NCAAF Bowl Games - December 27

Here's the thing about this matchup - you've got two programs heading in completely different directions under new leadership. Central Michigan finished 7-5 under first-year head coach Matt Drinkall, a massive turnaround from their 4-8 disaster last season under Jim McElwain. The Chippewas won't have starting running back Nahree Biggins available (he's left to focus on NFL Draft prep), but Brock Townsend stepped up huge in the second half of the season with 394 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Joe Labas has been efficient, posting 1,676 yards and 12 touchdowns on a solid 68.8% completion rate.

Northwestern's 2025 season was a classic rollercoaster. After going 4-8 last year with just two conference wins, David Braun's squad scratched and clawed their way to bowl eligibility at 6-6. The biggest story? Transfer quarterback Preston Stone from SMU has completely revitalized this offense. Kicker Jack Olsen has been automatic, missing just two of 21 field goal attempts for a 90.5% clip - third-best in the Big Ten. The Wildcats are bowling for the first time since 2023, and they're playing this one essentially at home in Detroit.

Look, 10.5 points feels like a lot for a Big Ten team playing a MAC school in what's essentially a home game for Central Michigan. The Chippewas have shown they can compete, and Drinkall has this program trending upward. But Northwestern's defense has been the difference-maker all year, and they've got the better quarterback situation. This feels like a Northwestern cover, but don't be shocked if CMU keeps it within two scores.

This is the feel-good story of bowl season. New Mexico is playing in their first bowl game since 2016 - that's NINE YEARS without postseason football. First-year coach Jason Eck walked into a program that was picked to finish 11th in the Mountain West preseason poll and somehow led them to a 9-3 record and a four-way tie for the conference championship. Eck was rightfully named Mountain West Coach of the Year for this miracle turnaround. The Lobos closed the regular season winning their final six games, including signature wins at UCLA (35-10) and over San Diego State (23-17).

New Mexico's offense was historically good this season. They put up 5,811 total yards - the second-most in school history - and averaged a school-record 484.3 yards per game. Their 33.50 points per game was the third-best average ever. Here's what makes them dangerous: Devon Dampier's 3,934 yards of total offense was a Lobo single-season record and the second-most in Mountain West history by a sophomore. Dampier and Eli Sanders BOTH rushed for 1,000+ yards - only the second pair of teammates to accomplish that in school history.

Minnesota comes in at 7-5 under PJ Fleck's ninth season at the helm. The Gophers went winless on the road for the first time under Fleck and got embarrassed by Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon. But they beat Wisconsin 17-7 to keep Paul Bunyan's Axe for the fourth time in five years. Here's the kicker - Minnesota is riding an EIGHT consecutive bowl game winning streak, a Big Ten record and tied for fourth-longest in college football history. This is essentially a pick'em, and the Lobos have the momentum, the story, and the offensive firepower to pull the upset in Phoenix.

FIU is playing with house money right now. First-year coach Willie Simmons has completely transformed this program - the Panthers are riding a FOUR-game winning streak and are in their first bowl game in SIX years. A win on Friday would give them five consecutive victories for the first time in program history. This is also FIU's first winning season in seven years. Conference USA Player of the Year Kejon Owens has been spectacular, rushing for 1,298 yards on 205 carries (6.3 yards per rush) with 11 touchdowns. The fifth-year senior from Miami spent his entire career at FIU and saved the best for last.

UTSA comes in at 6-6 under Jeff Traylor's sixth season, extending their streak of consecutive winning records to five years. Last year they demolished Coastal Carolina 44-15 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl - their largest margin of victory in bowl history. Owen McCown threw for 254 yards and the Roadrunners rushed for 257 yards despite being without top rusher Robert Henry. This team knows how to show up in bowl games, and they've won 29 of their last 32 games at the Alamodome under Traylor.

Here's what I love about this game - that total of 60.5 is the highest of the day by a MILE. These are two teams that can flat-out score, and neither defense is particularly stingy. This is the fifth meeting between these programs, and the series is deadlocked at 2-2. FIU has all the momentum and the emotional storyline, but UTSA's bowl game experience and Traylor's proven track record give them the edge. Expect points, expect drama, and expect a finish that comes down to the final possession.