Greg McElroy counts 5 SEC teams in his top 10 bowl games
Greg McElroy sees 5 SEC bowl matchups as ones that fans should tune into this season.
He listed off his top 10 bowl games of 2023 on the latest edition of “Always College Football.”
The 5 SEC matchups he highlighted were Clemson-Kentucky, Iowa-Tennessee, Missouri-Ohio State, Ole Miss-Penn State, and Georgia-Florida State.
Each game seems to have its own reason as to why it could be an exciting watch for fans.
Here’s what excited McElroy about each of the bowl matchups:
Kentucky’s physical matchup with Clemson in Gator Bowl
This matchup intrigued McElroy because of the physical nature of both teams. Two of the last meetings between these teams have been in the Music City Bowl. Both games were decided by one score.
If this game can live up to those before, it should be an exciting watch for fans of both teams.
For Wildcat fans, they’ll get to see Ray Davis in the backfield one more time before he officially begins his preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Contrasting styles meet in Citrus Bowl
Tennessee and Iowa couldn’t be more different from a schematic standpoint. It will be the Volunteers offense against the stout Iowa defense.
This matchup last happened in 2015 with Tennessee winning 45-28.
The Volunteer offense averages 453.5 yards per game, which is 4th in the SEC. However, Iowa ranks 4th in the B1G in yards allowed with 274.8 per game.
Tennessee and Iowa head to Orlando for what could be an interesting game at Camping World Stadium.
Huge opportunity for Eli Drinkwitz vs. Ohio State
Ohio State will be Missouri’s highest-ranked bowl opponent since 1970. Let that sink in. A massive opportunity is up for grabs for Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri as they face the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.
The last time that Missouri and Ohio State played came when the Tigers were still in the Big 12.
If the Tigers come out and play like they did against Georgia, fans may be in for a real treat.
Ole Miss faces mirror image in Peach Bowl
Both James Franklin and Lane Kiffin have been good, but not great in the Big Ten and SEC. It always seems like neither can really get over the hump in terms of taking that next step for the program.
This will be the 1st-ever matchup between the Rebels and Nittany Lions, who both come into the game at 10-2. If Kiffin can win this game, it would the 1st 11-win season of his Ole Miss tenure.
Add this game to your list of bowls to watch.
Battle of CFP snubs in Orange Bowl
Last but not least is the Orange Bowl with Georgia and Florida State. McElroy had this game as his No. 1 bowl to watch overall.
After both teams fell short of reaching the College Football Playoff, they now face each other at Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams will have a chance to get some revenge.
The key for Georgia according to McElroy is to not turn the ball over, with how the Florida State offense has struggled without Jordan Travis.
Whether Tate Rodemaker or Brock Glenn suit up for the Seminoles, Georgia’s defense could be licking its chops.