Bowl Games Today: Schedule and Picks for Dec 23

Your Complete Guide to Today's College Football Bowl Games

While peak bowl season is still a few days away, Tuesday brings a triple-header of exciting matchups. With six teams from five different conferences taking the field, this slate offers intriguing storylines, coaching changes, and underdog narratives. Here’s everything you need to know about the college football bowl games today.

Boca Raton Bowl: Louisville vs. Toledo

Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why to watch: The Cardinals enter this game after a gritty in-state win over Kentucky, despite being banged up throughout the season. Quarterback Miller Moss is expected to start after battling injuries all year, making his performance a key storyline. Toledo, meanwhile, navigates emotional turmoil as interim coach Robert Weiner takes over after longtime head coach Jason Candle departed for Connecticut. Veteran QB Tucker Gleason and top receiver Junior Vandeross III give the Rockets an experienced backfield.

Potential pitfall: The midday slot on a Tuesday could lead to a slow start, as both programs aren’t traditional powerhouses. Expect a defensive battle if Louisville’s offense remains limited.

New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Western Kentucky

Time/TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why to watch: Both teams were just one win away from conference championships. Western Kentucky narrowly lost 37-34 to Jacksonville State in the CUSA title game, while Southern Miss dropped its final three Sun Belt contests. The Hilltoppers’ defense impressed in a close loss against LSU earlier this month, giving them an edge. Offensively, WKU’s new QB Rodney Tisdale Jr. targets RBs La’Vell Wright and Marvis Parrish, while Southern Miss relies on QB Braylon Braxton and receivers Elijah Metcalf and Carl Chester.

Potential pitfall: The Sun Belt’s rough bowl season could continue if Southern Miss’s recent three-game skid carries over. WKU’s inconsistent offense might struggle against a motivated defense.

Frisco Bowl: Ohio vs. UNLV

Time/TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why to watch: This MAC vs. Mountain West showdown is filled with intrigue. Ohio is reeling from head coach Brian Smith’s termination, with defensive coordinator John Hauser leading the team. The Bobcats rely on a ground attack behind RB Sieh Bangura and QB Parker Navarro. UNLV, meanwhile, seeks redemption after falling to Boise State twice in the conference championship. QB Anthony Colandrea and RB Jai’Den Thomas pose a dual-threat challenge.

Potential pitfall: Ohio’s turnover-prone passing game could be exploited if UNLV builds an early lead. Coaching instability might also hinder the Bobcats’ momentum.

“These weren’t conference runners-up per se, but both were just a win away from playing for their respective championships.” — USA Today

Betting Insights

While specific odds for today’s games weren’t available in the sources, the 2025 bowl season has highlighted value in underdogs. Programs with nothing to lose—like UNLV and Ohio—often outperform expectations. Look for teams with strong defensive units to cover spreads in these matchups.

Final Thoughts

Today’s slate is a perfect appetizer for the bowl season’s main course. Whether you’re watching Louisville’s Moss return to action, WKU’s defensive resilience, or UNLV’s bid for redemption, each game offers compelling narratives. Tune in to ESPN and enjoy the college football postseason!