It’s bowl season, and it seems like there are kickoffs happening all day, every day. No one wants to waste their time watching a boring game, though, so we ranked the nine games that SEC teams are playing in this weekend based on entertainment value. These rankings are subjective, but factor in  how exciting and how close the games will be. Games are ranked on a 1-5 Georgia Dome scale (the site of the SEC Championship Game), with 5 being the most watchable game and 1 being the least. Note: all rankings are from the College Football Playoff committee. 

5 GEORGIA DOMES

– No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 6 TCU, Peach Bowl (Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): The ultimate offense-defense showdown of bowl season might be the best non-playoff game on the slate. We know Ole Miss’ defense can beat up even the most potent offenses, but will they be able to hang with the high-powered Horned Frogs?

– No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 12 Georgia Tech, Orange Bowl (Dec. 31, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN): The Orange Bowl is a game worth ringing in the new year with, and with two powerful running games this game could be over well before midnight to get you out to party. Dak Prescott may be turning pro, so this could be fans’ last chance to watch him operate Dan Mullen’s offense.

 

4 GEORGIA DOMES

– Texas A&M vs. West Virginia, Liberty Bowl (Dec. 29, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN): Do you like touchdowns? That’s a silly question, everyone loves touchdowns. There are going to be fireworks galore in a game between two teams that air it out and don’t play much defense.

– No. 13 Georgia vs. No. 21 Louisville, Belk Bowl (Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Georgia’s crushing offensive line and running game come up against one of the stoutest defenses in the country when they meet Bobby Petrino’s Louisville team. The Cardinals got themselves into a shootout with Kentucky in the final regular season game, and if they’re that sloppy against Georgia this could get wild.

 

3 GEORGIA DOMES

– South Carolina vs. Miami, Independence Bowl (Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC): Steve Spurrier has a fun history against Miami, while the Hurricanes have one of the most exciting players in the country in Duke Johnson. Dylan Thompson will try to end his career and strong offensive season with a high note.

– Arkansas vs. Texas, Texas Bowl (Dec. 29, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN): Two 6-6 teams don’t generally make for a great game, but Bret Bielema has been talking about the bubbling dislike between the old rivals. Let’s hope they renew the Southwest Conference rivalry with some hard-hitting football.

– LSU vs. Notre Dame, Music City Bowl (Dec. 30, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN): These two teams had their own struggles throughout the season. Don’t expect any aerial fireworks, but there should be some hard-hitting defense and, of course, Leonard Fournette.

 

2 GEORGIA DOMES

None.

1 GEORGIA DOME

None.