Let’s Go Bowling: 2022 Bowl Game Predictions

Payne Williams and Evan Vieth

Bowl game matchups start to take shape as the 2022 college football season wraps up. Although conference championships will play a big role in finalizing matchups, the Daily Texan put together some bowl game predictions:

 

 

Peach Bowl: Dec. 31, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Georgia vs. Tennessee


In a rematch of one of the most important games of the 2022 regular season, No. 1 Georgia faces off against SEC rival Tennessee. The Volunteers, whose lone loss on the year was to Georgia, have an impressive five wins against ranked opponents and possess one of the best offenses in the country. The defending champion Bulldogs will have to play another great defensive game to secure a spot in the National Championship game.

 

Fiesta Bowl: Dec. 31, State Farm Stadium, Glendale

Ohio State vs. TCU (assuming OSU beats Michigan)

Once again, No. 2 Ohio State stands undefeated heading into its matchup against No. 3 Michigan. It’s presumed the winner of that game will be the No. 2 ranked team in the nation and set to play in the Fiesta Bowl. No. 4 TCU put together quite the resume and will meet Ohio State in Glendale with a chance to go on and play for a national championship.

 

Rose Bowl: Jan. 2, Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena

Michigan vs. USC

The Michigan vs. Ohio State loser will represent the Big Ten at the annual Rose Bowl and will likely face the USC Trojans. The matchup will feature two of the best non-playoff teams in the nation, with USC’s high-flying offense headed by former Oklahoma star Caleb Williams and Michigan’s offense led by star running back Blake Corum.

 

Cotton Bowl: Jan. 2, AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Utah vs. UCF

Despite an early season loss to Florida, No. 10 Utah put together another quality season, including a key win over No. 7 USC. No. 17 UCF also has an impressive resume, including a win over No. 20 Tulane. The Knights will be in prime position to win the American and represent the Group of 5 in a New Year’s Six bowl game if they win out.

 

Sugar Bowl: Dec. 31, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

LSU vs Kansas State

The Tigers and Wildcats may meet again outside of the regular season. The two faced off in the Texas Bowl last year where Kansas State took it to LSU, winning 42-20. This year, however, the schools will play in a New Year’s Six game, a big step up from the Texas Bowl. The surprise LSU Tigers, with signature wins against Alabama and Ole Miss, brought themselves to a top 10 spot in the nation, but Kansas State and Deuce Vaughn will look to bring the running game against the Tigers in their home state.

 

Orange Bowl: Dec. 30, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Alabama vs. Clemson

Both the Crimson Tide and Tigers suffered crucial losses in Week 10, all but ruining any path to the College Football Playoff that they might’ve had. However, the two have done well enough over the season to get a bid to the Orange Bowl for a rematch of the riveting 2016 national championship game. Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama and Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei will be the stars of the showdown in Miami.

 

Citrus Bowl: Jan. 2, Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Ole Miss vs. Penn State

Quarterback Jaxson Dart and the high-powered Ole Miss offense will take on the third best Big Ten team in the Penn State Nittany Lions, facing off in Orlando for a chance to win the Citrus Bowl. Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss team remains towards the upper end of the SEC, but the Sean Clifford-led Nittany Lions are still a force in the Big 10. Expect lots of scoring and yards on the ground in this matchup.

 

Sun Bowl: Dec. 30, Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso

Oregon vs. Florida State

Heisman candidate quarterback Bo Nix will lead the Ducks against the resurging Seminoles.  Florida State head coach Mike Norvell helped get the Noles back in the national spotlight. A win over LSU jump started their season, but a three-game skid had Norvell’s team fall down the ACC standings.

 

Alamo Bowl: Dec. 29, Alamodome, San Antonio

Baylor vs. Washington

The Baylor Bears will face off against Pac-12 surprise contender Washington. Michael Penix Jr. leads one of the best passing offenses in the country, and UW’s shocking win over Oregon knocked the Ducks out of playoff contention in Week 11. Baylor, whose season has quietly turned around after a disappointing start, will look to knock off Washington in its home state.

 

Cheez-it Bowl: Dec. 29, Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Texas vs. Notre Dame

Both the Longhorns and Fighting Irish had up-and-down seasons, but key wins down the stretch will help the two teams’ resumes. Texas boasts a win against No. 19 Kansas State and No. 18 Notre Dame handed Clemson its first loss of the season in blowout fashion. The two historic programs will meet in Orlando for the first time since 2016’s high-scoring affair.