Bowl Season: Big Ten attempting to become Best Conference
Throughout the entirety of the 2016 college football season, the Big Ten has been hailed as the best conference. With four teams in the Top 8, and one team in the College Football Playoff, the Big Ten conference will have plenty to prove during the postseason.
First of all, they secured 10 Bowl spots during Selection Sunday. The Big Ten also became the first conference to have a team earn a spot in the College Football Playoff without winning the conference title. Despite the top heavy rankings, the Big Ten only managed four teams in the final poll. In addition, 8 of their 10 opponents are ranked heading into the Bowl season. Therefore, the conference will be under an intense microscope during the postseason. There's no guarantee that they'll pass with flying colors.
College Football Playoff
No. 2 Clemson Tigers vs. No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes didn't win their division. They also didn't play on the final weekend. However, Ohio State knocked off three teams in the Top 10. Due to wins over No. 6 Michigan, No. 7 Oklahoma and No. 8 Wisconsin, the Buckeyes may have the best resume entering the postseason. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes didn't win the Big Ten title. Therefore, they earned the No. 3 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Due to Clemson's ACC title, the Tigers jumped over the Buckeyes. As a result, the Tigers will be the home team during the semifinal match up. Other than that, the Buckeyes knew this match up was coming all along. The game is set for Saturday Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.
New Years Six Bowls
No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State (Orange Bowl)
Michigan lost their two games on the last play. That's how close the Wolverines were to making the College Football Playoff. They'll be facing the most prolific offense of the season. The Seminoles have a dynamic passing attack to go with Dalvin Cook in the backfield. Honestly, this looks like a playoff game. However, the Seminoles also had a couple of last season losses. Let's see if Michigan's defense can step up to the challenge one more time. Kickoff is set for Friday Dec. 30 at 8 p.m.
No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (Cotton Bowl)
The Wisconsin Badgers are roughly three plays away from having an undefeated season. After losing three games by seven points apiece, the Badgers received the Cotton Bowl bid. Their failure to defeat the three best teams in the Big Ten East produced some of the most thrilling games of the 2016 season. Can the Badgers defeat the Western Michigan Broncos. The MAC champion is the only undefeated team besides Alabama. Kickoff is set for Monday, Jan 2 at 1 p.m. ET.
No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 9 Southern California (Rose Bowl)
Oh look. Two teams that many people think should be in the College Football Playoff. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes and won the Big Ten Championship game. Meanwhile, USC throttled the high-flying Washington Huskies a few weeks ago. This will be a highly anticipated match up in ever facet of the game. So far, the Nittany Lions have stated all the right things, so they should be ready to play. Yet, the Trojans might be their best opponent of the season. More importantly, Trace McSorley and Sam Darnold could provide one of the best quarterback battles during the postseason. The Nittany Lions have won nine straight games. The Trojans have won eight straight games. Kickoff is set for Monday, Jan 2. at 5 p.m. ET.
Regular Bowls
No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa (Outback Bowl)
Iowa defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the season-finale and they were rewarded with the Outback Bowl. They will face off against the SEC runner-up. Despite the not having a better record than the Huskers, the Hawkeyes were clearly playing better football down the stretch. This should be an interesting match up for a couple of reasons. The Gators are known to have a powerful defense. However, their offense leaves a lot to be desired. Will Iowa be able to impose its will on the Gators' front seven? Game is scheduled for Monday, Jan 2 at 1 p.m.
Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee (Music City Bowl)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were vying for a division title on the final week of the season. They lost three of their last five games. Therefore, the Huskers also lost out on high profile Bowl consideration. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Volunteers were supposed to challenge Alabama to win the SEC. Instead, the Volunteers had a disappointing season. Still, this game is huge for the Huskers and the rest of the Big Ten. Will the Huskers be able to compete for an entire game? Kickoff is set for Friday, December 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Indiana vs. No. 19 Utah (Foster Farms)
The Hoosiers got rid of coach Kevin Wilson at the end of the season. The turmoil leads into a huge Bowl season for the Hoosiers. They are trying to take the next step to elevate the program. Facing the Utah Utes will not be an easy task. Remember, the Utes were vying for the PAC-12 South title until a late-season collapse. The Hoosiers are trying to finish above .500 for the first time since 2007. Game is set for Wednesday, December 28 at 8:30 p.m.
No. 23 Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern (Pinstripe Bowl)
Northwestern had some fantastic outings this season. However, they were unable win consistently in 2016. They only finished with a (6-6) record, but battled teams like Ohio State to the very end. The Wildcats also found a nice passing game with Clayton Thorson and Austin Carr. They'll be facing the prolific offense from Pittsburgh. The Panthers defeated Clemson and Penn State this season. Therefore, the Wildcats can earn a huge victory for the program.
Minnesota vs. Washington State (Holiday Bowl)
The Minnesota Gophers have a chance to shut down the elite passing attack from the Washington State Cougars. The Gophers are trying to surpass the eight-win threshold. The last time they won more than eight games was in 2003. Glen Mason led the Gophers to a (10-3) record. Jerry Kill had a pair of eight-win seasons, but Tracy Claeys can take the program to a new level. The game is set for Tuesday, December 27 at 7 p.m. ET.
Maryland vs. Boston College (Quick Lane Bowl)
The Maryland Terrapins started the season with four straight wins. They also suffered four straight losses this season. During a three game stretch against Michigan, Ohio State and Nebraska, the Terrapins were outscored 149-13. They recovered enough to defeat Rutgers in the season finale. Kickoff is set for Monday December, 26 2:30 p.m. ET.
