Ohio State vs. Miami in Cotton Bowl today. Beat writers make their picks

TheCollege Football Playoffquarterfinals kick off tonight in Dallas with the Cotton Bowl betweenOhio StateandMiami.

Writers from Columbus Dispatch andPalm Beach Post, both part of USA TODAY Co., provided their predictions for Wednesday night's CFP quarterfinal matchup. The winner advances to the Fiesta Bowl for a semifinal showdown with either Georgia orOle Miss.

Ohio State vs Miami predictions

∎Ohio State 24, Miami 10:Ohio State will need to clean up any lingering protection issues from the Big Ten championship game as Miami collapsed the pocket on Texas A&M during its first-round win, resulting in seven sacks of quarterback Marcel Reed. But even if theBuckeyescontinue to spring a few leaks as it attempts to keep the pocket clean for Julian Sayin, theHurricanesaren't dynamic enough on offense to punish them for it. They did not score a touchdown until the final minutes against the Aggies as they finished with a season-low 10 points.— Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch

∎Ohio State 20, Miami 16:One thing's for sure: Points will be at a premium. Ohio State's defense ranks No. 1 in the nation in both points (8.15 per game) and yardage (213.5 per game), while Miami's isn't far behind at No. 6 (13.83 ppg) and No. 11 (277.8 ypg). The Buckeyes have a bigger stable of playmakers who could bust a few big plays, so the odds are in their favor, but a longer layoff between games might work against them — it certainly worked against Oregon in Ohio State's Rose Bowl blowout last year.

The game will come down to whether Carson Beck can capitalize on the limited big-play chances he'll get and whether he can avoid the big mistakes that led to Miami's losses this season (six of his 10 interceptions have come in those two games). You can bet Malachi Toney will be the focus of Caleb Downs and the Buckeye defense, and Mark Fletcher won't be able to wear down Ohio State's sixth-ranked run defense the way he did Texas A&M. Beck's 103-yard game against the Aggies didn't do much to alleviate the fears around his ability to come up in the clutch.— Dan Rorabaugh, Palm Beach Post

∎Ohio State 21, Miami 13:It's all about defense. The Hurricanes' 11th-ranked defense held Texas A&M's 20th-ranked offense to three points on the road in a first-round win, and the Canes return to the Lone Star State Dec. 31 to see what the Buckeyes can do against that same "D." The U's problem won't be containing OSU's offense, which managed just 10 points against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game. The issue for Miami will be Ohio State's No. 1 defense. The Buckeyes will have their hands full with Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, but otherwise will clamp down enough to send OSU to the semifinal in Arizona.— Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch

∎Ohio State 14, Miami 7:It took Miami until the final two minutes of its first-round matchup against Texas A&M to score a touchdown and secure a spot in the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes will have an even smaller margin of error going against Ohio State's defense, which is the top-ranked in the country. If Miami repeats its slow start offensively, the Buckeyes should be able to capitalize, whether it is the defense turning an error into a touchdown or the offense finding a moment to break through the Hurricanes' top-10 ranked defense.— Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch

∎Ohio State 24, Miami 14:Miami had an impressive game-winning drive and red-zone stand against Texas A&M in the first round of the playoff. They also averaged 6.3 yards per carry and forced three turnovers against the Aggies, proving they can hang with opponents outside the ACC and Notre Dame. Ohio State can get over its red-zone and third-down struggles, flexing its muscle on defense against Miami quarterback Carson Beck to advance to the semifinals.— Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch

When is Miami vs Ohio State today in Cotton Bowl?

  • When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31

  • Where: Dallas, Texas

What TV channel is Miami vs Ohio State today in Cotton Bowl

  • TV: ESPN

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ohio State vs Miami predictions: CFP Cotton Bowl beat writer picks

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 31, 2025

Ohio State vs. Miami in Cotton Bowl today. Beat writers make their picks

TheCollege Football Playoffquarterfinals kick off tonight in Dallas with the Cotton Bowl betweenOhio StateandMiami. ...
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No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Mississippi brace for rematch in the Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal

No. 3 Georgia (12-1, CFP No. 3 seed) vs. No. 6 Mississippi (12-1, CFP No. 6 seed), Thursday, 8 p.m. EST (ESPN)

BetMGM Sportsbook College Football Odds: Georgia by 6 1/2.

