As the NCAA Football Bowl Games for the 2024-25 season begin, anticipation fills the air. Each year, teams from all corners of the nation compete for glory in the highly anticipated contest. The first two opening games have already left fans buzzing, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable bowl season. The bowl games began with a bang on December 14, 2024, which featured the Celebration Bowl and the Salute to Veterans Bowl. In the Celebration Bowl, Jackson State 28 faced South Carolina State 7 in the opening game, where Jackson State defeated South Carolina and won their first Celebration Bowl with a score of 28-7. In the game, Jackson State was in control despite their first quarter ending without any points due to a penalty that nullified their punt return touchdown. However, they scored 14 points in the second and fourth quarters. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan played a crucial role by throwing 233 yards and making two touchdown passes to wide receiver Joanes Fortillien. In addition to this, they also outperformed South Carolina State in rushing yards by gaining 153 yards compared to South Carolina State’s 30. Overall, Jackson State accumulated 383 yards of offense, while South Carolina State accrued 211 yards.
The Salute to Veterans Bowl occurred on the same day at Cramton Bowl. South Alabama faced Western Michigan. The Western Michigan Broncos entered the game with a 6-6 overall record and 5-3 in conference play. The South Alabama Jaguars entered the bowl with the same 6-6 overall record and 5-3 in conference play. The strong performance of the South Alabama Jaguars secured their triumph against the Western Michigan Broncos. South Alabama’s quarterback, Bishop Davenport, stole the spotlight with a standout performance. Davenport’s 271 total yards and two touchdowns were crucial in securing the victory for his team. Jeremiah Webb, South Alabama’s wide receiver, also made significant contributions with six receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a strong push from Western Michigan in the game’s final moments, South Alabama’s defense proved resilient, ensuring a 30-23 win. With two games concluded so far, it has already delivered on the promise of excitement and high-level play. The upcoming games in the NCAA Football Bowl Games 2024-25 will bring new opportunities for the teams to shine.
This week, the NCAA Football Bowl Games 2024-25 continue, promising more thrilling moments and unexpected victories. The excitement is palpable as we look forward to the upcoming bowl games. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a punter, these games will surely make your days unforgettable. Stay tuned for updates and more on our website as we bring you the latest from the world of sports.
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West Virginia vs. Memphis
In the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, the battle between West Virginia and Memphis is scheduled for December 17, 2024, at Toyota Stadium in the highly anticipated NCAA Football Bowl Games 2024-25. This upcoming battle will be their first meet-up in their history, making this game more intense than usual. Memphis concluded its regular season with a scoreline of 34-24, a road win against 17 Tulane in their prior match on November 28, 2024. On the other hand, West Virginia was defeated 52-15 by Texas Tech on the road in their regular season finale on November 30, failing to cover the spread as a 2.5-point underdog. Over to their performances, Memphis concluded their regular season with an overall record of 10-2, and they are third in the AAC with 6-2 in Conference play.
This year, Memphis ranks 24th nationwide in passing offense, averaging 268.5 yards per game, and is tied for 51st in rushing offense with 173.6 yards per contest. The Tigers sit 19th in FBS for scoring offense, producing 35.2 points per game, while they are 45th in scoring defense, allowing 22.8 points on average. At the same time, West Virginia wrapped up their regular season 6-6 and 5-4 in Big 12 action. The Mountaineers rank 96th nationally in passing offense, averaging 200.5 yards per game through the air this season. In rushing offense, West Virginia holds the 26th spot with an average of 194.2 yards per game on the ground. The Mountaineers are positioned 64th among 134 FBS teams this season in scoring offense, averaging 28.5 points per game. Meanwhile, West Virginia sits at 106th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 31.1 points per game this year. Considering Memphis’ strong performance on both sides of the ball, they will likely win this game.
James Madison vs. Western Kentucky
On December 18, 2024, James Madison and Western Kentucky are all set for their Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium, and the event is scheduled at 5:30 PM. ET. Western Kentucky heads into this match with a 12-52 defeat against Jacksonville State. With the help of Carneiro L. Western Kentucky took the early lead of the game, but before the end of the first quarter, they could not maintain their lead, which resulted in the opponent outscoring them 14-3. In the second quarter, the same scenario continued, with only Carneiro L. able to shoot another field goal for the team. However, that didn’t create a significant difference in the scoreboard. Overall, the potent offense and defense from the opponent ended the game with a defeat for Western Kentucky. James Madison is also coming off with a second straight defeat against Marshall with a score of 35-33 after overtime.
In the first quarter, James Madison was highly well-balanced with their offense and defense, outscoring the opponent with 14-0. Ruelas N.’s dominant performance in the second half made them continue their lead. The game-changing moment happened in the third quarter; the underperformance of James Madison gave an advantage to the opponent, and after a 24-24 tie, the game moved forward to overtime. Despite the strong performance, James Madison ended up in defeat with a narrow margin point. Looking over their last five games, James Madison has won three, and Western Kentucky lost three of their previous five matches. After reviewing both teams’ performances, James Madison will have a slight edge in winning this game.
