Bowl Season 2024-25: Storylines and Players to Watch
The 2024-25 college football bowl season is upon us, and fans are in for a whirlwind of action-packed games. Starting with the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 and culminating in the national championship, this year’s bowl lineup features 36 games in just 19 days, plus the College Football Playoff. Let’s dive into the key matchups, storylines, and players to watch as we gear up for an unforgettable postseason.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Matchup: Jackson State vs. South Carolina State
Date: Dec. 14, Noon ET (ABC)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Jackson State: The Tigers, picked third in the SWAC East preseason poll, defied expectations by winning their third conference championship in four years. Under first-year head coach T.C. Taylor, Jackson State overcame adversity in the SWAC Championship when quarterback Jacobian Morgan was injured. Backup Zy McDonald stepped up, rushing for 95 yards and passing for 75, with two total touchdowns. The Tigers are chasing their first Cricket Celebration Bowl victory.
Player to Watch: Running back Irv Mulligan, the 2024 SWAC Player of the Year, broke Jackson State legend Walter Payton’s single-season rushing record with 1,139 yards. Mulligan’s explosive play will be key to the Tigers’ success.
South Carolina State: The Bulldogs, led by first-year head coach Chennis Berry, went 5-0 in MEAC play and finished 9-2 overall. They previously upset Jackson State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl and will look to repeat history.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Eric Phoenix, a transfer from Murray State, has been a revelation. Named first-team All-MEAC, Phoenix’s dual-threat ability could be the difference-maker in this matchup.
ESPN BET Line: Jackson State -1.5
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
Matchup: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan
Date: Dec. 14, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
South Alabama: Known for their explosive offense, the Jaguars made headlines by scoring 87 points in a single game this season. Despite a 6-6 record, they finished strong, winning four of their last six games, including a victory over Sun Belt West winner Louisiana.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Gio Lopez will need to step up in the absence of star freshman running back Fluff Bothwell, who is transferring. Lopez’s dual-threat capabilities will be crucial against Western Michigan.
Western Michigan: The Broncos had an up-and-down season but finished strong with a win over Eastern Michigan. First-year head coach Lance Taylor has guided the team to its first bowl appearance since 2021.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Hayden Wolff had a career year, throwing for 2,214 yards and 17 touchdowns. His efficiency will be key to Western Michigan’s chances.
ESPN BET Line: South Alabama -10.5
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
Matchup: Memphis vs. West Virginia
Date: Dec. 17, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Location: Frisco, Texas
Memphis: After a 10-3 season in 2023, the Tigers entered 2024 with high expectations. While they fell short of a College Football Playoff berth, Memphis finished strong with a win over Tulane and a No. 25 ranking in the CFP standings.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Seth Henigan, Memphis’ all-time leading passer, returns to his home state of Texas. Henigan has thrown for 13,972 yards in his career and will look to add to his legacy in this game.
West Virginia: The Mountaineers endured a tumultuous season, finishing 6-6. Head coach Neal Brown was fired after a disappointing loss to Texas Tech, and offensive coordinator Chad Scott will lead the team in the bowl game.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Garrett Greene is a dual-threat weapon who has accounted for 61 total touchdowns in his career. His performance will be pivotal for West Virginia.
ESPN BET Line: Memphis -1
Key Storylines to Watch
- Coaching Changes: Several teams, including West Virginia and Marshall, will be led by interim coaches, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their matchups.
- Record Breakers: Players like Irv Mulligan and Seth Henigan are rewriting their schools’ record books, making their bowl performances must-watch events.
- Playoff Implications: While these games don’t directly impact the College Football Playoff, they offer a glimpse into the future of programs and players who could make waves in 2025.
With so many compelling matchups and storylines, the 2024-25 bowl season promises to be one for the ages. Whether you’re tuning in for the star players, the underdog stories, or the sheer excitement of college football, there’s something for everyone. Let the games begin!
Originally Written by: Harry Lyles Jr.
