Ah, yes. The most wonderful time of the year is upon us.
Christmas and holiday celebrations are closing in quickly, which means it's a decent time to stop procrastinating, go buy presents and finish off preparations for parties and the like. But we've got something else to celebrate over 17 days.
If you're like us—you're reading this, so that's a pretty good indication—shopping lists get doubled thanks to college football bowl season. We're stocking up on drinks, snacks and comfy clothes, along with some medicine for the impending chaos.
But bowl season is the best kind of mayhem.
From breakout performances to clutch drives to creative plays, the slate provides captivating and memorable moments nearly every night. When else are coaches more likely to break out a throwback pass to an offensive lineman or a fake fumble?
Yes, the national champion will be crowned Jan. 9, but we want to make sure you're not overlooking the action that leads up to that in Tampa, Florida. Starting Dec. 17 and ending Jan. 2, college football gives us an action-packed 40-game finale.
Bleacher Report's guide includes a preview of the College Football Playoff semifinals as well as a look at some of the postseason's most compelling storylines, hidden gems, bowl gifts and a ranking of the 40 games before the national championship.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Washington vs. Alabama
When: 3 p.m. ET Dec. 31 (ESPN)
The ultimate statement of confidence in college football is "We want Bama." The phrase—or a close relative, at least—makes regular appearances on signs in the background of ESPN's College GameDay and in various stadiums.
Let's be real for a moment, though. Does anyone really?
Ideally, no, you don't want Bama. But the simple truth is that the road to the national championship runs through Nick Saban and Co. Since 2008 and only excluding 2010, the Crimson Tide have either appeared in the title game or been knocked out of contention by a team that eventually earned a place in the game.
On New Year's Eve, it's Washington's turn to travel that treacherous path.
After the release of the final College Football Playoff rankings, Huskies head coach Chris Petersen shared a humorous but honest statement during his interview:
Nationally, expectations for Pac-12 champion Washington are low. According to OddsShark, Alabama opened as a 14-point favorite, and the line has even reached 17 at some books.
Now, the Huskies defense is fully capable of competing with the Tide. Injuries have created some holes in the front seven, but the secondary is outstanding. How the unit will perform against Alabama's speed and Lane Kiffin's creativity are two keys to the game. Kiffin, who accepted the Florida Atlantic job, will stay on as offensive coordinator through the playoff, per ESPN's Chris Low.
The bigger issue, however, is how quarterback Jake Browning and the offense will fare against an NFL-bound defense. Washington hasn't played a unit of this caliber. In Matt Miller's latest mock draft, B/R's NFL draft lead writer listed three Alabama defenders as top-10 picks.
The Tide boast the No. 1 defense in several categories, including points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, yards allowed per carry and yards allowed per play. They're all over the top 10 in other classifications, too.
Washington has no choice but to want Bama. Overcoming that defense will be the most difficult part.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Clemson
When: 7 p.m. ET Dec. 31 (ESPN)
After losing 12 players to the NFL draft, Ohio State wasn't supposed to be here. But thanks to a decent offense, elite defense and a little help from the CFP selection committee, the Buckeyes are anyway.
Their next test is Clemson, which survived seven one-possession games with a 6-1 record. It wasn't always pretty, but Deshaun Watson and Co. claimed the ACC championship.
When the programs meet in the Fiesta Bowl, though, does anyone have an idea what to expect? We know the coaching staffs won't be fazed by the moment. Otherwise, it's about picking between a couple of inefficient squads.
The Tigers offense returned many leading contributors from 2015 and added a healthy Mike Williams for quarterback Watson, who's now a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist:
There's little doubt Clemson will move the ball; it's finishing drives that's the question. Only 14 teams have committed more turnovers than the Tigers (24) this season, and Ohio State is tied for forcing the 10th-most (25) in the country.
On the other sideline, the Buckeyes brought back key pieces in J.T. Barrett, Pat Elflein and Raekwon McMillan. Urban Meyer and his coaches did a tremendous job developing the young talent that can be found all over the starting lineup.
But while Ohio State won early in 2016 because of a dynamic offense, it won in spite of poor showings from the unit during its last two regular-season games. Neither Michigan State nor Michigan has an offense like Clemson.
The Buckeyes might have difficulty sustaining possessions, but their defense is always a threat to change the game.
Ghosts of Conferences Past
One disappointment of conference realignment is that rivalries are broken up, but bowl season sometimes allows fans to conjure up those old feelings. Several matchups once provided meaningful regular-season games yearly.
