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This bowl season, we have decided to put out the College Football Bowl Opt-Out Tracker.
That’s fancy talk for saying that during bowl season, I will be popping into this article on a daily basis during bowl season in hopes of providing the most up-to-date information on which players opt out of bowl games, or which coaches may not be coaching in them due to either firings or them leaving for a new job. Looking at you, Lincoln Riley.
So check in over the next several weeks as you prepare your betting tickets, bowl pools or DFS lineups, to see which coaches are out, and which players have opted out (OUT) or are at risk of opting out (TBD) this bowl season!
Bahamas Bowl, December 17 (12 PM ET, ESPN)
Toledo (-10.5) vs. Middle Tennessee State - O/U 49.5
Toledo
[NONE]
Middle Tennessee State
[NONE]
Cure Bowl, December 17 (6 PM ET, ESPN2)
Coastal Carolina (-11) vs. Northern Illinois - O/U 63
Coastal Carolina
(TBD) As of December 11th, Coastal Carolina redshirt sophomore quarterback Grayson McCall has not declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he does have somewhat of an NFL future, making his status one to monitor leading up to the team’s bowl game.
(TBD) Coastal Carolina senior tight end Isaiah Likely has already accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, but as of December 11th, there has been no word on whether or not he will play in his team’s bowl game.
Northern Illinois
(TBD) Northern Illinois may be without redshirt senior wide receiver Tyrice Richie, who has not suited up for the team since November 3rd due to a foot injury. Richie was also not listed on the team’s depth chart earlier in the week. This year he has caught 43 receptions for 534 yards and one touchdown.
(TBD) Northern Illinois may be without freshman running back Harrison Waylee, who was not listed on the team’s depth chart earlier in the week. Waylee has not played since October 2nd, and has rushed 101 times for 574 yards and four touchdowns in five games.
Boca Raton Bowl, December 18 (11 AM ET, ESPN)
Appalachian State (-2.5) vs. Western Kentucky - O/U 66.5
Appalachian State
(OUT) Appalachian State redshirt senior wide receiver Corey Sutton will not play in the team’s bowl game after announcing that he will be undergoing surgery. Sutton was the team’s leading receiver with 61 receptions for 901 yards and seven touchdowns.
Western Kentucky
(TBD) Western Kentucky junior OL Mason Brooks announced on December 8th that he will be entering the transfer portal, however he appears to be playing in the team’s bowl game.
(TBD) Western Kentucky redshirt junior wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley announced on December 7th that he would be entering the transfer portal, but it appears that he will be playing in the team’s bowl game.
(TBD) Western Kentucky redshirt sophomore defensive back Beanie Bishop entered the transfer portal on December 14th, and may be out for the team’s bowl game against Appalachian State. This season, Bishop totaled 40 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions for the Hilltoppers.
New Mexico Bowl, December 18 (2:15 PM ET, ESPN)
Fresno State (-11.5) vs. UTEP - O/U 51.5
Fresno State
[UPDATE] Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener will play in Fresno State’s bowl game and will likely start for the Bulldogs. After interim head coach Lee Marks opted to not disclose his team’s starter for most of the week, reports surfaced hours before kickoff that Haener is expected to play against UTEP.
(COACH) Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer has already left for his new job as head coach at Washington. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has left for Washington with DeBoer, leaving running back coach Lee Marks to serve as the team’s interim head coach.
UTEP
(OUT) UTEP will be without redshirt junior defensive back Justin Prince, who has not played for the team since Week 7 due to a foot injury.
Independence Bowl, December 18 (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
BYU (-6.5) vs. UAB - O/U 55
BYU
(OUT) BYU will be without freshman tight end Isaac Rex, who underwent surgery for an ankle injury that he suffered on November 28th against USC. This season, Rex has caught 18 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns this season.
(OUT) BYU will be without junior wide receiver Neil Pau’u, who has been called “extremely doubtful” by head coach Kalani Sitake, likely due to a leg injury. Pau’u did not play in BYU’s final two games. This season, he has caught 46 passes for 526 yards and six touchdowns.
(TBD) It appears that BYU will be without sophomore quarterback Jaren Hall. According to Jay Drew of Deseret News, BYUtv has reported that backup quarterback Baylor Romney will start in place of Hall, and that Hall will be dressed on the sidelines and only used in an emergency situation. This season, Romney has thrown for 584 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions on 57 pass attempts this season.
UAB
(TBD) UAB junior wide receiver RaJae Johnson-Sanders announced on December 6th that he has entered the transfer portal, although no official word has been given on his status for his team’s bowl game. Johnson-Sanders caught 23 passes for 394 yards and one touchdown on the season and was the Blazers’ third-leading receiver.
Lending Tree Bowl, December 18 (5:45 PM ET, ESPN)
Liberty (-10) vs. Eastern Michigan - O/U 57.5
Liberty
(TBD) Liberty senior quarterback Malik Willis is heading to the 2022 NFL Draft and has already accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. However, it appears as though he will be playing in his team’s bowl game.
Eastern Michigan
[NONE]
L.A. Bowl, December 18 (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Oregon State (-7.5) vs. Utah State - O/U 68
Oregon State
(OUT) Oregon State will be without redshirt junior linebacker Avery Roberts after Roberts underwent a surgery according to head coach Jonathan Smith. Roberts was named first team All-Pac-12 this season, after leading the Beavers with 123 tackles to go with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
Utah State
[NONE]
New Orleans Bowl, December 18 (9:15 PM ET, ESPN)
UL Lafayette (-4) vs. Marshall - O/U 55.5
UL Lafayette
(COACH) The Ragin’ Cajuns will be without head coach Billy Napier, who left the university to take on the head coaching vacancy at Florida. Napier coached the team in its Sun Belt championship win over Appalachian State, but new head coach Michael Desormeaux will take over duties in the team’s bowl game against Marshall. Desormeaux was the team’s co-offensive coordinator in 2021.
(OUT) Louisiana will be without sophomore running back Chris Smith, according to head coach Michael Desormeaux. Smith has reportedly been dealing with an undisclosed injury and will miss the team’s bowl game as a result. This season, Smith rushed 153 times for 855 yards and eight touchdowns, while catching 14 passes for 75 yards and a score.