UNLV Rebels vs. California
At SoFi Stadium, for the LA Bowl, UNLV Rebels will compete against California on December 18, 2024, in the forthcoming NCAA Football Bowl games showdown. Both teams previously met in September 2022, where California was favored with a 20-14 triumph over the UNLV Rebels. The California team abandoned the struggling Pac-12 conference and joined the ACC for their inaugural season in the new league. In addition, they concluded the season with only a record of 2-6 in conference play. In their last match, they faced Southern Methodist, where the game ended in a disappointing defeat with 6-38. In the coming match, California will be without their offensive stars, Fernando Mendoza and Nyzaih Hunter, as they enter the transfer portal. They concluded the season ranked 82nd in scoring, averaging 26.1 points per game, while their defense placed 41st, allowing 22.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, UNLV Rebels head into this game with California without their head coach, where Barry Odom accepted the head coaching position. UNLV Rebels finished this season with just three losses. During their previous encounter, they defeated Boise State with a score of 7-21; only in the fourth quarter could the Rebels open their scoreboard with the help of Burrell G. and Chittenden C. UNLV will be missing star receiver Ricky White III and cornerback Tony Grimes, as both have chosen to opt out of the bowl game. With 36.2 points per game, UNLV scored 14th in the nation, and their defense allowed 21.9 points per game, ranking 47th. Therefore, the absence of key players in California will give the UNLV Rebels an advantage in winning this game.
Sam Houston State vs. Georgia Southern
In the NCAA Football Bowl Games 2024-25, Sam Houston State will lock horns with Georgia Southern on December 19, 2024, at Caesar Superdome in New Orleans. In the final game of the regular season, Georgia Southern defeated Appalachian State with a scoreline of 29-20. In the first quarter, Sam Houston State outscored the opponent with Dallas J. one touchdown and Daniel M.’s two-point conversion. They maintained their consistent performance throughout the game, which gave them phenomenal success. In the second and fourth quarters, White J. and Stewart G. showed a dominant performance, which led the team to success. In the regular season, they recorded an average of 28.2 points and 364.1 yards of total offense, ranking 65th and 92nd, respectively.
On the other hand, Sam Houston State defeated the Liberty Flames with a score of 20-18. In the second quarter, Hunter Watson, the quarterback for Sam Houston State, connected with Simeon Evans for two touchdown passes, extending the Bearkats’ lead to 17-2. In addition to this, their defense was decisive in the final moments, which prevented the opponent from scoring. They scored 23.2 points and generated 354.7 total offensive yards per game, ranking 102nd and 96th, respectively; they recorded an average of 190.3. This upcoming battle will be their first meetup, making this game more interesting. Comparing both team performances, the Georgia Southern Eagles will have an edge in winning this game.
Jacksonville State vs. Ohio
The two conference champions, Jacksonville State and Ohio will meet in the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium on December 20, 2024. Ohio’s prior game was phenomenal, and they defeated Miami (Oh) by a margin of 35 points. Parker Navarro performed excellently on the game day, throwing 235 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio’s defense excelled by limiting Miami (Oh) to merely 3 points and stopping all touchdown attempts. In addition to this, Gianni Septic contributed 52 Lng and eight points. Their consistent performance and teamwork were crucial to their victory against Miami. This victory snapped Miami’s seven-winning streak. On the other hand, Jacksonville State defeated Western Kentucky with a score of 52-12.
In the first half of the game, they marked 24 points, with Rippa G. marking four extra points, and Stewart added two touchdowns. In the second half of the game, they scored 24 points, showing their dominant performance on the field with a strong attack and solid defense. Jacksonville State offensively averages 267.3 yards per game, and Tre Stewart led the team with 1,604 yards and 23 touchdowns. Defensively, they allowed 25.8 points and 385.7 yards per game. At the same time, Ohio has an offensive average of 211.6 yards per game, and over to their defense, they allowed 17.5 points and 296.3 yards per game. Both teams enjoyed great success, but considering the recent forms, Ohio has an edge to grab the victory over Jacksonville State.
Florida Gators vs. Tulane
In the College Football game, Florida Gators will take on Tulane on December 20, 2024, in the Gasparilla Bowl, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. This year, the Florida Gators have a record of 7-5, and they concluded 10th in the SEC standings. In addition, they finished their regular season with a 31-11 triumph over Florida State in the annual rivalry game. The team has a potent offense and a dominant defense, leading to a decisive victory over Florida State. The Florida offense averages 28.4 points per game, with 219.1 passing yards and 156 rushing yards. Conversely, the defense permits 24.3 points per game this season. DJ Lagway has a completion rate of 59.2%, totaling 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Meanwhile, Jadan Baugh has rushed for 603 yards and scored seven touchdowns this year. On the contrary, Tulane is 9-4 this season, and they finished in second place in the AAC standings. Their last match with the Army ended in defeat with a score of 14-35. This season, the Tulane offense averages 37.2 points, with 215.8 passing yards and 205.4 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the defense has conceded 19.7 points per game. Tulane’s starting quarterback, Darian Mensah, has transferred to Duke and will not participate in this game. Regarding their strong finish and solid defense, Florida Gators will have a higher chance to win this game.