With the end of the College Football Division I FBS regular season, it’s officially time for bowl mania — a stretch full of opt-outs, transfer portal rumors, and the birth of college football legends. On this beautiful December day, I want to go over some games that Knoch Knights might be interested in, give score predictions, and recap a few bowls that have already been played. I would also like to preface this by saying this article is EXTREMELY BIASED.

Let’s start with the most noteworthy game of the bowl season so far: the Bucked Up LA Bowl.

Before kickoff, I thought Boise State would blitz Washington with their dual-back rushing attack. I expected Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines to each run for over 200 yards. Needless to say, I was very wrong. The Huskies blew the Broncos out of the water, winning 38–10.

The star of the show was Washington’s defense, which recorded five interceptions, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. They also held Boise State’s star rushing attack to just 50 yards on 18 carries. Does this duo match the production of now–Las Vegas Raider Ashton Jeanty? No. Is it still a very good duo? Absolutely. Safe to say this was not the performance Bronco fans were hoping for.

Another notable game was the 68 Ventures Bowl, where the Delaware Blue Hens earned their first-ever FBS bowl win. After moving up to Conference USA following multiple years at the FCS level, Delaware defeated the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in a close 20–13 game in Mobile, Alabama.

A huge difference-maker was defensive back Nate Evans, who recorded a massive end-zone interception in the first quarter while Louisiana was threatening to score. He also finished the day with four solo tackles. Delaware ends the season 7–6, while the Ragin’ Cajuns finish 6–7.

Now let’s take a look at some non-CFP games that are still yet to be played.

One game many Knoch Knights are looking forward to is the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium, where the Penn State Nittany Lions take on the Clemson Tigers. These were two teams with CFP expectations entering the season, but both fell short.

Penn State enters the game at 6–6, while Clemson comes in at 7–5. What makes these records even more shocking is that both teams started the season ranked in the AP Top Five (second and fourth, respectively). Despite the disappointing seasons, both teams still have plenty of talent, which should lead to a defensive, hard-fought matchup. I have Penn State winning a barnburner, 14–13.

Next up is the Military Bowl, where the Pitt Panthers face the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Pitt enters the game at 8–4 and delivered a crucial blow to Georgia Tech’s CFP hopes earlier this season. East Carolina also comes in at 8–4, with half of their losses coming against Power Four teams, including one loss to CFP participant Tulane. While the Pirates have offensive firepower, I think Pitt’s air raid will be too much to handle. I’ve got Pitt winning this one, 35–17.

Now it’s time for my PREDICTED CFP CHAMPIONSHIP.

In my expert opinion, the Texas Tech Red Raiders will face the Georgia Bulldogs for the national title. Both teams are absolutely loaded. Jacob “should have won the Heisman” Rodriguez is the best defensive player in the country and anchors a terrifying Red Raider defense. Georgia is led by quarterback Gunnar Stockton, who finished seventh in Heisman voting.

I believe this will be the game of the year. I don’t think Indiana or Ohio State are true contenders, but this Texas Tech defense is legit. The defensive line, led by A.J. Holmes Jr. and Lee Hunter, will cause serious problems for Georgia’s offense.

My pick: Texas Tech wins the 2026 National Championship, defeating Georgia 17–7. Expect a Jacob Rodriguez masterclass — a pick, multiple sacks, and total control of the game. Stockton may still throw for over 350 yards, but turnovers will make all the difference (if this game even happens).

You also can’t discuss the CFP without mentioning the two Group of Five teams that made it: the James Madison Dukes and the Tulane Green Wave.

Do they belong? Absolutely.

Tulane has proven to be a giant-killer before, knocking off USC in the 2023 Cotton Bowl. Realistically, neither team is expected to dominate — especially JMU, who faces Oregon in the first round at Autzen Stadium, where the Ducks are favored by 22.5 points. But if you watch college football and don’t root for the underdog, are you even a fan?

The purpose of including Group of Five teams is to create potential Cinderella stories. So why not JMU or Tulane? I think everyone would be pleasantly surprised if one of them pulled off a win. 

Also, I have a poll. If you want to fill it out here, I would much appreciate it!