(OUT) Louisiana will be without senior defensive lineman Tayland Humphrey. Humphrey has been dealing with an injury all season, according to head coach Michael Desormeaux, but has also declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, which likely also factored into his decision. Humphrey is no longer with the team, according to Desormeaux and finishes his 2021 season with 31 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.
(OUT) Louisiana will be without sophomore wide receiver Peter LeBlanc, who was not listed on the team’s depth chart ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Liberty. This season, LeBlanc has caught 37 passes for 417 yards and one touchdown.
Marshall
[NONE]
Myrtle Beach Bowl, December 20 (2:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Tulsa (-9) vs. Old Dominion - O/U 52.5
Tulsa
(COACH) Tulsa defensive coordinator Joseph Gillespie left for TCU to become its defensive coordinator. On December 10th, it was announced that cornerbacks coach Carlton Buckels would oversee Tulsa’s defense for its bowl game.
(TBD) Tulsa redshirt senior wide receiver Sam Crawford entered the transfer portal on November 29th as a graduate transfer. It remains to be seen whether or not he will opt out of the team’s bowl game. Crawford had missed the team’s last three games with an injury. This season, Crawford has caught 27 passes for 472 yards and four touchdowns. Rice Football’s Twitter account announced on December 15th that Crawford had joined their program, so we could probably assume he is out for the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Old Dominion
[NONE]
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, December 21 (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Wyoming (-3.5) vs. Kent State - O/U 59.5
Wyoming
(OUT) Wyoming will be without senior cornerback Keyon Blankenbaker, who entered the transfer portal on December 8th. Blankenbaker played on 542 snaps for the Cowboys per Pro Football Focus, totaling 32 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception.
Kent State
[NONE]
Frisco Bowl, December 21 (7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
San Diego State (-3) vs. UTSA - O/U 49
UTSA
NOTE: According to JJ Perez of InsideRunnerSports.com, UTSA may be without more than 10 players for the Frisco bowl. He said the situation was described to him as being “decimated” in some positions.
NOTE 2.0: According to Greg Luca of Express News, players not spotted at UTSA’s practice on December 19th include defensive lineman Lorenzo Dantzler, safety Jahmal Sam, linebacker Trevor Harmanson, tight end Leroy Watson, offensive lineman Brandon Rolfe and wide receiver Joshua Cephus. As of December 21st, none of these players have been officially ruled out, but their recent absences in practice are worth noting in light of JJ Perez’s previous report. In a game where UTSA was once favored by 2.5 points, they are now considered +3 underdogs.
(OUT) UTSA will be without junior running back Sincere McCormick, who announced on December 16th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. The loss of McCormick will be a big blow to a Roadrunners offense that leaned heavily on him this season, as he racked up 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns on 299 carries, while also catching 22 passes for 184 yards. Backup running back Brendan Brady will likely take McCormick’s place against San Diego State. This season, Brady has rushed 48 times for 232 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three passes for 29 yards.
(OUT) UTSA will be without redshirt junior cornerback Tariq Woolen, who announced on December 20th that he would be opting out to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Woolen brings elite size and speed to the Roadrunners’ secondary, and posted 26 tackles on the season along with five pass breakups and one interception.
San Diego State
[NONE]
Armed Forces Bowl, December 22 (8 PM ET, ESPN)
Army (-6.5) vs. Missouri - O/U 54
Army
[NONE]
Missouri
(OUT) Missouri sophomore quarterback Connor Bazelak will be serving as the team’s backup in Wednesday’s Armed Forces bowl against Army, with quarterback Brady Cook drawing the start instead. This season, Bazelak has thrown for 2,540 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but struggled in the team’s final few games. Cook will get the start after winning out a quarterback competition leading up to the game. This season Cook has thrown for 103 yards and one touchdown on 23 passes.
(OUT) Missouri senior running back Tyler Badie has officially been ruled out for the Armed Forces Bowl after announcing on December 21st that he would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of the bowl game. This season, Badie has rushed 268 times for 1,612 yards and 15 touchdowns while catching another 54 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns.
(OUT) Missouri will be without junior tight end Daniel Parker, who entered the transfer portal on November 29th. This season, Parker has caught 12 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
(OUT) Missouri will be without redshirt senior defensive lineman Akial Byers, who has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury. This season, Byers totaled 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks for the Tigers.
(OUT) Missouri will be without junior tight end Niko Hea due to an undisclosed injury. This season, Hea has caught 18 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers.
(OUT) Missouri will be without junior defensive back Martez Manuel who has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury. This season, Manuel totaled 77 tackles including 8.0 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks along with one interception for the Tigers.
(OUT) Missouri will be without redshirt junior offensive lineman Bobby Lawrence due to an undisclosed injury. Lawrence was playing in a backup role for the Tigers and appeared in only three games this season.
(OUT) Missouri will be without redshirt senior offensive lineman Zeke Powell due to an undisclosed injury. Powell was playing in a backup role for the Tigers and appeared in four games while registering 31 offensive snaps per Pro Football Focus.
Frisco Classic Bowl, December 23 (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Miami (OH) (-2.5) vs. North Texas - O/U 55
Miami (OH)
[NONE]
North Texas
[NONE]
Gasparilla Bowl, December 23 (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Florida (-7) vs. UCF - O/U 55.5
Florida
NOTE: Florida junior safety Kaiir Elam will play in the team’s Gasparilla Bowl game against UCF.
(COACH) The Gators will be coached by interim head coach Greg Knox, replacing Dan Mullen who was fired on November 21. Knox coached the Gators in their final regular season game, leading the Gators to a 24-21 win over Florida State to become bowl-eligible. Knox led the Mississippi State Bulldogs to a 31-27 win in the Tax Slayer Bowl over Lamar Jackson and Louisville in 2017.
(OUT) Florida will be without redshirt freshman quarterback Anthony Richardson, who underwent a minor knee surgery. This season, Richardson threw for 529 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 401 yards and another three scores.
(OUT) Florida will be without redshirt senior defensive lineman Zachary Carter, who announced on December 10 that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of the team’s bowl game. This season, Carter totaled 47 tackles for the Gators, including 11.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.
(TBD) Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jacob Copeland announced on December 9 that he would be entering the transfer portal. Copeland led the Gators in receiving in 2021, catching 39 passes for 607 yards and four touchdowns. As of December 10th, it appeared that Copeland would play in the team’s bowl game.
