Don't even say it.
We know there are a lot of FBS bowl games – 41 to be exact – but there are never too many bowl games. This is football during the holiday season, and it's the perfect way to break in 2017.
From Saturday's Gildan New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 17 through the College Football Playoff championship game on Jan. 9, it’s OK to watch bowl games.
MORE: SN college football All-Americans
Here's a quick spin through that bowl schedule with Sporting News' pick for every bowl game. Don't even say it. Just watch it.
2016-17 college football bowl picks
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. UTSA
When: Dec. 17, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: The Lobos led the nation with 360.9 rushing yards per game this season, and Bob Davie is still looking for that first bowl win as a head coach.
SN pick: New Mexico
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: San Diego State vs. Houston
When: Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Why to watch: This game features SN All-Americans Ed Oliver and Donnel Pumphrey, and it’s Major Applewhite’s debut as coach with the Cougars. This should be a fun game between two Group of 5 darlings.
SN pick: Houston
AutoNation Cure Bowl: UCF vs. Arkansas State
When: Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
Why to watch: UCF could win eight games in Scott Frost’s first season after going 0-12 in 2015. The Red Wolves are 2-4 all time in bowl games. Frost’s profile continues to grow with a victory here.
SN pick: UCF
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Toledo vs. Appalachian State
When: Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Toledo’s Logan Woodside tied for fifth in the nation with 43 total TDs. Appalachian State is looking for back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins.
SN pick: Toledo
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
When: Dec. 17, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Louisiana-Lafayette is making its fifth appearance in this bowl game, and they’ll have to slow down Nick Mullens, who has 116 career total TDs.
SN pick: Southern Mississippi
Miami Beach Bowl: Tulsa vs. Central Michigan
When: Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Tulsa’s high-flying offense ranked 11th in the FBS with 41.4 points per game. Central Michigan has lost its last two bowl appearances by a combined eight points.
SN pick: Tulsa
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis vs. Western Kentucky
When: Dec. 20, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: This seems like a guaranteed QB-driven shootout between Western Kentucky’s Mike White and Memphis’ Riley Ferguson. They combined for 62 TD passes.
SN pick: Memphis
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Wyoming vs. BYU
When: Dec. 21, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Two solid eight-win teams collide here. Wyoming’s Brian Hill ranked fourth in the nation with 1,767 rushing yards, and BYU’s Tanner Mangum is always exciting. Expect a tight finish as a result.
SN pick: BYU
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Idaho vs. Colorado State
When: Dec. 22, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Idaho might be dropping down to the FCS, but not before playing in their own backyard against the Rams. Mike Bobo can cap off an eight-win season for Colorado State in Year 2.
SN pick: Colorado State
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion
When: Dec. 23, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Two teams that should be thrilled to be here. Eastern Michigan’s Chris Creighton led an incredible winning season for the Eagles, and Old Dominion is making its first bowl appearance under Bobby Wilder. Not a bad spot in the Bahamas.
SN pick: Old Dominion
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Navy
When: Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Navy’s season turned with the loss of Will Worth and Toneo Gulley in the AAC championship game, and they’ll need that time to prepare for Louisiana Tech’s high-powered offense. The Midshipmen have won their last three bowl games, Bulldogs makes it three in a row here.
SN pick: Louisiana Tech.
Dollar General Bowl: Troy vs. Ohio
When: Dec. 23, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Troy beat Ohio 48-21 in the 2010 New Orleans Bowl, but this rematch should be a little closer. The Bobcats’ defense – which allowed just nine rushing TDs this season – makes the difference late.
SN pick: Ohio
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee State
When: Dec. 24, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: The Blue Raiders might not have quarterback Brent Stockstill (collarbone), but the offense can rely on I’Tavius Matters, who put up eight 100-yard games. Nick Rolovich had an impressive first season with Hawaii and can get to seven wins.
SN pick: Middle Tennessee State
St. Petersburg Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State
When: Dec. 26, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Miami went from 0-6 to a bowl game with an impressive turnaround, but they will have a hard time with dual-threat quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who had 791 passing yards, 586 rushing yards and 15 total TDs in the Bulldogs’ last four games.
SN pick: Mississippi State
Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland vs. Boston College
When: Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Boston College closed with two victories to get in a bowl game, and Patrick Towles played better down the stretch. Maryland reached a bowl game under first-year coach D.J. Durkin. The winner gets to build on a winning season for 2017, and it will be close.
SN pick: Boston College
Camping World Independence Bowl: N.C. State vs. Vanderbilt
When: Dec. 26, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)
Why to watch: This should be a defensive struggle. Vanderbilt is led by first-team SN All-American Zach Cunningham. N.C. State defensive end Bradley Chubb also is a difference maker. Kyle Shurmur leads the Commodores to one more impressive victory for a winning season under Derek Mason.
