In the past, there was usually a break of a week or two between the conclusion of the regular season in college football and the start of the seemingly endless parade of bowl games. This year, the hiatus will be a mere matter of hours.
Once Army and Navy put the final bow on the regularly scheduled portion of the campaign Saturday, the bowl season gets going later in the evening. Sure, it’s a couple of .500 teams from non-power conferences, but it’s a start.
Here’s a look at the participants as the postseason gets underway, with plenty more on the horizon.
Salute to Veterans Bowl
South Alabama (6-6) vs. Western Michigan (6-6)
Time/TV/location: Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN, Montgomery, Ala.
Why watch: As we said, it’s the official kickoff of the postseason so it should at least whet the appetite for the buffet of postseason contests to come over the next few weeks. Obviously it’s much closer to home for the Jaguars, but just how much of a crowd edge they’ll have remains to be seen. South Alabama did lose its only regular-season date against MAC competition, falling to eventual champion Ohio by a touchdown on the road in September. Coincidentally, the Broncos also lost on the road to eventual Sun Belt champion Marshall by the same 27-20 score. Western Michigan needed a win in its regular-season finale against Eastern Michigan to earn this bowl trip and should give a strong effort. The top South Alabama weapon is WR Jamaal Pritchett, who has 91 catches for 1,127 yards with nine TDs and an additional score via punt return. QB Gio Lopez also gets plenty of ground support, split almost evenly between RBs Fluff Bothwell and Kentrel Bullock, who will keep Western Michigan LB Donald Willis and DB Tate Hallock busy. The Broncos’ solid offensive line features C Jacob Gideon, a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. His group paves the way for RB Jaden Nixon and provides protection for QB Hayden Wolff. They must beware of Jaguars DB Jaden Voisin, who has five of South Alabama’s 15 interceptions this season.
Why it could disappoint: In terms of competitiveness it probably won’t. We understand these are not programs with huge fan followings, but it still should be worth a look.