College Football Bowl Season Recap: New Year’s Chaos, Upsets & CFP Shockwaves

Late College Football Bowl Season Recap

Bowl season delivered everything fans expect after Christmas: blowouts, last second drama, and College Football Playoff chaos that completely reshaped the national title picture.

Wednesday 12/31 — New Year’s Eve Bowls

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl – Las Vegas, NV

Nebraska 22, Utah 44

Utah overpowered Nebraska with physical offense and second half control, pulling away comfortably to cap a strong bowl showing.

ReliaQuest Bowl – Tampa, FL

Iowa 34, Vanderbilt 27

Iowa leaned on timely offense and toughness late to outlast Vanderbilt in a competitive matchup.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – El Paso, TX

Arizona State 39, Duke 42

Duke survived a wild back and forth shootout, holding off a late Arizona State push in one of the most entertaining games of the day.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl – Orlando, FL

Michigan 27, Texas 41

Texas flexed its speed and quarterback play, pulling away from Michigan and delivering a statement win to close the year.

CFP Quarterfinal – Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – Arlington, TX

Miami 24, Ohio State 14

Miami shocked Ohio State with explosive plays and defensive pressure, ending the Buckeyes’ title hopes in dramatic fashion.

Thursday 1/1 — New Year’s Day CFP Tripleheader

CFP Quarterfinal – Capital One Orange Bowl – Miami, FL

Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0

Oregon dominated from start to finish, pitching a shutout and showcasing a complete performance on college football’s biggest stage.

CFP Quarterfinal – Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential – Pasadena, CA

Alabama 3, Indiana 38

Indiana delivered a stunning result, dismantling Alabama and sending shockwaves through the sport.

CFP Quarterfinal – Allstate Sugar Bowl – New Orleans, LA

Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34

Ole Miss outlasted Georgia in a high octane thriller, using clutch offense late to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Friday 1/2 — Post–New Year’s Bowl Rush

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl – Fort Worth, TX

Rice 10, Texas State 41

After a stalemate first quarter, Texas State controlled the game and cruised to a dominant win behind relentless offense.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl – Memphis, TN

Navy 35, Cincinnati 13

Navy’s option attack overwhelmed Cincinnati, controlling possession and wearing down the Bearcats throughout the game.

Trust & Will Holiday Bowl – San Diego, CA

Arizona 19, SMU 24

SMU closed strong with disciplined play and execution to hold off Arizona in a tight finish.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Charlotte, NC

Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29

Wake Forest’s offense proved too much, pulling away in the second half to secure an impressive bowl victory.

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