Now it’s time for the main event. This is how the system works, with all other bowls leading up to the College Football Playoff semifinal game on New Year’s Day.
Of course you’ll get those guys over time, but as any promoter will tell you, it’s also important to have good undercard players. 2024 is set to officially start with three of his early games running more or less simultaneously, so we hope at least one of them catches our attention. Stages are then cleared for four teams to play for the sport’s ultimate prize.
Here’s the full lineup for Monday’s holiday:
The traditional pair of SEC vs. Big Ten games to be played in the Sunshine State on January 1st begins with this matchup between the high-scoring Tigers and the defensive-minded Badgers. The game lost some of its luster because LSU QB Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy, was unfortunately absent due to the impending NFL Draft, which was expected. However, the Tigers’ offense should be in good shape with Garrett Nussmeyer at the controls. The good news for him is that standout WR Malik Nabors will be playing, meaning the talented receiving corps is largely intact. Neighbors will likely attract the attention of University of Wisconsin DB Ricardo Hallman. He is credited with half of the Badgers’ 12 interceptions and a 95-yard pick-six against Rutgers. Once Wisconsin has the ball, things probably won’t be as interesting. LSU’s defense has never been reliable this season, but the Badgers may not be able to take advantage of that. Their mainstay, RB Braeron Allen, is also included in the draft. QB Tanner Mordecai will be in the lineup, but the Tigers’ versatile LB Harold Perkins Jr. will need to be watched.
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Part 2 of today’s unofficial Big Ten/SEC Challenge has a similar feel, as the Hawkeyes’ even more impressive defense takes down Volante’s passing attack. Tennessee QB Joe Milton has missed the game, but many Vols fans aren’t complaining as they await the starting debut of dynamic freshman Niko Iamareaba. The absence of running back Jabari Small, also in the NFL, may be more important, but Iowa’s running backs Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson don’t do much on the ground anyway. Iowa QB Deacon Hill’s biggest weapon remains running back Leshon Williams, but Tennessee’s front-seven running back Elijah Herring and his teammates recognize that.
The non-playoff portion of the Major Bowl concludes with the Ducks, who were in charge of everyone in the Pac-12 except Washington, facing the Flames. The Flames will do everything in their power to prove they deserve a place at the big boy table. Nevertheless, this will be Liberty’s first matchup against a so-called Power Five conference team, so even if Oregon has players transferring, the difference in talent in the process will be noticeable. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix and top running back Bucky Irving will play. But Liberty won’t care about the big score. The Flames’ energetic offense was led by QB Kaidon Salter, who had 3,814 yards of total offense and 43 TDs, 12 of which came on the ground. His primary aerial target was WR CJ Daniels, and RB Quinton Cooley added another 1,322 rushing yards and his 16 points to the record.
This is definitely the most anticipated of the semifinal contests, given the high-profile programs involved, not to mention the various controversies. But even though the winner is likely to be named the favorite in next week’s final, this should not be considered a de facto championship match. This hasn’t been the dominant team in Alabama lately, for example in the 2020 season, but the fact is that while the Crimson Tide has had success in the playoffs, the Wolverines haven’t, despite their third straight appearance. there is no. Michigan will need quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Collum to lead productive drives early on to build confidence against LB Dallas Turner and a hard-hitting Tide defense. Michigan can defend itself a little too. This group, featuring LBs Junior Colson and Michael Barrett and DB Mike Sainristil, allowed just 14 TDs all year. They will test the improved accuracy of Tide QB Jalen Milroe, who has utilized receivers Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bonds and tight end Amari Niblack well as the season has progressed.
There may actually be more entertainment potential in the semifinal nightcap. After all, the Huskies can’t seem to make any plays other than nail-biting, and the Longhorns have made some plays themselves. Also, winners should not be suddenly fired next week. As you know, Texas already has a win against the Crimson Tide, and if the Huskies win, Washington will find a way to beat everyone on the schedule. Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. has a chance to use the postseason to continue the Heisman runner-up tradition and prove why he should have won. His group of good pass catchers, led by Roman Odunze and Jalin Polk, will help him do just that against a Longhorns secondary that is anything but airtight. The Huskies can also run running back if needed, led by RB Dillon Johnson, but finding ground yards against LB Jaylan Ford and the Texas front will be a little difficult. Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers will be fully available for the shootout, but top receiver Xavier Worthy will be playing through an ankle injury and may not be at full speed. WR Adonai Mitchell and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders are also great options, and the Huskies could also give up their share of yards through the air. A busy night for Washington DB Dominic Hampton, who is often the last line of defense in the secondary.