SN pick: Vanderbilt
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Army vs. North Texas
When: Dec. 27, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: An unfortunate side effect of this many bowl games are rematches, and North Texas beat Army 35-18 in October. The Black Knights – buoyed by the victory against Navy – keep it rolling this time.
SN pick: Army
Military Bowl: Temple vs. Wake Forest
When: Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: The Owls won their last seven games by a combined score of 229-88, so even without Matt Rhule this team can’t be taken lightly. Wake Forest, meanwhile, is still sorting out a bizarre off-the-field controversy involving leaked game plans. How much of a distraction will that be?
SN pick: Temple
National Funding Holiday Bowl: Minnesota vs. Washington State
When: Dec. 27, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Minnesota suspended 10 players for this game, and that won’t make it any easier against a pass-happy Mike Leach attack. Luke Falk gets to 40 TDs and gives the Cougars back-to-back nine-win seasons.
SN pick: Washington State
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: Boise State vs. Baylor
When: Dec. 27, 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Baylor’s season unraveled in the second half, but interim coach Jim Grobe could go out with a win here before the Matt Rhule era begins. Boise State, however, will get in the way with Jeremy McNicholas, who ranked third in the nation with 23 rushing TDs. The Broncos win an entertaining back-and-forth game.
SN pick: Boise State
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern
When: Dec. 28, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Pittsburgh can build some momentum heading into Pat Narduzzi’s third year, and this is a spotlight game for James Conner, who is heading to the NFL. Don’t be surprised when the Wildcats make it interesting behind a big game from Justin Jackson. This will be one of the better non-New Year’s Day Six bowls.
SN pick: Pittsburgh
Russell Athletic Bowl: West Virginia vs. Miami (Fla.)
When: Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: West Virginia’s 10-win season went somewhat under the radar, but the Mountaineers will get a chance to prove their worth against a former Big East rival. Miami closed strong with four wins under first-year coach Mark Richt and has a chance to make a statement heading into 2017.
SN pick: Miami (Fla.)
Foster Farms Bowl: Indiana vs. Utah
When: Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m. (FOX)
Why to watch: Indiana will start the Tom Allen era in a tough spot against a well-disciplined Utah program that is 9-1 in bowl games under Kyle Whittingham. The Hoosiers keep it close, but the Utes pull away in the second half.
SN pick: Utah
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Kansas State
When: Dec. 28, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Which Aggies’ team will show up? Texas A&M lost three of its last four, but still has the more-talented roster led by potential No. 1 pick Myles Garrett. Kansas State was 3-1 down the stretch but is just 1-5 in bowl game since Bill Snyder returned in 2009. It’s a coin flip here.
SN pick: Texas A&M
Birmingham Bowl: South Florida vs. South Carolina
When: Dec. 29, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: South Carolina has a bright future with Jake Bentley under center, and this is a building block for Will Muschamp. How South Florida comes out after Willie Taggart’s departure is anybody’s guess, but Quinton Flowers had 37 total TDs this season and will be a nice piece for incoming coach Charlie Strong to work with. We’ll go with that production.
SN pick: South Florida
Belk Bowl: Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech
When: Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: The Belk Bowl gets another fun matchup. The Razorbacks alternated wins and losses most of the season but are 2-0 in bowl games under Bret Bielema. Virginia Tech became an ACC contender again in Justin Fuente’s first season. Can Jerod Evans gets the Hokies to double-digit wins, and how pressure would that put on Bielema heading into 2017?
SN pick: Virginia Tech
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Colorado
When: Dec. 29, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Alamo Bowl is slang for shootout, and this one should live up to those expectations. Mason Rudolph and Sefo Liufau should pile on the points, and playmakers such as James Washington and Philip Lindsay will add the highlights. We’re giving the slight edge to Colorado, which reaches 11 wins under Mike MacIntyre. What a year for the Buffaloes, indeed.
SN pick: Colorado
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: TCU vs. Georgia
When: Dec. 30, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Two teams didn’t quite have the season they wanted, but Kirby Smart might need this one more after a five-loss campaign in Athens. Jacob Eason will be better next season, but the Horned Frogs rise up in the second half. Gary Paterson gets his 10th bowl win at TCU.
SN pick: TCU
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Stanford vs. North Carolina
When: Dec. 30, 2 p.m. (CBS)
Why to watch: NFL scouts will be watching this one closely with Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky on the field. Stanford turned their season around in the second half, and that stability under David Shaw continues in the bowl matchup. McCaffrey goes off one more time.