Series record: Georgia leads 33-13-1.

What's at stake?

The winner moves on to a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. Georgia comes in on the heels ofan SEC championshipand one year after aloss to Notre Damein a quarterfinal at the same bowl game. Now they'll try to beat Ole Miss a second time in one season.These two teams met in Athens on Oct. 18, with the Bulldogs winning 43-35. The was the Rebels' only loss. They earned a rematch by routing Tulane 41-10 in the opening round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 20, about three weeks after their coach for most of this season, Lane Kiffin,left for LSUand wasreplaced by former defensive coordinator Pete Golding.

Key matchup

Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie was a major matchup problem for the Ole Miss defense in the last meeting. He caught three TD passes from Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton. Rebels linebackers and safeties will try to have a better plan this time for covering Luckie, who was a key safety valve for Stockton, particularly in the red zone. All three of Luckie's touchdowns came on snaps inside the Ole Miss 15-yard line.

Players to watch

Mississippi: QB Trinidad Chambliss has provided one of the most compelling story lines in all of college football this season. The transfer from Division II Ferris State began the season as a backup and performed so well as an early season injury replacement that he kept the starting job for the rest of the season. Along the way, the dual-threat QB has passed for 3,298 yards and 19 TDs to go with 506 yards and eight TDs rushing.

Georgia: Stockton also is a threat as both a passer and a runner, and improved throughout his first full year as the Bulldogs' starter. He's completed 70.7% of his passes this season for 2,691 yards and 23 TDs while also rushing for 442 yards and eight TDs.

Facts & figures

The 50th meeting on the field between these SEC foes will be their first in the postseason. It'll also be the eighth time they've played when both were ranked, with the Bulldogs having won five of the previous seven such matchups. ... Georgia and Mississippi have never previously played twice in the same season. ... Ole Miss' CFP opener wasGolding's only game as a college football head coach. ... Mississippi is in its 11th Sugar Bowl, having gone 6-4 in its previous 10. The Rebels' last trip to the Sugar Bowl came after the 2021 season and they lost to Baylor 21-7. ... Ole Miss led the SEC this season in total offense with 498 yards per game and passing offense with 312.4 yards per game. ... Georgia is making its 13th appearance in the Sugar Bowl, having gone 5-7 in its previous 12. ... The Bulldogs are in their fifth CFP, all under coach Kirby Smart. They are 5-2 in CFP games, including national titles in 2021 and 2022. ... The Bulldogs won their 16th SEC championship with a 28-7 victory overAlabamaon Dec. 6. Georgia has now won two straight SEC titles for the first time since winning three in a row from 1980-82. ... Georgia has gone 65-6 since 2021, the best record of any Football Bowl Subdivision team during the past half decade. ... Last year's Sugar Bowl was delayed by a day because of thekilling of 14 people on Bourbon Streetby an attacker who drove a truck into a crowd and then died in a shootout with police in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Mississippi brace for rematch in the Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal

No. 3 Georgia (12-1, CFP No. 3 seed) vs. No. 6 Mississippi (12-1, CFP No. 6 seed), Thursday, 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) B...
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Week 18 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Top QB streamers, starts

Sometimes all you need to do is make the playoffs, because once you do, the path to winning a championship is mostly paved with good luck and timely performances.

Nowhere is there a better example this year than at the quarterback position.

While Josh Allen, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford have been excellent all season, two quarterbacks in particular have elevated their games to superhuman levels over the past three weeks.

Trevor Lawrence of theJacksonville Jaguarsand Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers have accounted for 12 and 13 total touchdowns respectively over their last three games – with Lawrence putting up more total fantasy points in Weeks 15-17 than any other quarterback in the Super Bowl era,according to ESPN.

If you still happen to be playing in Week 18, Lawrence is a strong bet to keep that momentum going against Tennessee.

