Ranking every 2018-2019 college bowl game by watchability
By Cephas Evans
19. Fiesta Bowl – (11) LSU vs. (8) UCF
Out of all the New Year’s Six bowl games, this one is at the bottom of the list, in terms of entertainment value. LSU simply isn’t the most exciting team to watch, on either side of the ball, but they are a great team, with a stout defense. As for Central Florida, they are on a 25-game winning streak but lost their starting quarterback McKenzie Milton vs. USF. Freshman Darriel Mack, Jr. overcame a sluggish first half in the AAC Championship Game but could be in for a rude awakening vs. the Tigers defense.
18. Las Vegas Bowl – (21) Fresno State vs. Arizona State
Arizona State will be playing in the Las Vegas Bowl without star wide receiver N’Keal Harry, so they may not air it out as much as usual. That said, keeping the game on the ground may be beneficial for the Sun Devils. Fresno State is a strong defensive team, but they are particularly great against the pass. Arizona State will need to lean on running back Eno Benjamin, who has averaged 5.5. yards per carry this season. Also, don’t forget about Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion, who has been one of the most efficient players in the country.
17. Music City Bowl – Purdue vs. Auburn
For Auburn fans, the 2018 season has been a major disappointment and a trip to the Music City Bowl to play 6-6 Purdue only makes matters worse. That said, this has the potential to be a great game. Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham is another NFL prospect to watch and should put up huge numbers against this mediocre Purdue defense. However, the Boilermakers have shown they can win a big game (blew out Ohio State 49-20), so don’t think for a second they won’t make this a competitive game.
16. Outback Bowl – (18) Mississippi State vs. Iowa
The Outback Bowl is another example of a game that could be higher on the list. Mississippi State’s senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who holds the all-time rushing record for a quarterback in the SEC, will be looking to end his career in style. It won’t be easy against this tough Iowa defense, but Fitzgerald has done it against the best in the SEC year after year, so don’t expect him to back down if the Hawkeyes put up a fight.
15. Camping World Bowl – (16) West Virginia vs. (20) Syracuse
If quarterback Will Grier elects to play in the Camping World Bowl, this could end up being one of the most exciting games on the list. Both West Virginia and Syracuse will put up staggering offensive numbers, which is why it’s a must-watch game for any fan of high-scoring football. Expect this game to produce over 1,000 total yards and at least 75 points. No clue who will come out on top, but it will likely be the last team to reach the end-zone.