving their finest season yet with 13 wins, the first time the program has reached this milestone. According to reports, Penn State's victory marked their eighth Fiesta Bowl win, the most for any team, and they maintained their undefeated streak at the Fiesta Bowl.
Despite missing out on the playoff stage, several schools made their mark during the bowl season, including Buffalo, which clinched their highest win total since 2018. Buffalo dominated Liberty 26-7 at the Bahamas Bowl, showcasing how first-year head coach Pete Lembo turned around the team’s performance, leading them to the best season under his helm. The Bulls effectively controlled the ball, holding possession for over 37 minutes, aided by running back Al-Jay Henderson's impressive 119-yard game.
At the Duke's Mayo Bowl, Minnesota added to their legacy by extending the longest bowl-winning streak nationally to eight after defeating Virginia Tech 24-10. There, quarterback Max Brosmer ended his collegiate career with 211 yards passing, cementing his fourth place history for passing yards within the school.
Texas State made waves at the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl, clinching their second consecutive bowl victory, edging North Texas 30-28. Jaden Williams stood out with 155 yards receiving and contributing significantly to the scoreline, which solidified the Bobcats' position as they ended the season with eight wins.
Continuing through notable tournament highlights, Ole Miss rounded out their impressive 10-win season by crushing Duke 52-20 at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, highlighted by quarterback Jaxson Dart’s remarkable 404-yard passing performance. Meanwhile, LSU held on to secure victory at the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, outpacing Baylor 44-31 after leading 28-7 at one point, thanks to Garrett Nussmeier’s three-touchdown showcase.
Throughout the duration of various bowl matches, several MVPs shone brightly. Upton Bellenfant of Buffalo made headlines for his kicking prowess with four field goals, including one from 52 yards, which proved pivotal against Liberty. Similarly, Elijah Spencer from Minnesota matched the school’s record for receiving touchdowns within bowl history with two touchdowns against Virginia Tech.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl saw Illinois topple South Carolina 21-17, with running back Josh McCray earning the MVP nod, completing the game with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the sidelines, tensions bubbled over between the coaches, culminating in altercations during play.
Moving on to the highlight reel plays, Antonio Watts of Louisville carved his name as the game-changer, leaping through the air to thwart Washington's two-point conversion attempt, sending the Cardinals to victory 35-34.
Also commanding attention this bowl season were various up-and-coming quarterbacks, such as Missouri’s Brady Cook, who capped his career by leading his team to victory against Iowa 27-24, cementing his legacy as he ends his tenure with the program. Similarly impressive, Michigan upset Alabama 19-13 behind Derrick Moore's defensive dominance.
Other thrilling moments included the five-overtime extravaganza at the Hawai’i Bowl, where South Florida edged San José State 41-39, and the First Responder Bowl, which featured the largest comeback story of the season as Kansas State fought back after trailing to defeat Rutgers 44-41.
The bowl season also witnessed history with TCU’s commanding 34-3 victory over Louisiana, showcasing their stride and solidifying their 9-4 finish after alternating success the previous seasons.
Summarizing the entirety of this captivating bowl season, the excitement and drama unfolded as teams battled fiercely on the field, leaving fans and analysts alike clamoring for next year's matchups. Players made their names on the grand stage, and the foundations were laid for many programs poised to ascend the ranks within college football. The upcoming transition to the College Football Playoff puts teams on notice as they gear up for more remarkable seasons. With names like Penn State and Buffalo at the forefront, they have set the tone for next year’s thrilling football narrative. Expect nothing less than drama and excitement as these institutions prepare for their next chapter, engaged deeply in recruiting and training, as they hope to rise through the ranks of college football success once again.