THE College Football Playoffs will kick off Friday evening and take center stage for the rest of the weekend. But before things get underway in the evening in Norman, Oklahoma, there will be a few morning bowls Friday to whet everyone’s appetite.
First up on the undercard is a potential hidden gem on a popular beach, with true conference champions battling it out. One is invited to bowling for the first time, but the other is just as happy to earn a trip down south.
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The mid-afternoon contest involves more established programs, even if their fans may be less happy with how their respective seasons have gone. Here’s a quick look at Friday’s pre-playoff bowl doubleheader.
Time/TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN, Conway, South Carolina
Why watch: As mentioned, the participants here are the champions of Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference. THE Broncos won its first MAC crown since 2016, while the Owls captured C-USA honors in just their second year as an FBS member. Kennesaw State QB Amari Odom, who just led the championship win over Jacksonville State, will call on WR Gabriel Benyard and RB Coleman Bennett frequently. They will try to solve WMU’s active defense, with LB James Camden and DB Tate Hallock. The driving force for the Broncos is QB Broc Lowry, who will often guard it himself but can also get help from RB Jalen Buckley. They will be opposed by Owls LB Baron Hopson and DE Elijah Hill.
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Why it might disappoint: These are not offensive heavyweights by any means, so don’t expect a wild shootout. If the first half is close, it will probably stay that way until the end.
Time/TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Tampa, Florida.
Why watch: This probably wasn’t the preferred destination for either team, but there should be incentive to win on both sides. THE Wolf pack has shown considerable improvement over time with wins in three of its last four matches. The Tigers stumbled late and are now in a coaching transition, but should take advantage of this opportunity to knock off an ACC team. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis wasn’t fully healthy in the team’s three games to close the year, but should be ready to run the offense for interim coach Reggie Howard. NC State QB CJ Bailey can be a dynamic playmaker and is even more effective when RB Hollywood Smothers is at full speed.
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Why it might disappoint: There’s no doubt that NC State was playing much better in the final month of the season, so it more or less depends on how the Tigers react after losing their last three games. A fast start by the Wolfpack could make it runaway.
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN.
Why watch: Unsurprisingly, these marquee programs get the Friday primetime treatment to kick off the festivities. This is also the first of two first round matches that are rematches. THE Earlier won the first meeting 23-21 on Nov. 15, the main reason OU was awarded hosting privileges for the encore. This result indicates another close – if not particularly noteworthy – affair. The Crimson Tide’s offense hasn’t been particularly strong over the past month, a stretch that includes the opening loss to the Sooners and the blowout loss to Georgia in the SEC title game. Quarterback Ty Simpson still has plenty of speed weapons in his arsenal like WR Ryan Williams. But he received little support on the ground, and LB Kip Lewis and the rest of the Sooners front will look to continue that trend. OU also struggled to find points, thanks in large part to a rash of injuries along the front line. With the ground game struggling, quarterback John Mateer has become prone to trying to force the issue, and Alabama’s S Bray Hubbard will be ready to pounce on all the big throws.
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Why it might disappoint: As we said, this has all the characteristics of defensive work. It could easily come down to the kicking game, where Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell could tip the scales in the Sooners’ favor.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Today’s college football games: Schedule includes CFP and two bowls
