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Arizona College Football Bowl Preview – Arizona State, Fiesta Bowl & More

By
YurView Staff
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The most exciting time of the college football slate is upon us. Bowl season is underway and the state of Arizona will be represented by Arizona State. The state of Arizona will also host three bowl games, including the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, which is a College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Here’s an overview of Arizona State’s matchup and each bowl game hosted in Arizona:

Arizona State Sun Devils

What: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Opponent: Florida State
When: Dec. 31 (12 p.m. MT)
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium (El Paso, Texas)
TV: CBS

Arizona State (7-5) finished third in the South division of the Pac-12. Running back Eno Benjamin has amassed 1,083 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has recorded 65 receptions, 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.

However, both players have declared for the NFL draft and will not participate in the game.

Filling the void of the workhorse Benjamin (253 carries) might require a committee approach. Benjamin is the lone Arizona State running back to score this season.

Frank Darby, who is slated to play, has the same amount of touchdown receptions as Alyuk.

Florida State (6-6) placed third in the Coastal division of the ACC. Running back Cam Akers has 1,144 yards and 14 touchdowns. Wide receiver Tamorrion Terry has tallied 51 receptions, 1,023 yards and eight touchdowns.

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What: PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (College Football Playoff Semifinal)
Matchup: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson
When: Dec. 28 (6 p.m. MT)
Where: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)
TV: ESPN

The stakes are high as two undefeated foes vie to qualify for the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The matchup is ranked at No. 1 in ESPN’s list of most exciting bowls.

Big Ten champion Ohio State (13-0) boasts three Associated Press All-America first team members: defensive end Chase Young, guard Wyatt Davis, cornerback Jeff Okudah.

Linebacker Isaiah Simmons of defending national champion Clemson (13-0) is on the Associated Press All-America first team. Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins has 52 receptions, 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns.

This will be a quarterback battle between the top two recruits in the Class of 2018. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has thrown 40 touchdowns and only one interception, along with rushing for 1o scores. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has passed for 3,172 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Each team also features a dynamic rushing attack. Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins has 1,829 yards and 20 touchdowns. Clemson running back Travis Etienne has 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The winner will take on No. 1 LSU or No. 4 Oklahoma in New Orleans on Jan. 13 for the right to hoist the national championship trophy.

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What: Cheez-It Bowl
Matchup: Air Force vs. Washington State
When: Dec. 27 (8:15 p.m. MT)
Where: Chase Field (Phoenix)
TV: ESPN

Air Force (10-2) posted the second-best record in the Mountain division of the Mountain West Conference and is on a seven-game winning streak. Air Force ranks No. 3 nationally in rushing yards (292.5) and allows 19.8 points per game. Falcons quarterback Donald Hammond III has 24 touchdowns (13 passing, 11 rushing).

Washington State is tied for the worst record in the North division of the Pac-12. Behind the play of quarterback Anthony Gordon (5,228 yards, 45 touchdowns), the Cougars lead the nation in passing yards (444.3). Washington State has a pair of skill-position players with 11 touchdowns apiece: running back Max Borghi and wide receiver Easop Winston Jr.

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What: NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Matchup: Wyoming vs. Georgia State
When: Dec. 31 (2:30 p.m. MT)
Where: Chase Field (Phoenix)
TV: CBS Sports Network

Wyoming (7-5) placed fourth in the Mountain division of the Mountain West Conference. The Cowboys allow 17.8 points per game. Safety Alijah Halliburton has 119 tackles. Linebacker Logan Wilson has amassed 98 tackles and four interceptions.

Georgia State (7-5) ended third in the East division of the Sun Belt Conference. Fueled by running back Tra Barnett (1,389 yards, 12 touchdowns), the Panthers are 14th nationally in rushing yards (245.2). Linebacker Trajan Stephens-McQueen has 97 tackles and two interceptions.

For a complete break down on all the bowl match-ups including in-depth coverage of the CFB playoffs and national championship game, watch the College Bowl Preview show on YurView Arizona (Cox Channel 4 – Phoenix, Ch. 7 – Tucson) – Wednesday 7:30 pm & Thursday 9:00 pm CT. 

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