Ranking every 2018-2019 college bowl game by watchability
By Cephas Evans
24. Military Bowl – Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Although it took a make-up game to get to 6-6, Virginia Tech is bowling for the 26th straight year, which is the longest active streak in the nation. The Hokies will be facing a 10-2 Cincinnati team, who has shown the ability to play great defense, but their offense will be fun to watch as well. When redshirt freshman quarterback Desmond Ridder and sophomore running back Michael Warren take the field, they’ll look to put the Bearcats on the map for years to come.
23. Frisco Bowl – San Diego State vs. Ohio
When Ohio and San Diego link up in the Frisco Bowl, it will be a true offense versus defense match-up. The Bobcats finished the year with the top-ranked offense in the MAC and will go head-to-head with the No. 2 ranked defense in the Mountain West. Although many may think this game lacks headlines, the match-up to watch is Ohio running back A.J. Ouellete against San Diego linebacker Kyahva Tezino. These are two of the best in their respective conferences and both will look to make a huge impact in this game.
22. Independence Bowl – Duke vs. Temple
Duke quarterback Daniel Jones will be looking to make one last impression for NFL scouts but will have his work cut out for him against Temple. The Blue Devils quarterback has seen his stock rise at a steady pace this season, with some now predicting him to be a 1st round draft pick this spring. That said, Jones will be facing one of the best pass defenses he has seen this year. Temple has held opposing quarterbacks to a 50 percent completion rate, 158 passing yards per game, and forced 15 interceptions over the season. If Jones can put up solid numbers in the Independence Bowl, he’ll likely be a household name by the 1st of the year.
21. Liberty Bowl – (23) Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
The Liberty Bowl features two top-20 offenses, led by two great quarterbacks. For Missouri, top NFL prospect, Drew Lock, leads the offense and put together a great season playing against strong SEC defenses. Missouri and Locke should have no trouble putting up points on Oklahoma State, but the Pokes offense, led by Tyler Cornelius, will have the firepower to keep up.
20. Pinstripe Bowl – Wisconsin vs. Miami
No matter their record, when Miami takes the field, you can always expect to be entertained. This year is no different and the Hurricanes defense will be looking to break out the turnover chain in Yankee Stadium to cap off a disappointing season. However, that strong Miami defense will have to deal with Wisconsin running back, Jonathon Taylor, who recently won the Doak Walker Award given to the top running back in college football. Taylor was held under 100 yards only once this season and will look to join the elite club of 2,000-yard rushers with a big game against the Hurricanes.