Semifinal Matchups and Championship Date
To conclude the 2023-24 season in a grand fashion, the much-anticipated semifinal games are set to take place on January 1st. The Rose Bowl will witness a thrilling clash between Michigan and Alabama, while Washington and Texas will battle it out in the Sugar Bowl. The winners of these matchups will then compete for the championship a week later, on January 8th.
The Bowl Games
The bowl games encompass the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl. These prestigious games are held annually, featuring four teams that qualify for the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. A 13-member selection committee is responsible for choosing the deserving teams based on various criteria such as conference championships, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and performance against common opponents.
“Each committee member will create a list of the 30 teams he or she believes to be the best in the country, in no particular order. Teams listed by three or more members will remain under consideration. At the conclusion of any round, other teams can be added to the group of teams under consideration by a vote of three or more members,” states the official CFP website.
Traditionally, the semifinal bowl games have been on a rotating three-year cycle, with pairings such as Rose and Sugar, Orange and Cotton, and Peach and Fiesta. However, a change will be implemented starting from the 2024 season.
The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, the oldest bowl game in the United States, is held in Pasadena, California. The renowned Rose Parade precedes the game, attracting thousands of spectators. The Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl both serve as semifinal venues in the same years.
The Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl, first played in 1935, finds its home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Initially held at Tulane Stadium, the game later moved to the Superdome. The victor of this highly anticipated matchup earns the prestigious Sugar Bowl Cup, and the longstanding sponsor is Allstate.
The Orange Bowl
Established in the same year as the Sugar Bowl, the Orange Bowl has undergone several venue changes before finding its permanent home at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Capital One is the proud sponsor of this exciting bowl game.
The Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl, inaugurated in 1937, takes place at the magnificent AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Goodyear has been the proud sponsor of this event since 2014.
The Peach Bowl
The Peach Bowl, with its first game held in 1968, graces the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The highly anticipated matchup takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with fast food chain Chick-fil-A as its sponsor. The victorious team claims the esteemed George P. Crumbley trophy.
The Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, had its inaugural game in 1971. It has become a beloved annual event in the college football calendar.
Bowl Game Scheduling
Traditionally, the six annual bowl games are scheduled around New Year’s Eve. However, there are exceptions based on the day of the week. For instance, if New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the games are rescheduled since NFL games are played during that time.
College Championship Games
The championship game at the College Football Playoff typically takes place approximately a week after the semifinals to determine the ultimate victor.