(Week 18 rankings from Daniel Dobish ofTheHuddle.com)

<p style=QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 364.6 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots: 336.2 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: 332.5 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 314.9 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: 313.1 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: 404.9 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: 363.5 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: 356.4 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: 346.6 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins: 322.8 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams: 349.0 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks: 345.5 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: 299.1 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys: 290.0 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: 290.0 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=TE Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals: 302.4 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons: 199.0 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs: 189.0 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=TE Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys: 186.6 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=TE Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns: 186.4 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=K Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks: 182 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=K Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys: 172.6 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=K Ka'imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans: 156 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=K Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers: 155 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=K Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings: 142 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Seattle Seahawks D/ST: 169 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Houston Texans D/ST: 146 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST: 131 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Los Angeles Rams D/ST: 127 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST: 126 fantasy points

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The top 5 fantasy football scorers at each position in PPR formats

QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 364.6 fantasy points

Fantasy football Week 18 quarterback rankings

* - double-check player's status before kickoff

  1. Matthew Stafford L.A.-R vs. Ari.

  2. Trevor Lawrence Jac. vs. Ten.

  3. Josh Allen Buf. vs. N.Y.-J

  4. Drake Maye N.E. vs. Mia.

  5. Jared Goff Det. at Chi.

  6. Jalen Hurts Phi. vs. Was.

  7. Brock Purdy S.F. vs. Sea.

  8. Joe Burrow Cin. vs. Cle.

  9. Dak Prescott Dal. at N.Y.-G

  10. Justin Herbert L.A.-C at Den.

  11. Caleb Williams Chi. vs. Det.

  12. Sam Darnold Sea. at S.F.

  13. Bo Nix Den. vs. L.A.-C

  14. *Lamar Jackson Bal. at Pit.

  15. Jaxson Dart N.Y.-G vs. Dal.

  16. Jacoby Brissett Ari. at L.A.-R

  17. Tyler Shough N.O. at Atl.

  18. *Jordan Love G.B. at Min.

  19. *Marcus Mariota Was. at Phi.

  20. Baker Mayfield T.B. at Car.

  21. C.J. Stroud Hou. vs. Ind.

  22. Kirk Cousins Atl. vs. N.O.

  23. Cam Ward Ten. at Jac.

  24. Aaron Rodgers Pit. vs. Bal.

  25. Shedeur Sanders Cle. at Cin.

  26. Bryce Young Car. at T.B.

  27. Quinn Ewers Mia. at N.E.

  28. Riley Leonard Ind. at Hou.

  29. Kenny Pickett L.V. vs. K.C.

  30. Brady Cook N.Y.-J at Buf.

  31. Chris Oladokun K.C. at L.V.

  32. Max Brosmer Min. vs. G.B.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Fantasy football Week 18 QB rankings (2025)

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

Week 18 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Top QB streamers, starts

Sometimes all you need to do is make the playoffs, because once you do, the path to winning a championship is mostly pave...
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Clemson parts ways with OC Garrett Riley and assistant Mickey Conn after disappointing season

Clemson is moving on from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and longtime defensive assistant Mickey Conn, coachDabo Swinneyannounced Tuesday.

Swinney expressed his admiration for Riley and said decisions like this are never easy, but the team's offensive struggles showed its time for a change.

"We just did not get the production and the results that we needed, and I just feel like it is time for a change, and so we will be moving in a different direction with a new offensive coordinator," Swinney said in a statement.

Swinney also announced the team would be moving on from Conn, who has been with the Tigers since 2016 and served as the safeties coach from 2017 to 2025. Conn also took on responsibilities as the defensive passing game coordinator and co-special teams coordinator this season.

"We will also have a change with the leadership of our safeties with the departure of Mickey Conn," Swinney said. "Coach Conn is someone that I've known since 1990 and he truly is family to me. He has done an amazing job here at Clemson."

The coaching changes come after a disappointing season. Clemson, ranked No. 4 in theAP preseason poll, went 7-6 and ended the season with a22-10 lossto Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.