In the Russell Athletic Bowl, former Big East foes West Virginia and Miami will share the field for the first time since 2003—perhaps the most memorable meeting in the series.
The Hurricanes' 22-20 victory included this thrilling, late, go-ahead touchdown by Mountaineers running back Quincy Wilson:
And this fourth-down catch by tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., which helped Miami extend its regular-season winning streak to 37 games:
There will also be a pair of tilts between one-time Big 12 opponents. Texas A&M and Kansas State will square off in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, while Colorado and Oklahoma State—which were members of the Big Eight—will play in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
For a brief stretch from 2005 to 2013, Boston College and Maryland were members of the ACC's Atlantic Division. The Eagles claimed seven victories during the nine-game period. The programs will meet in the Quick Lane Bowl.
And just for good measure, the TaxSlayer Bowl will provide a throwback to the Southern Conference and the debut of the SEC with Georgia Tech-Kentucky. The teams' last meeting? How about 1960?
But no game features more previous clashes than the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl between BYU and Wyoming. The teams traveled through the Rocky Mountain, Mountain States Athletic, Skyline, Western Athletic and Mountain West conferences.
From 1946 to 2010, the Cougars and Cowboys met every season except for 1993, '94, '97 and '98. BYU sports a 44-30-3 edge.
Note: Five other bowl games include schools that were both previous members of a conference. However, either it wasn't at the same time or they didn't play each other.
These include New Mexico and UTSA (WAC, New Mexico Bowl); Idaho and Colorado State (WAC, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl); Memphis and Western Kentucky (CUSA, Boca Raton Bowl); NC State and Vanderbilt (Southern, Camping World Independence Bowl); Army and North Texas (CUSA, Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl).
Top Underrated Games
The pre-Christmas portion of the bowl schedule is often overlooked. But that shouldn't happen with this slate.
On the first day of games, Dec. 17, the Las Vegas Bowl is practically mandatory viewing. Houston and San Diego State were once considered the "Group of Five's" top contenders for a New Year's Six slot. No, it didn't happen, but the teams are a combined 19-6.
Plus, Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey will attempt to (kind of) set the FBS record for career rushing yards. He needs 108 to pass Ron Dayne, though the former Wisconsin back's bowl stats aren't included in his tally like Pumphrey's are. Regardless, the 5'9", 180-pound senior has collected the third-most yards, and it's his final outing:
Just two hours later, the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl between Appalachian State and Toledo will kick off. The Mountaineers earned a share of the Sun Belt title, and the Rockets finished a quiet 9-3.
On Dec. 20, Memphis and Western Kentucky will do their best to break the scoreboard in the Boca Raton Bowl. It will also be the final game of Taywan Taylor's career. No player has more receiving yards or receiving touchdowns over the last two years than the Hilltoppers senior.
You won't regret watching the veteran Group of Five studs.
Best Giveaways
College football players aren't yet compensated for their efforts, but there's a $550 exception for bowl games. As a recent college graduate, I can assure you students will travel all over campus for free stuff. It could be as useful as poorly designed T-shirts or inane as pencils with a logo; we're going there.
The players of 80 schools, though, get more than pencils. Thanks to SportsBusiness Daily, we know about much of the gear, gift cards and shopping sprees.
3. Russell Athletic Bowl
Gifts: $300 Best Buy shopping trip; Timely Watch Co. watch; ISlide sandals; beach towel; athletic performance pullover
Find me a college kid who doesn't know how to spend $300 at Best Buy, and I'll show you a liar. From an assortments of movies to phone chargers to tablets, they'll easily burn the allotment.
The other gifts are useful and versatile: a pullover for cold weather, a beach towel that is not legally bound to only be used at the beach and finally a pair ever-useful sandals. Oh, and a watch, which is pretty nice and stuff.
2. Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Gifts: $305 Best Buy shopping trip; Timely Watch Co. watch; EA Sports video game; ISlide sandals; $25 Buffalo Wild Wings gift card
Find me a college kid who doesn't—well, you get the idea.
Though I think we'd agree the one video game most desired is the one understandably but frustratingly discontinued, it's $60 players don't need to spend. Plus-one for sandals, and $25 to B-Dubs is enough for one hearty meal.
1. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Gifts: $300 Vanilla Visa gift card; JBL Bluetooth speaker; Fossil watch; football
The only thing that could make this better is if a Chick-fil-A gift card was included, but a $300 unbound gift card is excellent. There doesn't appear to be a restriction on when it's spent, so the players could use this on something like, you know, food.