(TBD) Junior linebacker Mohamoud Diabate announced on December 10th that he has entered the transfer portal. This season, Diabate totaled 82 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss. His status for the bowl game is unknown at this time.
(TBD) Florida redshirt junior quarterback Emory Jones announced on December 15th that he would be entering the transfer portal. He will reportedly be available for his team’s appearance in the Gasparilla Bowl, but his situation between now and game day will be one to monitor in the coming days. This season, Jones totaled 2,562 passing yards for 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while also rushing for 696 yards and four touchdowns.
UCF
[NONE]
Hawaii Bowl, December 24 (8 PM ET, ESPN) - CANCELED
NOTE: Less than 24 hours before kickoff, Hawaii head coach Todd Graham announced that the team would be withdrawing from the Hawaii Bowl due to injuries, players testing positive for COVID and player transfers. In short, Hawaii didn’t have much of a team left to field just 24 hours ahead of the game. This marks the first bowl game of the season to be outright canceled.
Memphis
(OUT) Memphis will be without redshirt senior wide receiver Calvin Austin who announced on December 13th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Austin posted his second-straight 1,000-yard season with the Tigers, catching 74 passes for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns while also rushing once for a 69-yard score. Memphis’ next leading receiver is Sean Dykes, who has caught 48 passes for 657 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Hawaii
(TBD) Hawaii redshirt sophomore QB Chevan Cordeiro entered the transfer portal on December 1st, and is likely out for the Warriors. He threw for 2,793 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the season while also rushing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He would be replaced by freshman quarterback Brayden Schager, who started in three games for the Warriors in 2021, leading them to a 2-1 record. On the year, Schager has thrown for 615 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions.
(TBD) Hawaii sophomore running back Dae Dae Hunter entered the transfer portal on December 1st, but no official word has been given on his bowl game status. The Warriors could be hurting if Hunter opts out of the game, as he was the team’s leading rushing with 651 yards and three touchdowns on 101 carries. He also caught 19 passes for 163 yards.
Camellia Bowl, December 25 (2:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Georgia State (-5.5) vs. Ball State - O/U 51
Georgia State
[NONE]
Ball State
(TBD) Ball State senior wide receiver Justin Hall is reportedly not dressed ahead of the team’s Camellia Bowl. Hall has been one of Ball State’s biggest playmakers this season, totaling 61 receptions for 613 yards and 5 touchdowns while also rushing 36 times for 255 yards and six touchdowns. Hall not being dressed in warmups likely means he will be out for this game.
(TBD) Ball State redshirt senior offensive lineman Kaleb Slaven is reportedly not dressed ahead of the team’s Camellia Bowl. Slaven has not suited up for Ball State since Week 6, but had started every game when healthy.
(TBD) Ball State redshirt senior offensive lineman Anthony Todd is reportedly not dressed ahead of the team’s Cameilla Bowl. Todd has started along Ball State’s offensive line, with most of his starts coming at left guard.
Quick Lane Bowl, December 27 (11 AM ET, ESPN)
Western Michigan (-7) vs. Nevada - O/U 57
Western Michigan
(OUT) Western Michigan junior wide receiver Jaylen Hall has entered the transfer portal, and has reportedly left the team. Hall was the Broncos’ second-leading receiver this season, catching 46 passes for 752 yards and three touchdowns.
(TBD) Western Michigan sophomore tight end Anthony Torres has entered the transfer portal, putting his status for the team’s Quick Lane Bowl in question. Torres caught 12 passes for 137 yards this season for the Broncos.
Nevada
(COACH) Nevada lost head coach Jay Norvell when Colorado State hired him on December 6. Assistant coach Vai Taua will serve as the interim head coach against Western Michigan.
(COACH) Nevada defensive coordinator Brian Ward left for the same position at Washington State. It is unlikely he will coach in the team’s bowl game.
(OUT Nevada will be without redshirt junior QB Carson Strong who on December 14th declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. On the year, Strong has thrown for 4,186 yards, 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Backup quarterback Nate Cox will likely draw the start in place of strong in the team’s bowl game. Cox has played sparingly this season, completing 14-of-20 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown. It won’t be hard to spot Cox on the field if he is out there, as he towers over everybody standing at 6-foot-9, and 225-pounds.
(OUT) Nevada junior tight end Cole Turner announced on December 9th that he was declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and would be opting out of the team’s bowl game. Turner was one of the most dominant tight ends in the nation this season, catching 62 passes for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns.
(TBD) It was announced on December 9th that Nevada junior wide receiver Melquan Stovall had entered the transfer portal. While no official word has been given on whether or not he would play in Nevada’s bowl game, it wouldn’t be shocking if he were to opt out. Stovall set career-highs in receiving marks this season, catching 56 passes for 643 yards and one touchdown.
(TBD) On December 9th it was announced that Nevada senior wide receiver Elijah Cooks would be entering the transfer portal, making him a likely candidate to miss the team’s bowl game. Cooks last played for Nevada on November 27th, but had his season largely cut short due to a foot injury. He caught 13 passes for 157 yards and four touchdowns this season, and has one year of eligibility remaining.
(TBD) Nevada may be without senior wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who is heading to the NFL after this season, and will also be playing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. This season, Doubs has caught 80 passes for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Wolf Pack. Doubs was not listed on the team’s depth chart prior to the game.
Military Bowl, December 27 (2:30 PM ET, ESPN) - CANCELED
Boston College
NOTE: Boston College junior wide receiver Zay Flowers announced on Twitter that he would be returning for his 2022 season after his future with the team reportedly being in doubt. He is expected to play in his team’s bowl game against East Carolina. Flowers has caught 44 passes for 746 yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec, who has started Boston College’s last four games is in line to start in this bowl game. This season, Jurkovec has thrown for 914 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions while also rushing 50 times for 322 yards and another five scores.
East Carolina
[NONE]
Fenway Bowl, December 29 (11 AM ET, ESPN) - CANCELED
Virginia
(COACH) Head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced his resignation on Dec. 2 but will coach the Cavaliers for one final time in their bowl game.
(COACH) Virginia will be without offensive coordinator Robert Anae, who left the program on December 19th, and opted out of the team’s bowl game. Quarterbacks coach Jason Beck will takeover offensive play calling duties for the Cavaliers against SMU.
(TBD) Virginia starting senior offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi entered into the transfer portal, however it remains to be seen whether or not he would skip the bowl game. Oluwatimi was named to the FWAA All-American Second Team on December 10.