"I am excited about the plan we have in place for our secondary and our defensive staff, and I am looking forward to identifying the right leader for our offense to help achieve our goals for 2026 and beyond," Swinney said.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

Clemson parts ways with OC Garrett Riley and assistant Mickey Conn after disappointing season

Clemson is moving on from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and longtime defensive assistant Mickey Conn, coachDabo Swi...
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Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown at Levi's Stadium. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy missed an extended period of time this season, multiple high-profile names within the sport said the team was better off keeping him on the bench in favor of backup Mac Jones, who had played well in his stead.

"I just don't see how [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] will be able to take Mac Jones off the field with how he's playing," Amazon Prime analyst Richard Sherman, a former 49ers cornerback,posted on Xin November. "I know Brock Purdy HAS to start if he's healthy but this is a hot hand situation right now and MAC is rolling! Not trying to spark controversy but this is an obvious observation."

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky saidthe same month: "There is a brewing quarterback controversy, competition, whatever you want in San Francisco."

Around the time of Sherman's and Orlovsky's comments, Purdy had missed eight of San Francisco's first 10 games. The 49ers had a 1-1 record in his two starts, compared with a 5-3 mark in Jones' eight.

Among those who advocated for sticking with Jones was none other than Tom Brady, the legendary, seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback who himself became a starter because of an injury to another player.

"You gotta go with the hot hand,"Brady saidNov. 9. "Yes, you stay with him. I gotta believe that's why I'm still sitting here today because [the New England Patriots] went with the hot hand about 25 years ago."

But since Purdy returned to action for good on Nov. 16, not only has he had the hot hand in San Francisco — but it also might just be the hottest in the NFL.

The 49ers have won six straight games aftera nail-biting victoryover the Chicago Bears on Sunday. With a 12-4 record, San Francisco can clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. That would give the 49ers home-field advantage throughout the entire playoffs, literally, as the Super Bowl is set to be played at San Francisco's home stadium in February.

During the six-game winning streak, Purdy has been fantastic. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns and run for three more. The 49ers have won five of the games by double digits, while Purdy led a come-from-behind victory in the sixth.

"I thought Brock had a hell of a game,"Shanahan said postgameSunday. "Brock has been playing his ass off, made some huge plays in this game. Kept some drives alive with his legs, made some off-schedule plays, and he's an assassin out there. ... He's playing as good as it gets right now."

More from Sports

Since he returned in Week 11, Purdyranks firstamong all quarterbacks in expected points added per play, first in completion percentage, second in success rate and second in completion percentage over expectation.

Meanwhile, Purdy's quarterback rating of 77.6 for the season is a career best, and while he does not qualify because he has played in only eight games, it would also be the best mark in the league. Purdy's play has lived up to the massive five-year, $265 million contract extension he signed before the season, a deal that was also being questioned amid Jones' success.

Now, all that stands between San Francisco and the top seed in the conference is a rematch with the Seahawks, whom Purdy and the 49ers defeated on the road in Week 1. If Purdy continues to play as he has over the last six weeks, San Francisco may be the NFC's best bet to win a championship.

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

The quarterback some wanted benched may have the inside track to the Super Bowl

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NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's father dies after fire, mother critically injured

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's father died from injuries he suffered in a house fire Sunday in North Carolina, officials said. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, has always credited his father's sacrifices and support for his success on the track.

The father, Dennis Hamlin, was 75. Denny Hamlin's mother, 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin, was critically injured in the blaze at the couple's home in Gaston County and is currently hospitalized. The fire is under investigation.

Firefighters arrived at the two-story house Sunday night to find it mostly engulfed by the fire, and the structure ultimately collapsed, The Associated Press reported. The house is located in the town of Stanley, about 20 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Firefighters found Hamlin's parents outside after they narrowly escaped the flames and both were rushed to the hospital. Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where officials said she was in critical condition. Dennis Hamlin did not survive his injuries.

The tragedy for Denny Hamlin, 45, comes after the NASCAR champion won his 60th race in October — a victory he dedicated to his father, whose health had been on the decline for some time. It was a milestone that Hamlin said he could not have achieved without his father's sacrifices.

"He's the one who got me into racing, took me to the track when I was five, sold everything they had, you know, we almost lost our house a couple times, and just tried to keep it all going," Hamlin said at the October race, adding: "I'm just glad he was able to see 60."

