We’re all about informing here at Bowl Game Central. So we feel we should let you in on a key piece of knowledge related to the holiday season. Boxing Day, contrary to popular belief, has nothing to do with pugilism. Shocking, I know. In truth, it’s all about football.
Well, OK, that’s probably only the case in the United States. But if you like the college game, you have a trio of contests to help you pass the time. The Friday bowl lineup begins in the Motor City, winds up in ‘Big D’, and features a stop in the desert in between. Here are the particulars.
GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern
Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN in Detroit
Why watch: Kicking off the busy bowl weekend is this regional clash in the Motor City. The Chippewas, led by first-year coach Matt Drinkall, are bowling for the first time since 2021, but the Wildcats are likely just as happy to be here after pulling out a close contest with Minnesota late in the campaign to get to six wins. Central Michigan has numerous options at QB but generally goes with Joe Labas when travel by air is required. RB Nahree Biggins is utilized frequently, and he figures to have regular encounters with Wildcats DB Robert Fitzgerald and LB Mac Uihlein. Northwestern QB Preston Stone is at his best when RB Caleb Komolafe also has room to operate. Chippewas LB Jordan Kwiatkowski will try to make sure he doesn’t.
Why it could disappoint: This will probably be a line-of-scrimmage type of game with limited explosive plays. That would theoretically work in the Big Ten team’s favor, but the Wildcats will still have to finish their drives.
Rate Bowl: Minnesota vs. New Mexico
Time/TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in Phoenix.
Why watch: The Golden Gophers and Lobos meet for the first time on the gridiron. The destination is closer for New Mexico fans, but there should be a number of snowbirds from the Twin Cities on hand as well. Minnesota was unbeaten at home and winless on the road, but the Gophers have also won their last eight bowl games. QB Drake Lindsey and RB Darius Taylor drive the offense. The Lobos come in riding a six-game winning streak, though tiebreakers kept them from playing for the Mountain West championship. QB Jack Layne’s playbook frequently features RB Damon Bankston, but WR Keagan Johnson and TE Dorian Thomas are also well utilized.
Why it could disappoint: It honestly shouldn’t. The Lobos didn’t blow anyone out during their season-ending string of victories, but they won’t be intimidated by Big Ten competition.
First Responder Bowl: Florida International vs. Texas-San Antonio
Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN in Dallas.
Why watch: The Friday nightcap reunites opponents with some recent history. The Roadrunners and Panthers split four prior meetings, all taking place since 2014. FIU enters on a four-game winning streak. QB Keyone Jenkins has taken over the offense, making excellent use of RB Kejon Owens and WR Alex Perry. UTSA’s season in the American has been a mixed bag, including a decisive win against eventual champ Tulane but blowout losses to North Texas and South Florida. QB Owen McCown spread the ball among a deep array of pass catchers, and RBs Robert Henry and Will Henderson lend plenty of ground help.
Why it could disappoint: The American was a deeper conference overall, but the Roadrunners were in the middle of the pack and probably won’t have an appreciable roster advantage against the Golden Panthers.
