The excitement of college football culminates in a series of thrilling matchups known as bowl games. These games are the pinnacle of the season, offering teams a chance to prove themselves against the best of the best. With over 40 games taking place, it can be overwhelming to keep track of them all. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of football bowls, exploring each game, its history, and what makes it unique.
Introduction to Bowl Games
Bowl games have a rich history, dating back to the 1900s. The first bowl game, the Rose Bowl, was played in 1902, pitting the University of Michigan against Stanford University. Since then, the number of bowl games has grown significantly, with new games being added regularly. Today, bowl games are an integral part of college football, providing teams with a chance to compete against opponents from different conferences and regions.
The Bowl Game Selection Process
The selection process for bowl games is complex and involves several factors. The top teams in each conference are typically selected for the most prestigious bowl games, such as the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals and the New Year’s Six bowls. The CFP committee, composed of 13 members, ranks the top 25 teams in the country, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoff semifinals.
The College Football Playoff (CFP)
The CFP is the pinnacle of college football, featuring the top four teams in the country. The semifinals are played on New Year’s Eve, with the winners advancing to the national championship game, played on the second Monday in January. The CFP has been in place since 2014, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS).
New Year’s Six Bowls
The New Year’s Six bowls are a group of six prestigious bowl games that feature top-ranked teams. These games include:
- Rose Bowl
- Sugar Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Cotton Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Peach Bowl
These games are played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and feature some of the best matchups of the bowl season.
Other Notable Bowl Games
In addition to the CFP and New Year’s Six bowls, there are over 30 other bowl games that take place throughout the month of December and early January. Some notable games include:
- Bahamas Bowl
- Birmingham Bowl
- Camellia Bowl
- Cheez-It Bowl
- Gator Bowl
- Hawaii Bowl
- Independence Bowl
- Las Vegas Bowl
- Liberty Bowl
- Military Bowl
- Music City Bowl
- Outback Bowl
- Pinstripe Bowl
- Potato Bowl
- Quick Lane Bowl
- Sun Bowl
- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
- Texas Bowl
Each of these games has its own unique history and tradition, and provides teams with a chance to compete against opponents from different conferences and regions.
Bowl Game Attendance and Viewership
Bowl games are incredibly popular, with many games selling out and attracting millions of viewers on television. The Rose Bowl, for example, has a seating capacity of over 92,000, while the Sugar Bowl has a capacity of over 73,000. The CFP national championship game typically attracts over 25 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television events of the year.
The Economic Impact of Bowl Games
Bowl games have a significant economic impact on the host cities and surrounding areas. According to a study by the NCAA, the economic impact of bowl games can range from 10 million to over 100 million, depending on the game and location. The CFP national championship game, for example, is estimated to generate over $150 million in economic impact for the host city.
Conclusion
Football bowls are an integral part of college football, providing teams with a chance to compete against the best of the best. With over 40 games taking place, there’s something for every fan to enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard college football enthusiast or just a casual fan, the bowl season is an exciting time of year that’s not to be missed.
What is the difference between the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS)?
+The CFP is a four-team playoff that replaced the BCS in 2014. The CFP features the top four teams in the country, as determined by a Selection Committee, while the BCS used a combination of polls and computer rankings to determine the top two teams.
How are teams selected for bowl games?
+Teams are selected for bowl games based on a variety of factors, including their win-loss record, conference championship, and ranking in the CFP poll. The Selection Committee also considers factors such as strength of schedule and head-to-head results.
What is the economic impact of bowl games on host cities?
+The economic impact of bowl games can range from $10 million to over $100 million, depending on the game and location. The CFP national championship game, for example, is estimated to generate over $150 million in economic impact for the host city.
In conclusion, football bowls are an exciting and integral part of college football. With over 40 games taking place, there’s something for every fan to enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard college football enthusiast or just a casual fan, the bowl season is an exciting time of year that’s not to be missed.