Hamlin also spoke about his father's health in October, telling AP that his dad was battling a serious illness and did not have a lot of time left.

"I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don't want him going and never getting to see the moment," Hamlin said.

The home that caught fire is owned by the company Won One Real Estate, which lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to AP, which cited local property tax records and a business document filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office.

CEO of major bank warns stock market will punish Americans if Federal Reserve isn't independent

Meet the Montana GOP lawmakers who were kicked out of their party for voting with Democrats

Full interview: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's father dies after fire, mother critically injured

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's father died from injuries he suffered in a house fire Sunday in North Carolina, official...
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Bowl game schedule today: Previewing the three college football matchups Dec. 30

Three morecollege football bowl gamesare on the Tuesday docket as the new year draws ever nearer.

The day's slate features a couple ofBig Tensquads in action in their respective opponents' home states. One will be inSECcountry, while the other faces Big 12 opposition. But before the power conference representatives take the field, a matchup of so-called mid-major squads gets a brief turn in the spotlight in the matinee.

Here's a breakdown of the trio of contests slated for the penultimate day of 2025. Yes, we're obligated to use the word penultimate whenever possible – it's in our contract.

Independence Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech

Time/TV:2 p.m. ET, ESPN in Shreveport, La.

Why watch:The Tuesday tripleheader kicks off with yet another clash between representatives of the Sun Belt and Conference USA. The Chanticleers will be led by interim coach Jeremiah Johnson before Ryan Beard fully takes charge after his arrival from Missouri State ahead of next season. Given their passing issues all year, they'll likely count on RB Ja'Vin Simpkins and more mobile QB Samari Collier to mount drives. If Collier is unable to play due to injury, the job will likely fall to Tad Hudson. TheBulldogshave been only slightly more successful in the passing game, but QB Trey Kukuk directed victories starting Tech's last two contests.

Why it could disappoint:Some of the Chanticleers are in the portal, but other players might be auditioning for future roles. The Bulldogs should have the edge in crowd support and interest level.

Music City Bowl: No. 23 Tennessee vs. Illinois

Time/TV:5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in Nashville, Tenn.

Why watch:TheVolunteersfell short of their bid to return to the College Football Playoff but at least get to play their final game in front of a home-state crowd. The Fighting Illini, who also spent time in the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 during the season but couldn't crack the Big Ten's top tier, should provide a suitable matchup. Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar stepped into a challenging situation and did what he could, but the SEC's most accomplished defenses were too much to overcome. His primary playmakers should be WR Braylon Staley after Chris Brazzell opted out of the game. QB Luke Altmyer had similar issues as Aguilar atIllinois, though he took better care of the ball despite sketchy ground support. His main deep threat is WR Hank Beatty, who is also a dangerous punt returner.

Why it could disappoint:The Vols' no-show in their regular-season finale against Vanderbilt raises serious questions about their mindset heading into their bowl game. The Illini were on the short end of a few blowouts themselves, so things could get sideways for them as well.

Alamo Bowl: No. 16 Southern California vs. TCU

Time/TV:9 p.m. ET, ESPN in San Antonio, Texas.

Why watch:TheTrojanswere realistically behind the proverbial playoff eight ball after their early setback at Illinois, but for the most part they won the games they were supposed to. TCU also had some nice results but also some curiously uneven performances that had their fans frustrated for large portions of the fall. Unfortunately for the viewers, the most recognizable names will not be participating as USC WRs Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane are prepping for the draft and Horned Frogs QB Josh Hoover is transferring. Trojans QB Jayden Maiava will need to find some new targets, while TCU turns to backup Ken Seals, who has attempted just six passes all season but completed four of them.

Why it could disappoint:The Horned Frogs figure to be at more of a personnel disadvantage. If TCU's defense can't get stops early, it might be a long night.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College football bowl games today: Schedule includes three matchups

byCristiano Ronaldo
in
December 30, 2025

Bowl game schedule today: Previewing the three college football matchups Dec. 30

Three morecollege football bowl gamesare on the Tuesday docket as the new year draws ever nearer. The day's ...
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