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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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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

10. Auburn Tigers, 89.74

  • Roster Strength: 86.65 (18)
  • Team Performance: 88.08 (13)
  • Head Coach Rating: 90.07 (9)

Auburn knocked off Alabama, which solidified the season as a success. The Tigers also slowed down Joe Burrow and the LSU offense better than anyone, which is a moral victory of sorts. Head coach Gus Malzahn called on true freshman Bo Nix as his starting quarterback, and the move paid off. Nix now has a full season under his belt, which should only help as the Tigers turn their attention to 2020 ahead of a date with Minnesota in the Outback Bowl.

Part of bowl preparations will surely be drawing up plans for rebuilding along the line of scrimmage. Auburn will lose the vast majority of its starters along both the offensive and defensive lines after the season. If the Tigers solve their personnel problems up front, Auburn could be a preseason playoff contender next year.

9. Utah Utes, 90.13

  • Roster Strength: 87.10 (13)
  • Team Performance: 89.79 (8)
  • Head Coach Rating: 86.53 (17)

Utah had been dominant, especially along the line of scrimmage, since losing to USC in its Pac-12 opener, but the Oregon Ducks exposed the Utes up front and won 37-15 Friday night. The loss knocked Utah out of College Football Playoff contention, and all the way to the Alamo Bowl, where they will face Texas.

Losing the conference title game was a huge letdown, but Utah is a veteran squad capable of bouncing back. Regardless of the result against Oregon, the Utes boast one of the best defensive lines in the country, and one of the top quarterback and running back duos in the country in Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss, respectively.

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