2023 Bowl Games and College Football Playoff Schedule Highlights
The college football season’s hitting its peak, and fans everywhere can feel the tension building. Bowl games and the College Football Playoff (CFP) are right around the corner—this is when it all gets real.
It’s a stretch of wild competition and huge stakes. These games shape the stories of young athletes and can make or break the reputations of legendary programs.
Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming bowl games, the teams you shouldn’t ignore, and how this all ties into the championship chase.
Contents
Overview of the College Football Bowl Season
Bowl season usually starts in mid-December and wraps up with the College Football Playoff National Championship in January. It’s more than just a string of games—it’s a reward for teams that made the most of their season.
Players get a shot to show off on a national stage. For some, it’s a last audition before the pros come calling.
Key Dates and Matchups
The first bowl games bring a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Each matchup has its own vibe and history, but a few stand out every year:
- Rose Bowl: The “Granddaddy of Them All”—hard to top its tradition and pageantry.
- Sugar Bowl: New Orleans hosts this clash, usually pitting top SEC and Big 12 squads against each other.
- Orange Bowl: Miami’s big game, often featuring ACC and Big Ten contenders.
- Fiesta Bowl: Glendale, Arizona, is the scene for this one, which has a reputation for wild finishes.
College Football Playoff Structure
The College Football Playoff system changed everything. Now, the national champion is decided through semifinal games leading up to one last showdown.
The top four teams, picked by the CFP selection committee, get a shot at the title.
Selection Process
The committee looks at how teams performed all season. They’re checking strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and who took home conference titles.
It’s not a perfect science, but it’s meant to get the best teams in the hunt for the trophy.
Semifinal Matchups
This year’s semifinals land at two of the New Year’s Six bowl sites. Whoever wins moves on to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Peach Bowl: One semifinal, with two of the nation’s top four squaring off.
- Fiesta Bowl: The other semifinal, deciding the second spot in the championship game.
Impact on Players and Programs
Bowl games and the CFP do more than crown a champion. For players, it’s a shot to leave a mark and maybe boost their draft stock.
For programs, a big win can mean a stronger reputation, better recruits, and a healthier bottom line.
Player Performances to Watch
Some players are set to steal the spotlight this bowl season. A few names and positions worth following:
- Quarterbacks: They run the show and often thrive—or falter—when the stakes are highest.
- Running Backs: One big run can flip a game on its head. You never really know when they’ll break loose.
- Defensive Stars: The game-changers on defense can force turnovers and swing momentum in a heartbeat.
The upcoming bowl games and College Football Playoff schedule are shaping up to be pretty exciting. There’s a real sense that we’re in for some wild moments and maybe even a few surprises.
We’re getting closer to the dramatic finish of the college football season. If you want the nitty-gritty details—dates, matchups, all that—you can check out the official schedule.
Honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the energy right now. Whether you live for every snap or just tune in for the big games, there’s probably something this bowl season that’ll catch your eye.
