current bowl projections 2023

3 min read 01-03-2025

The college football season is reaching its climax, and with it comes the excitement of bowl season. As conference championships conclude and the playoff picture solidifies, bowl projections offer a glimpse into where teams might end up. This article provides a snapshot of the current bowl projections for the 2023 season, acknowledging that these are fluid and subject to change based on upcoming games and final rankings.

The Playoff Contenders and Their Projected Destinations

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the ultimate goal for many teams. Current projections frequently shift the top four teams, creating a dynamic picture. However, some consistent trends emerge.

Teams consistently ranked in the top four: These teams are projected for the CFP Semifinals, held in prominent bowl games like the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One, the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the Fiesta Bowl. The specific matchups depend on final rankings.
Group of Five Champions: The champion of the highest-ranked Group of Five conference is typically projected for a New Year's Six bowl game. This prestigious bowl game provides a significant opportunity for a non-Power Five team to showcase its talent on a national stage.

Power Five Conference Projections

The Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) boast a large number of bowl-eligible teams. Projections for these teams vary widely, depending on their conference standings and overall record.

SEC Bowl Projections

The SEC, known for its competitive landscape, usually sends numerous teams to high-profile bowl games. Projections often place several SEC teams in the New Year's Six or other prestigious bowls based on their final ranking and wins. The remaining teams are usually spread out among various other bowl games aligned with their final records.

Big Ten Bowl Projections

The Big Ten, another powerhouse conference, also typically sends many teams to bowl games. The best teams, after CFP qualification (if any), tend to be projected for high-profile games. The remaining teams are projected across a range of bowl games, reflecting their season performance.

Pac-12 Bowl Projections

The Pac-12 Conference, with its blend of strong and developing programs, has a diverse range of projected bowl destinations for its teams. Top-ranked Pac-12 teams are often slated for New Year's Six consideration, while other teams are frequently projected for various other bowl games.

Big 12 Bowl Projections

The Big 12, with its dynamic and competitive nature, frequently sees its top teams projected for high-profile bowl games. Teams with strong records often land in prestigious matchups, while others are allocated to bowl games appropriate for their final standing.

ACC Bowl Projections

The ACC, like other Power Five conferences, has a spectrum of projected bowl destinations for its members. Top-performing ACC teams are often projected for attractive bowl matchups, while others are allocated to various bowl games.

Other Notable Bowl Games and Projections

Beyond the CFP and New Year's Six, numerous other bowl games offer exciting matchups. These games feature teams from various conferences, creating a diverse range of projected contests. Specific projections for these games are heavily influenced by team records and conference standings. Many factors play into these final decisions, adding to the excitement as bowl season approaches.

Factors Influencing Bowl Projections

Several factors contribute to the dynamic nature of bowl projections:

Conference Championship Games: The outcomes of conference championship games significantly impact team rankings and bowl assignments. A surprising upset can completely alter the landscape.
Team Performance in Final Games: A team's performance in its final regular season games can influence its bowl projection, moving them up or down the ranking ladder.
Poll Rankings: Major polls like the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll heavily influence bowl selection committees' choices.
Committee Selection Process: Ultimately, the selection committees determine which teams participate in each bowl game. Their decisions factor in numerous criteria and can lead to variations from initial projections.

Conclusion: The Ever-Shifting Landscape of Bowl Projections

The current bowl projections for the 2023 season provide a compelling preview of the upcoming bowl games. However, it's crucial to remember that these projections are subject to change based on the aforementioned factors. As the season concludes and the selection process unfolds, the final bowl matchups will provide a thrilling climax to the college football season. Keep an eye on updated projections as the season winds down! The excitement of bowl season is just around the corner!