(TBD) Virginia starting senior offensive lineman Bobby Haskins entered into the transfer portal, however it remains to be seen whether or not he would skip his team’s bowl game. Haskins started the team’s last seven games at left tackle.
(TBD) Virginia junior offensive lineman Joe Bissinger entered the transfer portal, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will opt out of the team’s bowl game. Bissinger held a starting role early in he season at left guard, but has played as a backup offensive lineman for the Cavaliers since Week 5.
(TBD) Virginia senior outside linebacker Noah Taylor entered the transfer portal on December 8th, but he has not been officially ruled out for the team’s bowl game. This season, per Pro Football Focus, Taylor totaled 67 tackles to go with 19 quarterback pressures and four sacks.
(TBD) Virginia redshirt junior tight end Jelani Woods announced on December 14th that he was declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Woods was named first team All-ACC this season after catching 44 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. His status for Virginia’s bowl game is unknown at this time.
(TBD) Virginia may be without senior offensive lineman Ryan Swoboda, who announced on December 16th that he would be entering the transfer portal. Swoboda missing would leave the Cavaliers without their starting right tackle after Swoboda started every game this season for the Cavs, totaling 787 offensive snaps on the year per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Virginia will be without junior wide receiver Billy Kemp for the team’s Fenway Bowl matchup due to an undisclosed injury. This season, Kemp has caught 75 passes for 742 yards and six touchdowns.
(OUT) Virginia will be without sophomore wide receiver Demick Starling, who will miss the team’s Fenway Bowl due to a broken arm. This season, Starling has caught four passes for 93 yards and one touchdown.
SMU
NOTE: SMU sophomore Rashee Rice announced his plans to return to the team in 2022. With Danny Gray and Reggie Roberson already set to leave campus, Rice returning to SMU in 2022 should be a good indicator that he also intends to play in the team’s bowl game.
(COACH) SMU will be without coach Sonny Dykes, who accepted an offer to become the next head coach at TCU on November 28. Following the loss of Dykes, SMU hired Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee to be its next head coach. As of December 10th, SMU had not named its interim head coach for the Fenway Bowl.
(OUT) SMU will be without senior wide receiver Reggie Roberson, who announced on December 9th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of the team’s bowl game. Roberson was third on the Mustangs in receiving yards with 611 yards on 50 receptions and had six receiving touchdowns.
(OUT) It was announced on December 9th that SMU junior wide receiver Danny Gray would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and he appears to be opting out of the bowl game as well according to a tweet posted by Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas News. SMU will now be without two of its top-three receivers in Gray and Roberson, which means a big day could be in store for Rashee Rice, who caught a team-high 64 passes for 682 yards and nine touchdowns. Gray finishes 2021 with 49 receptions for 803 yards and nine touchdowns.
Birmingham Bowl, December 28 (12 PM ET, ESPN)
Auburn (-2) vs. Houston - O/U 51
Auburn
(OUT) Auburn will be without sophomore quarterback Bo Nix who announced on December 12 that he would be entering the transfer portal. Nix was already likely to miss the team’s bowl game, after suffering a broken ankle in the November 14 game against Mississippi State, which required surgery. This season, Nix threw for 2,294 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 158 yards and another four touchdowns. TJ Finley will start in place of Nix. Finley started the last two games for Auburn, going 0-2 while throwing for 325 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in those two starts.
(TBD) Auburn will likely be without senior offensive guard Tashawn Manning, who entered the transfer portal and announced on December 13th that he was enrolling at Kentucky. Manning started the final three games for Auburn at left guard this season.
(TBD) Auburn sophomore RB Tank Bigsby announced on December 12th that he would be entering the transfer portal. While it has not yet been confirmed, that he will miss the team’s bowl game, he reportedly did not show up to bowl practices according to Zac Blackerby of Auburn Wire. On December 16th, it was reported that Bigsby withdrew his name from the portal after a conversation with head coach Brian Harsin. Harsin shared that he expects Bigsby to play in the team’s bowl game. This season, Bigsby rushed 207 times for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 16 passes for 116 yards.
(OUT) Auburn senior cornerback Roger McCreary has opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, he announced on December 16th. McCreary has a chance to be a first-round draft pick next April. On December 12th, it was reported by Zac Blackerby of Auburn Wire that McCreary did not report to the team’s first bowl game practice. This season, McCreary totaled 49 tackles, including two tackles for a loss, one sack and two interceptions.
(OUT) Auburn junior linebacker Zakoby McClain announced on December 16th that he would be foregoing his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. McClain did not report to the team’s first bowl game practice according to Zac Blackerby of Auburn Wire. McClain has accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl which is set to be played in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 3rd. This season, McClain totaled 95 tackles, including eight tackles for a loss and two sacks.
(OUT) Auburn will be without senior offensive lineman Brodarius Hamm, after it was announced on December 16th that he would be opting out of the team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft.
(OUT) Auburn will be without senior offensive lineman Nick Brahms, who underwent a surgery and has been ruled out. Brahms has started at center for Aubrn in every game this season.
Houston
(OUT) Houston will be without senior defensive back Marcus Jones, who announced on December 20th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of his team’s bowl game. Jones was named as the 2021 Paul Hornung Award winner for being the most versatile player in college football. As a cornerback, Jones totaled 47 tackles, five interceptions and two pass breakups for the Cougars, while also dominating as a return man. As a kick returner, Jones returned 15 kicks for 510 yards and two touchdowns, and returned 26 punts for 274 yards and another two touchdowns.
First Responder Bowl, December 28 (3:15 PM ET, ESPN)
Air Force (-1) vs. Louisville - O/U 54.5
Louisville
(OUT) Louisville redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordan Watkins announced on November 30th his decision to enter the transfer portal and opt out of the team’s bowl game. Watkins was Louisville’s leading receiver in 2021, hauling in 35 receptions or 536 yards and four touchdowns.
(OUT) Louisville freshman defensive back Greedy Vance has entered the transfer portal, but was reportedly spotted at the team’s bowl game practices.
(OUT) Louisville will be without freshman running back Jalen Mitchell (illness) for the First Responder Bowl. This season, Mitchell has rushed 155 times for 722 yards and 5 touchdowns while also catching 12 passes for 121 yards. Backup running back Trevion Cooley, who rushed 68 times for 339 yards on the season should see some additional run with Mitchell out.
