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College football bowl games: Ranking every 2019-2020 bowl team

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson Tigers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Trevor Lawrence, Clemson Tigers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones talks with quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones during a time out in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones talks with quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones during a time out in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

22. USC Trojans, 86.05

  • Roster Strength: 87.18 (13)
  • Team Performance: 86.57 (19)
  • Head Coach Rating: 80.80 (79)

Clay Helton survived the hot season yet again. Despite his team suffering a serious rash of injuries all season, the USC head coach led his team to three straight victories to finish 8-4 overall and 7-2 in Pac-12 play, which apparently swayed new athletic director Mike Bohn to keep him on the sidelines.

The Trojans, who were also ranked No. 22 by the playoff committee, have in fact played like a Top-20 team, and also have Top-15 talent on hand. But there is a concern on both counts given USC’s poor standing in the 2020 recruiting rankings (No. 86 overall and No. 11 in the conference as of Monday morning, according to 247Sports), and the reported pursuit of offensive coordinator Graham Harrell by Texas and others.

21. Iowa State Cyclones, 86.38

  • Roster Strength: 85.16 (31)
  • Team Performance: 84.96 (26)
  • Head Coach Rating: 84.87 (31)

Most college football analytics systems loved Iowa State all season, and CFB Winning Edge is no different. Despite five regular-season losses (including three in its final five games) and a No. 31 Roster Strength rating, the Cyclones have held on to a spot in the top 25 of our power rankings most of the season. Head coach Matt Campbell is a huge reason why, and it’s no surprise his name was mentioned often during the early days of the coaching carousel.

But Campbell, who signed an extension earlier this month, seems content in Ames and appears poised to turn Iowa State into a Big 12 championship contender. He’s certainly built a solid foundation with quarterback Brock Purdy, freshman running back Breece Hall, and arguably the top tight end duo in the country in Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen.

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