2024 Bowl Season: A Deep Dive into the Exciting Matchups and Key Takeaways
The 2024 bowl season is in full swing, and if you’re a college football fan, this is the time of year you’ve been waiting for. With several games already concluded, the excitement is palpable. Our college football experts have been hard at work, analyzing all 36 bowl matchups. They’ve provided insights into key storylines, players to watch, and takeaways from each game. So, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride through the best time of the year!
Takeaways
Let’s dive into some of the most exciting games and their takeaways:
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Arkansas 39, Texas Tech 26
Takeaway: Arkansas, after a disappointing end to the regular season, came out swinging with one of their best offensive performances. The Razorbacks jumped to a 21-3 lead in the first quarter, but Texas Tech clawed back to 21-19 in the second quarter. However, Arkansas regained control in the second half, making key defensive adjustments and shutting out Texas Tech until the Red Raiders scored with just over three minutes left. This win moved Arkansas to 7-6, a significant improvement from their 4-8 finish last year. The game was a yardage bonanza, with both teams combining for 1,056 total yards and each rushing for over 200 yards. Texas Tech was without their all-time rushing leader, Tahj Brooks, who opted out of the bowl game.
MVP: Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green was a standout, passing for 341 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 81 yards and a score. His 97-yard touchdown pass to Dazmin James was a game-changer. — Chris Low
Birmingham Bowl: Vanderbilt 35, Georgia Tech 27
Takeaway: Vanderbilt led 14-13 late in the third quarter, but a series of questionable calls against Georgia Tech led to turnovers, allowing the Commodores to pull away. Georgia Tech’s coach, Brent Key, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after a controversial call, giving Vanderbilt a crucial first down. Diego Pavia capitalized with a touchdown pass, and after a Georgia Tech interception, he added another. A fumble recovery led to Pavia’s six-yard scoring run, sealing the game. The victory snapped Vanderbilt’s 13-game losing streak to Georgia Tech, dating back to 1941.
MVP: Diego Pavia was a force, totaling five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing), the most by a Vanderbilt player in a bowl game. — Jake Trotter
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Navy 21, Oklahoma 20
Takeaway: In a nail-biter, Oklahoma went for a 2-point conversion to win after a late touchdown, but Navy’s Justin Reed sacked the quarterback, sealing the victory. This loss marked Oklahoma’s second losing season in three years under coach Brent Venables. Navy’s Blake Horvath was instrumental, with a school-record 95-yard touchdown run and leading the game-winning drive. Horvath’s performance was historic, becoming the first FBS player since Jalen Hurts in 2019 to reach 1,250 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns in a season.
MVP: Blake Horvath, with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns, was the standout player. — Trotter
GameAbove Sports Bowl: Toledo 48, Pitt 46 (6 OTs)
Takeaway: This game was a rollercoaster, featuring 17 lead changes and the first six-overtime finish in FBS bowl history. Pitt, struggling with quarterback injuries, leaned heavily on their running game. Toledo’s Tucker Gleason shone, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns, and accounting for five scores in overtime. Pitt, despite a strong start to the season, ended on a six-game losing streak.
MVP: Junior Vandeross III was a key player, with 12 receptions for 194 yards and the game-winning 2-point conversion. — Eli Lederman
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Texas A&M had a promising start to the season but faltered towards the end, finishing with a 7-1 record. Despite the setbacks, Mike Elko’s first season showed promise. USC, on the other hand, had a challenging season, finishing 6-6. The Trojans struggled in the Big Ten, and questions about Lincoln Riley’s future loomed large.
Player to watch: For Texas A&M, DE Nic Scourton is a standout, while USC’s RB Woody Marks has been a key player.
ESPN BET early line: Texas A&M -2.5
Today’s Games
- DirecTV Holiday Bowl: Syracuse vs. Washington State
- SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. USC
As the bowl season continues, keep an eye on these matchups and the players who could make a significant impact. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just enjoying the spectacle, there’s no denying the excitement and drama that college football brings to the table.
Originally Written by: ESPN
