2024 College Football Bowl Projections: Key Matchups and Eligible Teams

As the 2024 college football season progresses, several teams have secured bowl eligibility, and predictions for the upcoming bowl games are taking shape. One of the notable achievements is Nebraska‘s return to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The Cornhuskers secured their spot with a 44-25 win over Wisconsin, snapping a four-game skid and improving to 3-5 in Big Ten play.

In the New Orleans Bowl, Georgia Southern is projected to face Sam Houston, with Georgia Southern favored to win. This matchup highlights Georgia Southern’s strong performance this season, particularly after achieving bowl eligibility and competing for the Sun Belt title.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl is expected to feature James Madison (JMU) against Eastern Michigan. Despite Eastern Michigan’s solid 5-4 record, JMU is predicted to win due to their impressive performance, including a victory over North Carolina in Week 4.

In the Hawai’i Bowl, Hawaii is likely to play Western Kentucky, with Western Kentucky projected to win. Hawaii’s favorable schedule could help them secure a bowl spot, but Western Kentucky’s well-rounded team is expected to be a tough opponent.

The Detroit Bowl may see Western Michigan facing Iowa, with Iowa predicted to emerge victorious. Western Michigan’s strength in the trenches could lead them to a MAC Championship contention, but Iowa’s overall strength is expected to give them the edge.

The 68 Ventures Bowl is projected to feature Marshall against Ohio, with Ohio favored to win. Ohio, led by head coach Tim Albin, is expected to secure a bowl spot and triumph over Marshall, which has shown promising performances this season.

The Birmingham Bowl could see Navy facing North Carolina, with Navy predicted to win. Navy’s strong season, including a 6-2 record and a brief stint in the AP Top 25, positions them well against North Carolina, which has had a mixed season.

The Fenway Bowl is expected to feature South Florida against NC State, with NC State favored to win. Both teams have talent, but NC State’s depth is likely to give them the advantage in this matchup.

The New Mexico Bowl may feature Liberty against Georgia Southern, with Georgia Southern predicted to win. Liberty’s high-powered offense will face a strong Georgia Southern team that has recently achieved bowl eligibility and is contending for the Sun Belt title.

Finally, the Arizona Bowl is projected to see New Mexico facing Toledo, with Toledo favored to win. Toledo’s strong performance in the MAC makes them a likely victor over New Mexico, which is also vying for a bowl spot.