SN pick: Stanford
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska vs. Tennessee
When: Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: These teams were 11-1 in the first half of the season and 6-6 in the second half. Tennessee’s drama-filled season comes to a close against Nebraska, another team that faded down the stretch with blowout losses to Ohio State and Iowa. We’ll give the edge to the Volunteers and quarterback Joshua Dobbs, and there might be drama.
SN pick: Tennessee
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: South Alabama vs. Air Force
When: Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m. (Campus Insiders)
Why to watch: The Jaguars beat Mississippi State and San Diego State but just managed to slip in to a bowl game, and they’ll face a Falcons’ program that is 3-5 in bowl games under Troy Calhoun. Air Force, however, has that vintage rushing attack that features four different players who had at least 600 rushing yards.
SN pick: Air Force
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Louisville vs. LSU
When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. (ABC)
Why to watch: This will be fun. Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson gets a chance to bounce back from a late-season slide against a talented LSU defense trying to make a statement under new coach Ed Orgeron. These teams combined to average close to 500 yards per game on the ground.
SN pick: LSU
TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky
When: Dec. 31, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: It’s been an up-and-down career for Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas, but he closes that with a big-time performance against the Wildcats. Georgia Tech won four of its last five, but Kentucky won’t back down with quarterback Stephen Johnson. The Wildcats are looking for their first bowl victory since 2008.
SN pick: Georgia Tech
Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Iowa
When: Jan. 2, 1 p.m. (ABC)
Why to watch: Iowa didn’t have the season it wanted, but C.J. Beathard led the Hawkeyes to wins against Michigan, Illinois and Nebraska down the stretch. Florida lost another SEC championship game and will look to avoid another bowl loss to a Big Ten team under Jim McElwain. That’s motivation for the defense in a tight game.
SN pick: Florida
New Year's Six bowls
Capital One Orange Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida State
When: Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: This game features seven players who made Sporting News first- or second-team All-Americans, none bigger than running back Dalvin Cook and linebacker Jabrill Peppers. The coaching matchup between Jim Harbaugh and Jimbo Fisher should be fun, too. This is the next-best thing to a playoff semifinal, and it will play out just like that.
SN pick: Michigan
Goodyear Cotton Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin
When: Jan. 2, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: One positive of P.J. Fleck not landing a high-profile coaching job is he’ll lead the undefeated Broncos out of the tunnel for this one. Wisconsin better have a plan to slow down All-American receiver Corey Davis. That defense should be up to the challenge, however. The Badgers ranked fourth in scoring defense (15.5) and ranked second in interceptions (21). That’s the difference.
SN pick: Wisconsin
Rose Bowl Game: USC vs. Penn State
When: Jan. 2, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: These were two of the hottest teams in the country at the end of the season, and the quarterback matchup between Sam Darnold and Trace McSorley should be fun. The Trojans won 38-24 in the last Rose Bowl between these teams in 2009. It will be a little closer this time, but USC hasn’t lost a Rose Bowl against a Big Ten team since 1989.
SN pick: USC
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs. Oklahoma
When: Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Oklahoma (44.7 points per game) and Auburn (32.7 ppg.) can crank it up on offense, and this should be a Sugar Bowl shootout. Auburn needs a monster game from Kamryn Pettway to have a chance, and the Tigers’ defense (15.6 ppg.) can make this interesting. Heisman Trophy finalists Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook put on a show, however, and the Sooners but take that momentum into 2017.
SN pick: Oklahoma
College Football Playoff bowls
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (national semifinal): Alabama vs. Washington
When: Dec. 31, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Alabama is a two-TD favorite, and that will feed into Washington’s Chris Petersen’s ability to motivate his team heading to Atlanta. Washington’s Jake Browning will have to play his best game of the season, and the Huskies must run the ball to have a chance. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts has been unflappable all season. This won’t be a full-fledged blowout, but how can you bet against Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide right now?
SN pick: Alabama
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (national semifinal): Clemson vs. Ohio State
When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: The Tigers and Buckeyes both bring impressive resumes to the desert, and this is a high-profile quarterback showdown between J.T. Barrett and Deshuan Watson. Expect this one to be every bit as entertaining as the last meeting in the 2014 Orange Bowl, only this time with a different result. The Buckeyes’ secondary – which led the nation with seven pick sixes – comes up with the game-changing play.
SN pick: Ohio State
National championship game: Alabama vs. Ohio State
When: Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Why to watch: Obviously this isn’t penciled in and Washington or Clemson could crash the party, but we like the Crimson Tide to get revenge against the Buckeyes for the 2015 Sugar Bowl and repeat as national champions. For now, anyway.
SN pick: Alabama
