A staple of college football could be on its last leg.
December and January always include bowl games, matchups with teams that typically would not play each other during the season, often with unique trophies or postgame celebrations based on the bowl game sponsor. The Duke’s Mayo bath, The Potato Bowl trophy, the Pop-Tart mascot, and all these fun and unique moments could soon become a thing of the past.
Brett McMurphy of On3 wrote yesterday that the 24-team College Football Playoff, which is all but certain to come to fruition, will likely spell the end of the traditional bowl system.
McMurphy notes the change to 24 teams could come as early as 2028, but could be 2030. And what will that mean for traditional bowl games? There could be stand-alone bowl games before the season instead, according to some bowl executive directors.
However, the logistics of that could be tricky when it comes to television contracts, as well as starting fall camp earlier.
We’ve seen a recent decline of bowl games with the expansion of the playoff, as teams that narrowly missed the playoffs opted not to play in them. However, it seems like the 24-team expansion could be what ultimately ends the bowl system.
McMurphy’s piece on the state of the bowl system is well worth the read. You can read it in full here.
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Headlines
Terhyon Nichols expected to return Saturday – Vaughts Views
This will be a big boost for Kentucky’s secondary.
Aggie defenders excited to face off against old friend Jay Bateman – KSR
There will be a lot of familiarity between the A&M defense and Jay Bateman.
UK Baseball on solid recruiting run – KSR
Nick Mingione has been racking up several commitments.
FBS oversight committee says it can’t overturn result of Michigan-Western Michigan – ESPN
Somebody should overturn it though.
College Football Bottom 10 – ESPN
A reference to Will Stein and how Oregon misses him included.
Emmett Smith believes Derrick Henry could pass him as NFL’s all-time leading rusher – Yahoo
Henry is off to a strong start this season at the age of 32.
Top NFL trade candidates – Bleacher Report
Which of these players could be on the move?
Sam Leavitt listed as doubtful ahead of Ole Miss matchup – Yahoo
That’ll be a big hit for Lane Kiffin if Leavitt doesn’t play.
UCLA offering free tickets to students – Bleacher Report
Interesting move here.
Which NFL teams must win in Week 2? – CBS Sports
It’s a big week for the Cowboys and Patriots.
Belichick says reports of girlfriend’s involvement with program are a lie – CBS Sports
Belichick with some strong words.