(OUT) Louisville will be without junior defensive back Kendrick Duncan, (foot) who underwent surgery and is out for the First Responder Bowl. Duncan has totaled 76 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack and one interception on the season for the Cardinals.
Air Force
[NONE]
Liberty Bowl, December 28 (6:45 PM ET, ESPN)
Mississippi State (-10) vs. Texas Tech - O/U 58.5
Mississippi State
(TBD) Mississippi State junior defensive back Martin Emerson declared for the 2022 NFL Draft on December 10th. In his letter to fans and staff, which he posted to Twitter, Emerson did not indicate that he would opt out of the bowl, although that has come to be the expectation for most players declaring for the draft. Emerson totaled 49 tackles and two pass breakups for the Bulldogs in 2021.
(OUT) Mississippi State will be without redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Charles Cross, who announced on December 17th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of his team’s bowl game. Cross will likely be a first round pick in next year’s draft.
Texas Tech
(OUT) Texas Tech will be without redshirt sophomore wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, who announced on December 23rd that he would be opting out his team’s bowl game in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. Ezukanma led the Red Raiders in receiving in 2021, catching 48 passes for 705 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing 10 times for 138 yards and another two scores.
Holiday Bowl, December 28 (8 PM ET, FOX) - Canceled
N.C. State
[NONE]
UCLA
(OUT) UCLA will be without redshirt senior safety Quwantrezz Knight who announced on December 23rd that he would be opting out of the bowl game to enter the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Knight started every game for UCLA while posting 71 tackles, two pass breakups and three sacks per Pro Football Focus.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl, December 28 (10:15 PM ET, ESPN)
Minnesota (-5) vs. West Virginia - O/U 44.5
Minnesota
NOTE: Minnesota redshirt sophomore running back Treyson Potts announced on December 21st that he would be returning for 2022 and play in the team’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl game against West Virginia.
(COACH) Minnesota will be without offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. who was fired by the school after the season. Minnesota has hired West Virginia offensive analyst Kirk Ciarrocca to replace Sanford as offensive coordinator, and while he won’t be on the sidelines calling plays for the Golden Gophers, Ciarrocca could offer up some inside knowledge on West Virginia’s offensive scheme after coaching there this season.
West Virginia
(OUT) West Virginia will be without senior running back Leddie Brown, who announced on December 16th that he would be opting out of his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Brown was a bell cow for the Mountaineers in 2021, rushing 223 times for 1,065 yards and 13 touchdowns while also catching 36 passes for 217 yards and another score. Backup running back Tony Mathis Jr. will likely get the first crack at replacing Brown in the team’s game against Minnesota. Mathis Jr. has rushed for 256 yards on 59 carries this season and has not scored a touchdown.
(OUT) West Virginia will be without senior wide receiver Isaiah Esdale, who has entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. Esdale caught 29 passes for 362 yards and one touchdown for the Mountaineers and also served as their punt returner.
Pinstripe Bowl, December 29 (2:15 PM ET, ESPN)
Maryland (-4) vs. Virginia Tech - O/U 55
Maryland
NOTE: Maryland senior right guard Johari Branch announced his intent to return to the team in 2022 instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. Branch started every game for Maryland this season, appearing on 844 snaps per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Maryland will be without senior wide receiver Carlos Carriere (undisclosed) who did not travel with the team to the Pinstripe Bowl. This season, Carriere has totaled 24 receptions for 316 yards and five touchdowns on 36 targets, and had started in the team’s final five games.
(OUT) Maryland will be without freshman defensive back Corey Coley (undisclosed) who did not travel with the team to the Pinstripe Bowl. This season, Coley has started in three games for the Terps while playing on 230 defensive snaps according to Pro Football Focus. Coley has totaled 13 tackles and two pass breakups on the season.
Virginia Tech
NOTE: Virginia Tech running back Raheem Blackshear announced that he was declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, but it appears that he will be playing in the Pinstripe Bowl against Maryland on December 29.
NOTE 2.0: Virginia Tech junior quarterback Connor Blumrick is expected to start in the Pinstripe Bowl against Maryland. This season, Blumrick has completed 7-of-16 passes for 42 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has also rushed 38 times for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
(OUT) Virginia Tech junior wide receiver Tre Turner announced on December 1st that he intends to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, and will miss his team’s bowl game. Turner caught 40 passes for 675 yards and three touchdowns this season for the Hokies.
(OUT) Virginia Tech junior cornerback Jermaine Waller announced on December 9th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and as a result, miss his team’s bowl game. Waller recorded 46 tackles this season for the Hokies along with four interceptions and three pass breakups.
(OUT) The Hokies will be without senior EDGE rusher Amare Barno, who announced on December 7th that he would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Barno also has the Senior Bowl to prepare for in addition to the draft. This season, Barno registered three sacks on 32 quarterback pressures while recording 31 total tackles per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Virginia Tech redshirt junior defensive lineman Jordan Williams has declared himself eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft and will miss the team’s bowl game. This season, per Pro Football Focus, Williams totaled 30 tackles, 25 quarterback pressures and four sacks.
(OUT) Virginia Tech will be without redshirt junior offensive lineman Lecitus Smith, who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith started 11 games for the Hokies in 2021, with 10 of those starts coming at left guard.
(OUT) Virginia Tech will be without redshirt junior quarterback Braxton Burmeister, who announced on December 19th that he would be entering the transfer portal and opting out of his team’s bowl game. This season, Burmeister completed 55.7% of his passes for 1,960 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions while also rushing 50 times for 679 yards and another two scores. He started 12 games for the Hokies this season, whose backup quarterback, Knox Kadum, also entered the transfer portal and opted out of this game. The starting quarterback job for this game will likely go to either Conner Blumrick or Tahj Brooks, with Blumrick likely holding an edge over Brooks. Blumrick has completed 7-of-16 passes this season for 42 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Brooks has not attempted a pass this season.
(TBD) Virginia Tech sophomore wide receiver Tayvion Robinson entered the transfer portal on December 2nd, and tweeted on December 11th that he was heading to Kentucky. Robinson has since deleted that tweet, but it appears unlikely that he would play in the team’s bowl game. Per Pro Football Focus, Robinson caught 44 passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Cheez-It Bowl, December 29 (5:45 PM ET, ESPN)
Clemson (-2.5) vs. Iowa State - O/U 44.5
Iowa State
(OUT) Iowa State will be without junior wide receiver Joe Scates, who announced on December 6th that he was entering the transfer portal. This season, Scates caught eight passes for 145 yards and one touchdown.
