Ultimate Guide to College Football Bowl Schedule 2023
As the college football season edges toward its finale, fans and teams are buzzing with anticipation for the bowl games. These matchups cap off another wild year and, honestly, who doesn’t look forward to the chaos and pageantry?
The bowl season’s a classic tradition. It’s packed with big moments, wild finishes, and a last shot for teams to wrap things up on a high note.
The full bowl schedule is finally out. This year’s slate looks set to crank up the drama and deliver more of those unforgettable games we all love.
Let’s break down what’s coming up—dates, times, matchups, and where to catch all the action on TV.
Contents
Overview of the Bowl Schedule
Bowl season gets rolling in mid-December and stretches into the new year. It all builds up to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
This year’s lineup is a mix of old favorites and fresh faces. Every team out there has something to prove, and there’s always a chance for a new hero to emerge under the bright lights.
Key Dates and Matchups
Things kick off on December 17 with a handful of early games. These first matchups always set the vibe for the crazy weeks ahead.
The New Year’s Six bowls are the heavy hitters: Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl. They’re stacked with top teams and, of course, some of these double as College Football Playoff semifinals.
- Rose Bowl: January 1. Classic pageantry, iconic setting—hard to beat.
- Sugar Bowl: Also January 1. Known for wild, high-scoring games and a deep history.
- Orange Bowl: December 30. One of the oldest bowls out there, and it just feels big.
- Cotton Bowl: December 29. A mainstay in the bowl lineup for years.
- Fiesta Bowl: January 1. Always seems to deliver those edge-of-your-seat moments.
- Peach Bowl: December 31. It’s been on the rise lately and gets better every year.
TV Schedule and Viewing Options
Bowl games are everywhere on TV, so missing out really isn’t an option. ESPN, ABC, CBS, and FOX will all be carrying games and, yes, there’s plenty of expert analysis if you’re into that.
If you’re more of a streaming person, you’re covered. It’s never been easier to keep up, even if you’re on the move or just don’t want to fight for the remote.
How to Watch
With so many games stacked up, planning your watchlist gets tricky. Here’s a quick rundown for tracking the madness:
- ESPN: Most bowl games land here. Check your local listings for exact times, because they do change.
- ABC: Big showdowns like the Rose Bowl show up here.
- CBS: Sun Bowl, Armed Forces Bowl, and a few others are on CBS.
- FOX: FOX gets the Holiday Bowl and some other key games.
- Streaming: ESPN’s app and other streaming options let you catch games live, or watch replays if you miss something.
Impact on the College Football Playoff
Bowl games, especially the semifinals and championship, decide the national champion. The College Football Playoff committee picks the top four teams for the semifinals, and those winners go on to the big game.
This year, the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl are hosting the semifinals. That’s going to add even more hype to games that are already pretty loaded with history.
Semifinal Matchups
The semifinals always draw a crowd. You’re getting the best teams, all fighting for a spot in the national championship.
The Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl will decide who moves on to the title game on January 10. Matchups are set by the final rankings, so there’s always some last-minute drama.
Teams to Watch
Every bowl team earned their shot, but a few stand out. Powerhouse programs and scrappy underdogs alike are ready to make some noise.
Powerhouse Programs
Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson—these names always seem to pop up. They’ve got loaded rosters and a history of showing up when it matters.
Fans expect them to be right in the thick of things, and it’s hard to argue with that track record.
Underdogs and Surprise Teams
But hey, there’s always a Cinderella story. Teams like Cincinnati and Coastal Carolina have made big leaps lately.
Their bowl appearances show just how far they’ve come, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good upset?
Conclusion
The college football bowl season is more than just a string of games—it’s a celebration. Teams and fans come together for a wild mix of excitement and tradition.
This year’s schedule is packed. You’ll see legendary powerhouses face off, but also get a few surprises from up-and-coming programs.
If you want the nitty-gritty—dates, times, matchups, TV info—check out the complete college football bowl schedule. It’s all there, and honestly, it’s kind of overwhelming in the best way.
