College Football Playoff Schedule and Bowl Games for December 27

The college football season is barreling toward its climax. Fans everywhere are counting down to the bowl games and, of course, those College Football Playoff matchups.

The Playoff quarterfinals don’t pick back up until December 31. In the meantime, Saturday, December 27 is jam-packed with bowl action you probably don’t want to miss.

This post breaks down the matchups, kickoff times, and TV details. Because if you’re anything like me, you hate missing out on the good stuff.

Saturday, December 27: Bowl Game Extravaganza

Sure, the Playoff games are on pause till New Year’s Eve. Still, Saturday brings a lineup that’s worth your attention.

Here’s what’s on tap for the day:

Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina

Kickoff Time: 11 a.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN

The Military Bowl gets things started with Pittsburgh (8-4) taking on East Carolina (8-4). Both teams have had solid years, and this one feels like a toss-up.

Pittsburgh’s defense is no joke, but East Carolina’s offense can be unpredictable. Should be a fun way to kick off the day.

Pinstripe Bowl: Clemson vs. Penn State

Kickoff Time: 12 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ABC

Next up, Clemson (7-5) faces Penn State (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl. Neither team met their usual standards this season, but a bowl win would help end on a positive note.

Clemson’s program has the pedigree, while Penn State’s younger players might surprise us. I’m curious to see who shows up.

Fenway Bowl: Army vs. Connecticut

Kickoff Time: 2:15 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN

The Fenway Bowl pairs Army (6-5) against Connecticut (9-3) at Fenway Park. The setting alone adds some charm, doesn’t it?

Army will lean on its disciplined ground game, while UConn brings a more balanced approach. Mid-afternoon bowls always hit different.

Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Brigham Young

Kickoff Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ABC

Georgia Tech (9-3) and BYU (11-2) square off in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Georgia Tech’s offense is electric but BYU’s defense is tough as nails.

This one has “game of the day” potential, honestly. Both sides want to close out strong.

Arizona Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Fresno State

Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

Broadcast: CW

Miami (Ohio) (7-6) meets Fresno State (8-4) in the Arizona Bowl. Two teams with totally different vibes—Miami likes to grind, Fresno State plays fast and loose.

Could be a battle of wills in the desert. I’m expecting some drama.

New Mexico Bowl: San Diego State vs. North Texas

Kickoff Time: 5:45 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN

San Diego State (9-3) takes on North Texas (11-2) in the New Mexico Bowl. It’s classic defense-versus-offense territory here.

San Diego State will try to slow things down, while North Texas is all about piling up points. Should be interesting to see who blinks first.

Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri

Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ABC

Virginia (10-3) and Missouri (8-4) meet in the Gator Bowl. Virginia’s a pretty balanced squad, but Missouri’s physical style could shake things up.

Night games always feel a bit more intense, right? This one could get chippy.

Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU

Kickoff Time: 9:15 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN

The Texas Bowl wraps up the day with Houston (9-3) facing LSU (7-5). Houston’s offense moves fast, LSU’s defense is stubborn.

Late-night bowls are always a wildcard. I wouldn’t count out a wild finish.

Upcoming College Football Playoff Games

And yeah, the December 27 bowls are fun, but the Playoff quarterfinals are looming. Here’s a quick peek at what’s coming up:

Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami

Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 31

Broadcast: ESPN

Ohio State (No. 2) faces Miami (No. 10) in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State’s the favorite, but Miami’s got a chip on its shoulder.

Can the Hurricanes pull off an upset? I guess we’ll see.

Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon

Kickoff Time: 12 p.m. ET, Jan. 1

Broadcast: ESPN

New Year’s Day starts with Texas Tech (No. 4) against Oregon (No. 5) in the Orange Bowl. Both teams have had strong runs this year.

Honestly, it’s tough to call. Should be a good one.

Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama

Kickoff Time: 4 p.m. ET, Jan. 1

Broadcast: ESPN

Top-seeded Indiana takes on Alabama (No. 9) in the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s season has been kind of a fairy tale, but Alabama’s got that playoff pedigree.

There’s a lot at stake here. Can Indiana keep the magic going?

Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss

Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET, Jan. 1

Broadcast: ESPN

The Sugar Bowl wraps up New Year’s Day with Georgia facing Ole Miss. Both squads have looked tough this season.

It’s shaping up to be a gritty, high-stakes clash—semifinal spot up for grabs, nerves and excitement running high.

Curious about the other games or want a deeper dive? Check out this article for more details.