(OUT) Iowa State will be without senior wide receiver Tarique Milton who entered his name in to the transfer portal on November 30th. This season, Milton caught 15 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
(OUTIowa State junior defensive back Kym-Mani King announced on December 13th that he entered the transfer portal. This season, King totaled 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and one interception along with three passes defensed. It appears unlikely that he will play in the team’s bowl game.
(OUT) Iowa State sophomore linebacker Aric Horne entered the transfer portal on December 13th. It remains unclear whether or not he will play in the team’s bowl game. This season, Horne totaled 20 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss and one interception.
(OUT) Iowa State sophomore defensive back Isheem Young announced on December 13th that he was entering the transfer portal. Young started every game for the Cyclones this season, totaling 55 tackles, 0.5 sacks and two interceptions along with two passes defensed.
(OUT) Iowa State will be without junior running back Breece Hall, who announced on December 18th that he was declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and will be opting out of his team’s bowl game. Hall’s absence will be felt in this game against Clemson’s stout defense, as he rushed for 1,472 yards and 20 touchdowns on 253 carries this season, while also catching 36 passes for 302 yards and another three scores. Backup running back Jirehl Brock could be in line for a lead role, as he has rushed 23 times for 132 yards and one touchdown this season.
Clemson
(COACH) Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables will not be on the sideline for the Tigers, after accepting the job to become the next head coach at Oklahoma on December 5.
(COACH) The Tigers will also be without offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, who accepted the head coaching job at Virginia on December 10.
(OUT) Clemson junior wide receiver Justyn Ross will not return to the team it was announced on December 14th. Ross has been nursing a foot injury that required surgery in November, but head coach Dabo Swinney had suggested that he may return for the team’s bowl game. Now, Ross has been officially ruled out but said that he will be ready for the NFL Scouting Combine. This season, Ross caught 47 passes for 524 yards and three touchdowns, which was a big drop off from his first two seasons in which he totaled 112 yards for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns.
(OUT) Clemson will be without senior linebacker Baylon Spector, who underwent a wrist surgery following the team’s regular season finale. This season, Spector has 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
(OUT) Clemson will be without junior wide receiver Frank Ladson Jr., who announced that he was entering the transfer portal. Ladson has missed Clemson’s last seven games, but was a starter before going down with a season-ending groin injury. Ladson caught four passes for 19 yards this season.
Alamo Bowl, December 29 (9:15 PM ET, ESPN)
Oklahoma (-7) vs. Oregon - O/U 62
Oklahoma
(COACH) The Sooners will be without head coach Lincoln Riley, who left for the USC head coaching vacancy on November 28th. Oklahoma will have a familiar face on the sideline in place of Riley, with former head coach Bob Stoops returning for at least one more hoo-rah. In 19 seasons at Oklahoma, Stoops went 190-48 as a head coach with a 9-9 bowl record and a national championship in 2000.
(OUT) Oklahoma redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jadon Haselwood will not play in the team’s bowl game, verbally committing to Arkansas following his entering the transfer portal on November 29th. Haselwood caught 39 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns this season
(OUT) Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Spencer Rattler will not play in the team’s bowl game. He entered the transfer portal on November 29th, and will look to play elsewhere in 2022 after being benched for freshman quarterback Caleb Williams mid-season. Rattler threw for 1,483 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games this season.
(OUT) Oklahoma sophomore linebacker Brian Asamoah announced on December 8th that he will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and opting out of the team’s bowl game. Asamoah totaled 87 tackles on the year for the Sooners while also forcing three fumbles and recording one sack.
(OUT) Oklahoma will be without redshirt junior Nikolas Bonitto who has opted out of the team’s bowl game in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. Bonitto totaled 32 tackles, 52 quarterback pressures and eight quarterback sacks in 2021 per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Oklahoma will be without senior defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey, who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and as a result, has opted out of his team’s bowl game. In 2021, Winfrey totaled 15 tackles, 29 quarterback pressures and six sacks per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Oklahoma will be without senior defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas, who announced on December 10th that he would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Thomas totaled 38 tackles including 10.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks for the Sooners.
(TBD) Oklahoma sophomore tight end Austin Stogner announced on November 30th that he was entering the transfer portal. This season, he caught 14 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns. He has not officially been ruled out for the team’s senior bowl.
(TBD) Oklahoma sophomore wide receiver Theo Wease entered the transfer portal earlier this year, but announced on December 17th that he would be returning to Oklahoma. While we don’t know whether or not he will play in Oklahoma’s bowl game, his services could be valube as a former five-star recruit. Wease has not caught a pass this season, but his status regarding the bowl game is one to monitor.
Oregon
NOTE: Oregon may be without 30 scholarship players in the Alamo Bowl due to players opting out, transferring or being in COVID protocols according to Matt Prehm of 247Sports.com.
(COACH) Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal has left for Miami to take over as its head coach, as the Ducks will now have Bryan McClendon serve as their interim head coach. McClendon served as the interim head coach at Georgia in 2016, and defeated Penn State 24-17 in the Taxslayer Bowl.
(OUT) Oregon will be without junior EDGE rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has opted out of the Alamo Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Regarded by some as the no. 1 overall pick of next year’s draft, Thibodeaux totaled 49 tackles, 12.0 tackles for a loss and seven sacks on the year.
(OUT) Oregon will be without sophomore wide receiver Devon Williams, who announced on December 16th that he would be opting out of Oregon’s bowl game in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. Oregon’s wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries/transfers this season, with Williams’ decision to opt out only adding to a thin group. This season, Williams caught 35 passes for 557 yards and four touchdowns.
(OUT) Oregon will be without sophomore cornerback MyKael Wright, who announced on December 19th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft and opting out of the team’s bowl game. This season, Wright totaled 57 tackles for the Ducks to go with three pass breakups and one interception.
(OUT) Oregon will be without junior offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, who announced on December 8th that he would be skipping his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Aumavae-Laulu has started eight games for the Ducks, including the team’s final seven games. He appeared on 635 offensive snaps for the Ducks.