Throw in a high-quality bluetooth speaker and a watch most players will wear for about two weeks, and that's excellent work.
Most Questionable Giveaway
The only thing we know about the national championship game is it will include an "iconic gift," which is wonderfully nonspecific and incites time-consuming, baseless speculation. Odds are the giveaway will indeed be memorable.
But, so help me, if this is a logo pencil...
Watchability Rankings
It is our duty—nay, privilege—and our responsibility—nay, honor—to watch all 40 bowl games over the glorious 17-day stretch.
Perhaps you're thinking "there are too many bowl games!" Well, in my opinion, you are factually incorrect. Because about four weekends after the postseason starts, basically all of us will be yearning to watch anything resembling live college football.
We will tune in for 'em all, but this is our ranking of the bowl games based on storylines, matchups and timing.
40. Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion, 1 p.m. ET Dec. 23 (ESPN)
39. Gildan New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. UTSA, 2 p.m. ET Dec. 17 (ESPN)
38. St. Petersburg Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State, 11 a.m. ET Dec. 26 (ESPN)
37. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Idaho vs. Colorado State, 7 p.m. ET Dec. 22 (ESPN)
36. Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: South Alabama vs. Air Force, 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 30 (ASN)
35. Hawai'i Bowl: Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m. ET Dec. 24 (ESPN)
34. Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland vs. Boston College, 2:30 p.m. ET Dec. 26 (ESPN)
33. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, 9 p.m. ET Dec. 17 (ESPN)
32. Miami Beach Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Tulsa: 2:30 p.m. ET Dec. 19 (ESPN)
31. Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Army vs. North Texas, 12 p.m. ET Dec. 27 (ESPN)
30. Dollar General Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy, 8 p.m. ET Dec. 23 (ESPN)
29. AutoNation Cure Bowl: UCF vs. Arkansas State, 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 17 (CBS Sports Network)
28. Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Navy, 4:30 p.m. ET Dec. 23 (ESPN)
27. Camping World Independence Bowl: NC State vs. Vanderbilt, 5 p.m. ET Dec. 26 (ESPN2)
26. Military Bowl: Temple vs. Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m. ET Dec. 27 (ESPN)
25. National Funding Holiday Bowl: Minnesota vs. Washington State, 7 p.m. ET Dec. 27 (ESPN)
24. Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: Boise State vs. Baylor, 10:15 p.m. ET Dec. 27 (ESPN)
23. San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: BYU vs. Wyoming, 9 p.m. ET Dec. 21 (ESPN)
22. New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern, 2 p.m. ET Dec. 28 (ESPN)
21. TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky, 11 a.m. ET Dec. 31 (ESPN)
20. Birmingham Bowl: USF vs. South Carolina, 2 p.m. ET Dec. 29 (ESPN)
19. Foster Farms Bowl: Indiana vs. Utah, 8:30 p.m. ET Dec. 28 (Fox)
18. AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Kansas State, 9 p.m. ET Dec. 28 (ESPN)
17. Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Iowa, 1 p.m. ET Jan. 2 (ABC)
16. Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo, 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 17 (ESPN)
15. Belk Bowl: Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech, 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 29 (ESPN)
14. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska vs. Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET Dec. 30 (ESPN)
13. AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. TCU, 12 p.m. ET Dec. 30 (ESPN)
12. Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis vs. Western Kentucky, 7 p.m. ET Dec. 20 (ESPN)
11. Hyundai Sun Bowl: Stanford vs. North Carolina, 2 p.m. ET Dec. 30 (CBS)
10. Russell Athletic Bowl: West Virginia vs. Miami (Florida), 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 28 (ESPN)
9. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin, 1 p.m. ET Jan. 2 (ESPN)
8. Las Vegas Bowl: Houston vs. San Diego State, 3:30 p.m. ET Dec. 17 (ABC)
7. Allstate Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m. ET Jan. 2 (ESPN)
6. Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Colorado, 9 p.m. ET Dec. 29 (ESPN)
5. Rose Bowl Game: USC vs. Penn State, 5 p.m. ET Jan. 2 (ESPN)
4. Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: LSU vs. Louisville, 11 a.m. ET Dec. 31 (ABC)
3. Capital One Orange Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida State, 8 p.m. ET Dec. 30 (ESPN)
2. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Washington vs. Alabama, 3 p.m. ET Dec. 31 (ESPN)
1. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Clemson, 7 p.m. ET Dec. 31 (ESPN)
Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.