The ball has come down, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ has been sung across the country, and 2025 has officially arrived. But the college football bowl season isn’t quite over yet. This clearly is the denouement after the big New Year’s Day playoff showcase, but there are still a few deserving teams that will take their place in the spotlight over the next couple of days.
There are a pair of games on the docket on this Friday, starting with a salute to public servants and finishing with a messy celebration of sandwich condiments. No more edible mascots, alas, but here’s a look at the participants.
First Responder Bowl – North Texas vs. Texas State
Time/TV/location: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN, Dallas.
Why watch: The day’s doubleheader kicks off with this Lone Star State group-of-five showdown. Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but North Texas will be without several outgoing transfers, most notably starting QB Chandler Morris and leading WR DT Sheffield. Drew Mestemaker will make his starting debut at QB for the Mean Green, and he’ll likely make extensive use of his most experienced WR Damon Ward. The Bobcats have some departures as well, but QB Jordan McCloud is still around. His primary targets are WRs Joey Hobert and Jaden Williams.
Why it could disappoint: Mean Green fans have to hope the team’s young players execute right away, but it’s more likely the Bobcats’ experienced hands will put this one on ice with relative ease.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech
Time/TV/location: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Charlotte, N.C.
Why watch: The power conferences take the field again for the nightcap that will culminate in an extremely messy postgame ritual. The Hokies will have the last chance to salvage what has been a largely disappointing postseason for the ACC, but the Golden Gophers arrive in better health. Minnesota’s playmaking trio of QB Max Brosmer, WR Daniel Jackson and RB Darius Taylor should all be on hand. Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones was limited down the stretch with a variety of injuries and is unlikely to play. The good news is backup William “Pop” Watson is also returning to the Hokies next year, and he saw considerable action late including the season-ending victory against Virginia.
Why it could disappoint: The collective list of accomplishments by both teams would suggest the Gophers will have a significant advantage. The Hokies have been involved in some nail-biters, however, so perhaps this one will pleasantly surprise by being close.
