College Football Bowl Projections: Impact of Conference Title Game Turmoil
As college football’s bowl season approaches, the implications of recent conference title games are becoming clear. Notably, James Madison secured the Sun Belt title, while Duke triumphed in a nail-biting overtime match against Virginia, impacting bowl projections for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Key Changes in Bowl Projections
The ACC may face significant shifts in its bowl lineup following Duke’s victory. With the ACC champion seemingly out of contention for the College Football Playoff, the league’s 11 bowl-eligible teams are now spread across multiple bowl games.
Bowl Tiers
- Tier 1: Pop-Tarts Bowl, Gator Bowl, Holiday Bowl
- Tier 2: Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Sun Bowl
- Tier 3: Military Bowl, bowls owned by ESPN Events (Fenway, Gasparilla, Birmingham)
Miami, which participated in the Pop-Tarts Bowl the previous year, is ineligible to return to that venue this season.
Potential Matchups
With the SEC not fully meeting its bowl quota, there is room for at least one ACC team to step into a coveted bowl slot. Speculations include:
- Miami facing Tennessee in the Gator Bowl
- Clemson potentially playing against Missouri in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
- Georgia Tech as a candidate for a matchup with Illinois
Big Ten and Other Conference Updates
The Big Ten’s bowl lineup is also taking shape. Michigan is set to compete in the Citrus Bowl, while Iowa will make its seventh appearance in Tampa. Nebraska’s strong fan base has helped secure them a spot in the Vegas Bowl. Kansas State’s decision regarding bowl participation is still pending.
5-7 Teams and Academic Progress Rate
If Kansas State opts out, a 5-7 team could fill the vacated bowl position. Auburn currently has the highest Academic Progress Rate among eligible teams with a score of 990, followed closely by Rice (988) and UCF (986).
College Football Playoff Overview
The College Football Playoff will include the highest-ranked conference champions and at-large teams. Notably:
- The top five conference champions, along with the top seven at-large teams, qualify.
- The four highest-ranked teams earn first-round byes.
Key playoff dates are set for the Cotton, Orange, Rose, and Sugar bowls, commencing on December 31 and January 1.
Looking Ahead
As bowl selections approach, teams will be eager to secure their positions. With the changing landscape due to recent games, the excitement for postseason play continues to build. Stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest updates on college football bowl projections and results.