(OUT) Oregon will be without junior cornerback DJ James, who has entered the transfer portal and opted out of his team’s bowl game. This season, James totaled 43 tackles including two interceptions and five pass breakups per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Oregon will be without sophomore wide receiver Mycah Pittman who has entered the transfer portal. Pittamn caught 12 passes for 197 yards for Oregon.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl, December 30 (11:30 AM ET, ESPN)
North Carolina (-11) vs. South Carolina - O/U 57
North Carolina
(OUT) North Carolina will be without junior defensive back Kyler McMichael, who announced on December 13th that he would be opting out of his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, McMichael totaled 18 tackles and one interception in nine games for the Tar Heels.
(TBD) North Carolina senior linebacker Tyrone Hopper announced on December 20th that he had entered the transfer portal. His status for North Carolina’s bowl game remains unknown, but as a backup in 2021, Hopper appeared in one game and registered two tackles.
South Carolina
NOTE: South Carolina senior quarterback Zeb Noland is expected to draw the start in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl now that quarterback Jason Brown has entered the transfer portal. Noland has been a fun story for the Gamecocks this season after joining the team as a graduate assistant before being asked to suit up in the team’s Week 1 game. Noland has stared four games for the Gamecocks this season, throwing for 602 yards, six touchdowns and one interception.
(OUT) South Carolina will be without redshirt senior ZaQuandre White, who on December 7th, opted out of the game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. White rushed 88 times for 583 yards and two touchdowns, while catching another 18 passes for 196 yards and two scores.
(OUT) South Carolina will be without senior quarterback Jason Brown, who announced on December 15th that he would be entering the transfer portal. Brown was a backup quarterback for the Gamecocks and threw for 721 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions on the season.
(OUT) South Carolina will be without senior defensive lineman Kingsley Enagbare, who announced on December 15th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Enagbare totaled 43 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.
Music City Bowl, December 30 (3:00 PM ET, ESPN)
Tennessee (-7) vs. Purdue - O/U 65.5
Tennessee
(OUT) Tennessee will be without junior running back Tiyon Evans who entered the transfer portal on November 26th, and announced that he was enrolling at Louisville on December 6th. This season, Evans rushed 81 times for 521 yards and six touchdowns while catching four passes for 74 yards and another score.
(OUT) Tennessee will be without redshirt sophomore defensive back Brandon Turnage (undisclosed). This season, Turnage totaled 20 tackles on 129 defense snaps per Pro Football Focus. He started just one game for the Vols in 2021.
(OUT) Tennessee will be without redshirt senior defensive back Kenneth George (undisclosed). This season, George has totaled just two tackles on 93 defensive snaps per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Tennessee will be without redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (undisclosed). Simmons has started four games for the Vols according to Pro Football Focus, appearing on 157 defensive snaps while posting 11 tackles and three quarterback pressures.
Purdue
(OUT) Purdue redshirt sophomore wide receiver David Bell announced on December 8th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Bell hauled in 93 passes for 1,275 yards and 6 touchdowns, leading the Boilermakers in receiving. On December 14th, coach David Brohm confirmed that Bell would not be playing in the team’s bowl game.
(OUT) Purdue junior EDGE rusher George Karlaftis announced on December 6th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Karlaftis was one of the best EDGE rushers in the nation this season per Pro Football Focus, totaling 54 quarterback pressures to go with five sacks and 34 combined tackles. On December 14th, coach David Brohm confirmed that Karlaftis would not be playing in the team’s bowl game.
Peach Bowl, December 30 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
Michigan State (-3) vs. Pittsburgh - O/U 56
Michigan State
NOTE: Michigan State junior wide receiver Jalen Nailor will play in the team’s Peach Bowl game after reportedly being a player who may opt out. This season, Nailor has caught 31 passes for 587 yards and six touchdowns for the Spartans and is averaging 18.9 yards per reception.
(OUT) Michigan State will be without junior running back Kenneth Walker after Walker declared for the 2022 NFL Draft on December 16th. Walker was a Heisman Trophy candidate for much of the 2021 season, after rushing for 1,646 yards and 18 touchdowns while also catching 13 passes for 89 yards and another score. The Spartans will Jordon Simmons to fill Walker’s role. This season, Simmons has rushed 54 times for 255 yards and no touchdowns.
Pittsburgh
NOTE: Pittsburgh has named redshirt senior quarterback Nick Patti the starter heading into the team’s Peach Bowl game against Michigan State. This season, Patti has completed 12-of-14 passes for 140 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
(COACH) Pittsburgh will be without offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who resigned from his position on December 7th and was hired by Nebraska on December 8 to serve in the same role.
(OUT) Pittsburgh senior quarterback Kenny Pickett announced on December 16th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, and has opted out of his team’s bowl game against Michigan State. It felt like the writing was already on the wall for Pickett to opt out after he spoke on The Dan Patrick Show on December 8th and said that he was undecided on whether or not he would play. Pickett threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season, while also rushing for 233 yards and five touchdowns. He led Pitt to an ACC championship win over Wake Forest, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
(OUT) Pittsburgh will be without senior wide receiver Taysir Mack, who has opted out of his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Mack ranked third on the Panthers with 431 receiving yards while catching 27 passes and three touchdowns.
Las Vegas Bowl, December 30 (10:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Wisconsin (-6.5) vs. Arizona State - O/U 41
Wisconsin
(OUT) Wisconsin will be without senior safety Collin Wilder, who shared on December 13th that he had suffered a “very serious injury” that will keep him out of Wisconsin’s bowl game. This season, Wilder recorded 32 tackles and three interception for the Badgers.
Arizona State
NOTE: Arizona State senior tight end Curtis Hodges is listed on the team’s depth chart ahead of the Las Vegas Bowl. Hodges had missed Arizona State’s last few games with an undisclosed injury, but appears set to go for the team’s bowl game. This season, Hodges has caught 20 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns.
(OUT) Arizona State will be without junior running back Rachaad White who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and will skip the team’s bowl game. This season, White rushed 183 times for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns while also catching 43 passes for 456 yards and another touchdown.
(OUT) Arizona State will be without freshman running back DeaMonte Trayanum, who entered the transfer portal on December 6th. Trayanum rushed 78 times for 390 yards and six touchdowns this season, while also catching four passes for 17 yards.
(OUT) Arizona State will be without senior cornerback Chase Lucas, who has opted out of the team’s bowl game. Lucas started every game the Sun Devils this season, totaling 38 tackles and six pass breakups on the year according to Pro Football Focus while playing on 565 defensive snaps.
