College Football Playoff Kicks Off With High-Stakes Rematch as Bowl Season Rolls On
We’re officially in the thick of bowl season, and Friday’s slate brings a little bit of everything-from rising programs chasing statement wins to a heavyweight playoff showdown with national title implications. The College Football Playoff gets underway in primetime, but before that, fans can settle in for a full day of action with two intriguing bowl matchups leading up to the main event.
Let’s break down what’s on tap.
CFP First Round: Oklahoma vs. Alabama (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN app/Fubo)
This is where the road to the national championship officially begins-and it’s starting with a bang.
Oklahoma and Alabama meet in a rematch of their November 15 clash in Tuscaloosa, where the Sooners pulled off a gritty 23-21 win that snapped the Crimson Tide’s eight-game winning streak. That game was a defensive slugfest, and you can bet Alabama hasn’t forgotten how that one ended. Now, with a trip to face No. 1 seed Indiana on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Expect fireworks, physicality, and plenty of emotion. Oklahoma will look to prove that its November win wasn’t a fluke, while Alabama enters with something to prove-and plenty of motivation. The winner punches a ticket to the quarterfinals and keeps the dream of a national title alive.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan (11 a.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN app/Fubo)
Friday’s action kicks off early with a battle of conference champions in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Kennesaw State, representing Conference USA, takes on MAC champion Western Michigan in a matchup that’s flying under the radar but has all the makings of a compelling contest.
Both teams are coming off strong finishes to their seasons and bring contrasting styles to the table. Kennesaw’s physicality and ground game will be tested against a Western Michigan squad that’s been opportunistic and efficient on both sides of the ball. For fans of emerging programs looking to make a national statement, this one’s worth tuning in for.
Gasparilla Bowl: Memphis vs. NC State (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN app/Fubo)
The afternoon spotlight shifts to Tampa for the Gasparilla Bowl, where Memphis and NC State square off in a matchup that features two teams with plenty of firepower.
Memphis has been one of the more electric offensive teams in the country, and they’ll be looking to light up the scoreboard against a Wolfpack defense that has held its own in the ACC. NC State, meanwhile, brings a balanced attack and a physical front seven that could pose problems for Memphis in the trenches.
This one could go either way, and it’s a great contrast of styles-tempo and explosiveness versus discipline and grit. Expect a few momentum swings and a game that could come down to the final possession.
How to Watch Friday’s Games
All three games will be available on ESPN, with the CFP showdown between Oklahoma and Alabama also airing on ABC. Fans can stream every matchup live via the ESPN app or on Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new users.
Whether you’re locked in for the full day or just tuning in for the playoff clash, Friday’s schedule offers a little something for every college football fan.
Looking Ahead: More CFP and Bowl Action on the Horizon
Friday is just the beginning. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in the next few days:
Saturday, Dec. 20
- **Texas A&M vs. Miami (Fla.)
** - Noon ET (ABC)
- **Ole Miss vs.
Tulane** - 3:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
- Oregon vs. James Madison - 7:30 p.m.
ET (TNT)
These three CFP first-round games will round out the opening playoff weekend, with each winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
Later Bowl Highlights
- Dec. 27 features a loaded lineup, including Clemson vs.
Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl and Missouri vs. Virginia in the Gator Bowl.
- Dec. 31 brings a New Year’s Eve showdown between Ohio State and the winner of Texas A&M/Miami (Fla.) in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal.
Bottom Line
Bowl season is heating up, and the College Football Playoff has officially arrived. From underrated early matchups to a marquee rematch under the lights, Friday’s schedule is a perfect showcase of what makes this time of year so special in college football.
Grab your snacks, clear your schedule, and get ready-because the road to the national championship starts now.