Bowl game schedule today: Breaking down the five college football bowl games on Dec. 27

The college football bowl season kicks into high gear over the next couple of days as the new year approaches. The Friday lineup features five contests with the so-called power four leagues well represented. The slate includes one Top 25 squad, although that one could be involved in one of the day’s biggest mismatches.

The action today is primarily in warm-weather cities, so if you want to see folks on the sidelines going to great lengths to stay out of the cold, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

Here's a quick look at the Friday games, starting off in the Metroplex in Texas before heading east then west.

Armed Forces Bowl - Navy vs. Oklahoma

Time/TV/location: Noon ET, ESPN, Fort Worth, Texas.

Why watch: Fresh off their memorable performance toppling Army, the Midshipmen hope to close out a double-digit win campaign. The Sooners had a rough debut season in the SEC but picked up a notable victory against Alabama along the way. Navy QB Blake Horvath amassed 2,365 yards of offense and a total of 28 touchdowns, and he’ll again make extensive use of FB Alex Tecza and SB Eli Heidenrich. A slew of Oklahoma players are transferring out, so freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr. won’t have many experienced ball handlers to work with. The Sooners will need to establish their run game and shut down the Midshipmen's option.

Why it could disappoint: As long as Navy avoids putting the ball on the ground they’ve been fine. Preparing for an academy offense is difficult enough even with additional practice time, so how the short-handed Sooners handle it will go a long way toward determining if this one will be close.

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Birmingham Bowl - Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt

Time/TV/location: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Birmingham, Ala.

Why watch: These academic institutions enjoyed some signature wins in their respective conferences, setting up what could be one of the more intriguing pairings of the bowl lineup. It has already been an eventful offseason for Commodores QB Diego Pavia, who won another year of collegiate eligibility in court. He and TE Eli Stowers should be on hand for this one. Yellow Jackets QB Haynes King battled injuries for significant chunks of the season but should also be available, along with RB Jamal Haynes.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. These are programs that should be quite excited to be treated to the bowl experience. Both teams are geared toward ball control, which should also keep the score within reach for everyone.

Liberty Bowl - Arkansas vs. Texas Tech

Time/TV/location: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, Memphis, Tenn.

Why watch: It’s an old Southwest Conference reunion here on the banks of the Mississippi, marking just the third meeting of the schools since Arkansas joined the SEC in 1992. The Razorbacks lead the all-time series 29-8, but the Red Raiders took the last encounter in 2015. The current season was a mixed bag for both programs, but both can claim a win against a playoff participant. The Razorbacks’ backfield tandem of QB Taylen Green and RB Ja’Quinden Jackson do most of their work in the ground game. The Red Raiders will be without starting QB Behren Morton due to an injury, putting the onus on freshman Will Hammond to lead the offense in his first start. RB Tahj Brooks has been at practice but might opt to save himself for the draft.

Why it could disappoint: If it does get away, it would probably mean a good night for the Red Raiders with the more explosive offense. The Razorbacks will need to possess the ball for long stretches to keep it in hand.

Holiday Bowl - No. 25 Syracuse vs. Washington State

Time/TV/location: 8 p.m. ET, Fox, San Diego.

Why watch: One has to feel for Washington State fans who have endured a challenging year. Despite seeing their conference dissolve they enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, only to now watch as nearly everyone responsible, players and coaches alike, are out the door. The Cougars – those that are left that is – will be led in this contest by interim coach Pete Kaligis with Jake Dickert off to Wake Forest. Zevi Eckhaus will make his first start at QB for Washington State in the game, and he can at least take solace in having top WR Kyle Williams in his huddle. The Orange, who closed out the regular season with a stunning comeback win against Miami, have fewer personnel issues. QB Kyle McCord, WR Jackson Meeks and TE Oronde Gadsden will look to keep their late-season momentum going.

Why it could disappoint: The Cougars will do their best, but it’s hard to see how they can put a competitive product on the field given all the turnover. The Orange should have this one in hand in short order.

Las Vegas Bowl - Southern California vs. Texas A&M

Time/TV/location: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Las Vegas.

Why watch: This is not where either of these name-brand programs had hoped to end the season, but both should still attract a good number of fans to this popular destination. The Aggies were in the mix for their conference championship considerably longer, not officially eliminated until their closing loss to Texas. Little went right for the Trojans after September, but at least they picked up a rivalry win against UCLA to reach bowl eligibility. The QB job at A&M going forward firmly belongs to Marcel Reed, prompting opening-day starter Conner Weigman to hit the portal. Reed will unfortunately remain without the services of injured RB Le’Veon Moss, but Amari Daniels has done a good job stepping in. USC also made a midseason change at QB turning to Jayden Maiava, He figures to be more shorthanded, however, with other playmakers like WR Zachariah Branch transferring out and RB Woody Marks opting out after an injury in the regular-season finale.

Why it could disappoint: It’s conceivable either side could check out if things start going badly, but hopefully there will be enough playmakers around to keep it interesting into the wee hours.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football bowl games today: Schedule features five showdowns