The College Football Playoff gets underway Friday night and will occupy the spotlight for the rest of the weekend. But before things kick off in the evening in Norman, Oklahoma, there are a couple of matinee bowls on Friday to whet everyone’s appetite.
The first one on the undercard is a potential hidden gem at a popular beach setting, with actual conference champions squaring off. One is a first-time bowl invitee, but the other is just as happy to earn a trip south.
The mid-afternoon contest involves more established programs, although perhaps their fan bases are – less delighted with how their respective seasons transpired. Here’s a quick look at Friday’s pre-playoff bowl doubleheader.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan
Time/TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN, Conway, S.C.
Why watch: As mentioned, the participants here are the champions of Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos claimed their first MAC crown since 2016, while the Owls earned C-USA honors in only their second year as FBS members. Kennesaw State QB Amari Odom, fresh off leading the championship-winning drive against Jacksonville State, will make frequent use of WR Gabriel Benyard and RB Coleman Bennett. They’ll try to solve the active WMU defense, featuring LB James Camden and DB Tate Hallock. The driving force of Broncos is QB Broc Lowry, who will keep it himself often but can also get backfield help from RB Jalen Buckley. They’ll be opposed by Owls LB Baron Hopson and DE Elijah Hill.
Why it could disappoint: These aren’t offensive juggernauts by any means, so don’t expect a wild shootout. If the first half is close, it will likely stay that way until the finish.
Gasparilla Bowl: Memphis vs. North Carolina State
Time/TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Tampa, Fla.
Why watch: This probably wasn’t the preferred destination for either of these teams, but there should be incentives to win on both sidelines. The Wolfpack showed considerable improvement down the stretch with victories in three of their last four games. The Tigers stumbled late and are now in a coaching transition but should welcome this chance to take down an ACC squad. Memphis QB Brendon Lewis wasn’t fully healthy during the team’s three-game skid to close the year but should be ready to lead the offense for interim coach Reggie Howard. N.C. State QB C.J. Bailey can be a dynamic playmaker and is even more effective when RB Hollywood Smothers is at full speed.
Why it could disappoint: There’s no disputing that N.C. State was playing much better in the final month of the season, so it more or less hinges on how the Tigers respond after dropping their last three contests. A fast start by the Wolfpack could make this a runaway.
No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN.
Why watch: Not surprisingly, these big-name programs get the Friday prime-time treatment to kick off the festivities. It’s also the first of two opening-round contests that are rematches. The Sooners took the first encounter 23-21 back on Nov. 15, the primary reason OU earned hosting privileges for the encore. That result indicates another close – if not especially high-scoring – affair. The Crimson Tide offense has not been especially sharp over the last month, a stretch that includes the initial loss to the Sooners and the blowout loss to Georgia in the SEC title game. QB Ty Simpson still has a lot of speed weapons in his arsenal like WR Ryan Williams. But he’s been getting little ground support, and LB Kip Lewis and the rest of the Sooners’ front will look to continue that trend. OU has also struggled to find points, thanks in no small part to a spate of injuries along the front line. With the ground game struggling, QB John Mateer has become pick prone trying to force the issue, and Alabama S Bray Hubbard will be ready to pounce on any arrant throws.
Why it could disappoint: As we said, this has all the earmarks of a defensive slog. It could easily come down to the kicking game, where Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell might tip the scales to the Sooners.