The ACC didn’t placed on a very good displaying within the 2024 Faculty Soccer Playoff. SMU acquired smoked at Penn State, whereas Clemson put up a good battle in Austin in opposition to Texas, however the consequence was by no means doubtful for the Longhorns. I additionally missed the LA Bowl, with Cal dropping to #24 UNLV. We nonetheless have 9 non-Miami ACC bowl video games to have a look at. Will I watch any of them? Most likely not. That has by no means stopped me earlier than in giving my ideas and opinions although.
Let’s do some rooting.
GameAbove Sports activities Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Toledo – 12/26 at 2:00 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The Panthers misplaced 5 video games in a row after their 7-0 begin to the season. I like writing that sentence. I don’t know the way Toledo did this season and I’m too lazy to look it up on my telephone sitting proper subsequent to me or the pc I’m at present utilizing. I simply know I need them to beat Pitt. Let’s go Toledo.
Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Vanderbilt – 12/27 at 3:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The battle of the large killers! The Yellow Jackets and Commodores have each pulled off spectacular wins this season in opposition to highly-ranked groups. Vandy quarterback Diego Pavia was simply granted one other yr of eligibility. Pavia goes to be 24 years outdated earlier than subsequent season even begins. That’s loopy. Let’s go Georgia Tech.
Vacation Bowl: #21 Syracuse vs Washington State – 12/27 at 8:00 PM EST, TV – FOX
I nonetheless can’t imagine Miami misplaced to Syracuse final month. The Canes had no enterprise blowing their first-half 21-point lead. One factor that was noticeable was how a lot Syracuse coach Fran Brown whined and cried to the officers. Cam famous it on Twitter, after which there have been some shaky calls later within the sport. Ought to Coach Cristobal begin doing that? Possibly. Let’s go Washington State.
Fenway Bowl: Connecticut vs UNC – 12/28 at 11:00 AM EST, TV – ESPN
Will probably be fascinating to see how the Tar Heels play understanding the legend Invoice Belichick might be their new head coach for 2025. I’ve at all times been an enormous Belichick fan and am frightened of what he can accomplish within the ACC. I believe he’s going to have his protection able to play each week. The one query for me is whether or not he’ll have the ability to herald sufficient expertise to make UNC a darkish horse risk to make the CFP subsequent season. Let’s go UConn.
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston Faculty vs Nebraska – 12/28 at 12:00 PM EST, TV – ABC
I suppose Invoice O’Brien discovered his new quarterback in Grayson James. He regarded good towards the tip of this season and may solely get higher from a whole offseason taking part in with the first-team offense. The Eagles are going to be an excellent more durable out in 2025. Let’s go Boston Faculty.
Navy Bowl: East Carolina vs NC State – 12/28 at 5:45 PM EST, TV – ESPN
So, is Miami going to land former Wolfpack receiver Kevin Concepcion? It could be a pleasant get for the Canes. Concepcion is a playmaker, and Miami desperately wants these at receiver for subsequent season. So far as this sport, I like what CJ Bailey has proven at quarterback for the Wolfpack this yr. Let’s go NC State.
Solar Bowl: Louisville vs Washington – 12/31 at 2:00 PM EST, TV – CBS
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm acquired his quarterback for 2025 in USC switch Miller Moss. Faculty soccer pundits appear to suppose this might be an ideal match, and I’ve no motive to disagree. I believe Brohm can have the Cardinals competing on the prime of the convention subsequent season. Let’s go Louisville.
Gator Bowl: Duke vs #14 Ole Miss – 1/2 at 7:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
The Blue Devils are huge underdogs resulting from dropping quarterback Maalik Murphy to Oregon State. New Duke QB Darian Mensah might be able to go come spring. Manny Diaz needs to be pumped for 2025, particularly if they will enhance their operating sport. Lane Kiffin might be extra enthusiastic about recruiting and the switch portal than he’s for the Gator Bowl. Let’s go Duke.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs Virginia Tech – 1/3 at 7:30 PM EST, TV – ESPN
A lot for saving the very best for final. I’ve nothing on this sport. I do know I can’t root for Virginia Tech in any sport. Row the boat! Let’s go Minnesota.
See you subsequent season!