College Football Bowl Games, Expanded Playoff Dates and Times

College Football Bowl Season: A Fan’s Delight

Ah, bowl season! The time of year when college football fans are treated to a smorgasbord of games, each with its own unique flavor and excitement. This year, the excitement is dialed up a notch with the introduction of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). It’s a thrilling time to be a fan, with 36 bowl games in total, offering something for everyone.

Let’s dive into the action and see what this season has in store for us. From the first round of the CFP to the grand finale, there’s plenty to keep us glued to our screens.

College Football Playoff Schedule

Friday, Dec. 20

College Football Playoff First Round Pres. by Allstate

• No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17 at Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, Indiana)

Saturday, Dec. 21

College Football Playoff First Round Pres. by Allstate

• No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10 at Beaver Stadium (State College, Pennsylvania)
• No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24 at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas)
• No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17 at Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)

Tuesday, Dec. 31

• No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14 at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Wednesday, Jan. 1

• No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT) at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
• No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21 at the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential

Thursday, Jan. 2

CFP Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

• No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Georgia at Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) – 4 p.m., ESPN

**This game was postponed to Jan. 2 following a deadly truck attack on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.

Thursday, Jan. 9

• CFP Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl
• No. 6 Penn State vs. Allstate Sugar Bowl winner at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) – 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Jan. 10

• CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
• No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Texas at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) – 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Jan. 20

CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) – 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Complete Bowl Game Schedule

Beyond the CFP, the bowl season is packed with exciting matchups. Here’s a quick look at some of the standout games:

• Saturday, Dec. 14
• Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State 28, South Carolina State 7
• IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23

And that’s just the beginning! With games like the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl where Memphis edged out West Virginia 42-37, and the Boca Raton Bowl where James Madison triumphed over Western Kentucky 27-17, there’s no shortage of thrilling contests.

As we look forward to the remaining games, including the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl featuring Duke and Ole Miss, and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl with Minnesota taking on Virginia Tech, it’s clear that this bowl season is one for the books.

So, grab your favorite snacks, settle into your comfiest chair, and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as college football delivers its annual gift to fans everywhere. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog or cheering for the powerhouse, there’s a game for you. Let the bowl season begin!