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COLLEGE FOOTBALL BACK (after a one week absence, kinda).
The hot narrative in college football is to talk about how there are too many bowl games -- and people that hate fun will be copulating the chicken on such a narrative all weekend. HURR DURR NO FIVE AND SEVEN TEAM SHOULD BE IN A BOWL GAME PARTICIPATION TROPHIES WUSSIFICATION MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. You're probably right, 5-win teams shouldn't be in bowl games, because we've got to draw a line somewhere. Still, the reality is that middle-tier teams in Group of 5 bowl games deserve to have some incentive to play for, etc, etc. We disagree also with your notions about too many bowl games, because, well, college football is good and fun.
Here's why you should watch this weekend's games, which are good and fun.
Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Arizona vs. New Mexico, Albuquerque, University Stadium, 2 p.m. on ESPN
It's a resumption of a long-dormant border-rivalry, where they used to play for a dang war rifle. The game's in New Mexico's home stadium and the Lobos' first bowl game since 2007, so expect it to be quite lit in the Land of Enchantment. Also, Bob Davie!
LIT SCORE: 7/10
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, BYU vs. #22 Utah, Las Vegas, Sam Boyd Stadium, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
MORMON FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT. Saturday's early bowl games might as well be Yesteryear-WAC Rivalry Week, and a recently dormant rivalry with a passive-aggression similar to that of Indiana-Kentucky basketball. There needn't be a further explanation more than just simply stating "BYU-Utah, in Las Vegas."
Also, BYU, the school known for being hip-tied to their conservative faith, is dirty as all hell. And Utah called them out on it already.
LIT SCORE: 10/10
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Ohio vs. Appalachian State, Montgomery, Alabama, Cramton Bowl, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
You know them from Michigan, but this could be the real coming out party. It's the first ever FBS bowl game for former FCS/1-AA power Appalachian State -- and they're not one of those teams that snuck into bowl season by the skin of their teeth. The Boone, North Carolina program won 10 games in 2015, and are primed to be contender for the Group of Five bid to the New Year's Six in future seasons.
Also, you'll get to see a historic (and somewhat decrepit!) college football venue, the Cramton Bowl, for the only time this year. The former occasional home for Alabama football, Alabama State football, and the Blue-Grey game can only call one team a tenant in 2015: the NAIA's Faulkner Eagles.
LIT SCORE: 4/10
Cure Bowl, San Jose State vs. Georgia State, Orlando, Citrus Bowl, 7 p.m. on CBSSN
Former Indiana State head coach Trent Miles! Georgia State's first ever bowl game! A 5-7 team! The first of three bowl games to play in this stadium! This will be the bowl everyone points at and says there's too many bowl games. You should laugh, because there is no such thing as too much college football.
On a serious note, Georgia State's been one of the hottest teams in the country of late -- and can put up points in a hurry. If you think these bowl games don't matter or shouldn't exist, ask Bill Curry -- who started Georgia State's program from scratch seven years ago.
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech, New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 9 p.m. on ESPN
Arkansas State won the Sun Belt! Lousiana Tech has Jeff Driskel! The New Orleans Bowl is usually a pretty good game! Seriously!
LIT SCORE: 8/10