College football bowl season is upon us. This year, there are 42 postseason matchups — and while that might seem overwhelming at first, it provides a deep selection of under-the-radar-games. So here’s a look at some of the most intriguing early matchups that not a lot of people are talking about.
Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe might be the best quarterback that not many people are talking about. His 5,545 passing yards led the nation by more than 1,000 yards and he threw 13 more touchdowns than Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. Unsurprisingly, the Hilltoppers were No. 2 in the nation in yards per game. They enter the bowl game, however, as underdogs to Appalachian State, which posted an impressive 10-3 record. Prior to its conference championship loss to Louisiana, App. State had won six games in a row and has only allowed 30 points once this season. This early bowl matchup could be a close one.
Another Saturday sleeper game. However, it’s not because it is expected to be a close one. UTEP holds the nation’s longest bowl drought (54 years) and will look to make its mark against a talented Fresno State offense. Originally, star quarterback Jake Haener entered the transfer portal and seemed bound to head to the Power Five, but he later announced that he was staying in Fresno. This game is a chance to watch Haener and a Miners team trying to finally win a bowl game.
Northern Illinois has had one of the more remarkable turnarounds in college football this season. After going winless in 2020, the Huskies won nine games and a conference championship behind former Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi. Coastal Carolina, one of college football’s darlings from last year, still remains one of the more fun offenses to watch despite not winning its division this year.
This game might be the ugliest out there. Tulsa quarterback Davis Brin threw 16 interceptions, the most among bowl-eligible teams and the Hurricane began the year with a 1-4 record. They enter having won three straight, but their 26.1 points per game ranks No. 147 in the country. Old Dominion didn’t play in 2020 and went 1-11 in 2019, but here they are. The Monarchs have won five consecutive games following a quarterback change. Their offensive numbers don’t impress much so if you like defensive showdowns, this might be for you.
San Diego State’s Matt Araiza might be the most exciting player in this game. His position? Punter. His 51.37 yards per punt is the highest in the nation and would break the all-time collegiate record set in 2018. He even has multiple punts that went longer than 80 yards. SDSU finished the season ranked in the top 25 and holds one of the best defenses in the Mountain West Conference. UTSA was one of college football’s surprise teams this year after it began the season 11-0. The Roadrunner offense, led by running back, Sincere McCormick will be fun to watch. This game should be close and the point spread of UTSA -2.5 reflects that.
Max Baker can be reached at max@chathamnr.com and @maxbaker_15.