(OUT) Arizona State will be without senior cornerback Jack Jones, who has opted out of the team’s bowl game. Jones played in every game for Arizona State this season, and appeared on 661 defensive snaps per Pro Football Focus, totaling 46 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups.
(OUT) Arizona state will be without senior linebacker Darien Butler, who has opted out of the team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Butler has totaled 68 tackles including 8.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks along with three interceptions.
Gator Bowl, December 31 (11 AM ET, ESPN)
Wake Forest (-17) vs. Rutgers - O/U 63
NOTE: With Texas A&M opting out of this bowl game, Rutgers (5-7) was named as the replacement team for the Gator Bowl, as head coach Greg Schiano pulled out the Bat Signal to get his players back to campus in preparation for this impromptu bowl game. Rutgers drew the bowl invitation thanks to them having the highest Academic Progress Rate among other 5-7 teams to determine who would be invited to face Wake Forest in the Gator Bowl. As of the morning of December 24th, no Points Bet line has been set for this game.
Wake Forest
(TBD) Wake Forest may be without linebacker DJ Taylor, who announced on December 27 that he was entering the transfer portal. This season, Taylor totaled 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack in a backup role for the Demon Deacons.
(OUT) Wake Forest junior wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson will not participate in the Gator Bowl, announcing that he would be opting to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Roberson has caught 71 passes for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns for the Demon Deacons, and will be sorely missed after being second on the team in receiving.
Rutgers
(TBD) Rutgers may be without senior wide receiver Bo Melton for the Gator Bowl. When questioned about whether or not Melton would be participating in the bowl game, head coach Greg Schiano was non-committal on his status and whether or not he was on campus ahead of the game. Melton has led Rutgers in receiving this season, posting 55 receptions for 618 yards and three touchdowns.
(TBD) Rutgers may be without junior running back Isaih Pacheco. Pacheco has already declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, and head coach Greg Schiano did not comment on whether or not he would be available for the Gator Bowl when questioned about it earlier in the week. This season, Pacheco has rushed 167 times for 654 yards and five touchdowns.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, December 31 (12:30 PM ET, CBS)
Washington State (-7) vs. Central Michigan - O/U 57.5
Washington State
(OUT) Washington State will be without redshirt junior running back Max Borghi, who announced on December 13th that he was foregoing his senior season and entering the 2022 NFL Draft. The loss of Borghi would be a big hit to Washington State’s offense, as Borghi totaled 880 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 160 carries, while also catching 16 passes for 156 yards.
(OUT) Washington State will be without redshirt senior running back, Deon McIntosh, who rushed 111 times for 538 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 14 receptions for 114 yards and another touchdown on the season. The Cougars will now be without their top two running backs, and could be starting third string running back Nakia Watson in the Sun Bowl. This season, Watson has logged just 19 carries for 52 yards.
(OUT) Washington State will be without redshirt senior right tackle Abraham Lucas, who has opted out of the team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Lucas started every game at right tackle for the Cougs, and had a Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade of 91.0, ranking as one of the best pass blocking right tackles in the nation.
(OUT) Washington State will be without redshirt senior cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has opted out of the Sun Bowl in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Watson started every game at cornerback for the Cougars, totaling 39 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) Washington State will be without redshirt sophomore right guard Cade Beresford, who entered the transfer portal and has already committed to Boise State. This season, Beresford started eight games at right guard according to Pro Football Focus, and was graded as one of the best pass blockers in the nation with a PFF grade of 87.9. Beresford allowed only one quarterback pressure on 249 pass blocking downs.
(TBD) Washington State redshirt senior offensive lineman Liam Ryan reportedly did not travel with the team to the Sun Bowl. Ryan recently underwent surgery, and started every game at left tackle for the Cougars. He received a pass blocking grade of 79.4 from Pro Football Focus, grading as one of the better pass blocking left tackles in the nation.
Central Michigan
(NONE)
Cotton Bowl, December 31 (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Alabama (-13.5) vs. Cincinnati - O/U 57
Alabama
(OUT) Alabama will be without junior wide receiver John Metchie, who suffered a torn ACL in Alabama’s SEC Championship win over Georgia. A valuable asset to Alabama’s offense, Metchie finishes 2021 with 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.
(OUT) Alabama will likely be without senior defensive back Josh Jobe, who underwent surgery for a turf toe injury he had been dealing with all season. Head coach Nick Saban said that Jobe is “very doubtful” for the team’s Cotton Bowl game against Cincinnati, so we will mark Jobe as out unless we hear better news in the coming weeks. This season, Jobe has totaled 38 tackles including one tackle for a loss and two interceptions along with four passes defended.
(TBD) Alabama redshirt senior linebacker Chris Allen has been dealing with a fractured foot that he suffered in Alabama’s opening game against Miami. Head coach Nick Saban said the team is working to get him back on the field but his status is still currently in doubt. It is however becoming one to monitor in light of the team speaking on his status.
Cincinnati
[NONE]
Orange Bowl, December 31 (7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Georgia (-7.5) vs. Michigan - O/U 46
Georgia
NOTE: Georgia sophomore wide receiver George Pickens was spotted warming up ahead of his team’s Orange Bowl matchup against Michigan.
(COACH) Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is reportedly set to become the next head coach at Oregon. It has not yet been confirmed whether or not he will coach in the team’s Orange Bowl game on December 31st. We may know more on his status when his hiring by the university is officially announced on Monday.
(TBD) Georgia junior quarterback JT Daniels has entered COVID protocols as the backup quarterback’s status heading into the Orange Bowl is unknown at this time.
Michigan
NOTE: After some speculation that Michigan junior safety Dax Hill may miss the Orange Bowl (did not travel with team), Hill has arrived to the team facilities and was reportedly in the team’s meetings the night before the game. This season, Hill has totaled 65 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and two interceptions for the Wolverines.
[NONE]
Outback Bowl, January 1 (12 PM ET, ESPN2)
Arkansas (-3) vs. Penn State - O/U 49
Penn State
NOTE: According to Audrey Snyder of The Athletic, James Franklin does not intend to disclose players who will/will not play in the team’s bowl game.
NOTE 2.0: Penn State senior safety Ji’Ayir Brown announced his intent to return to the team for the 2022 season, and is expected to play in the Outback Bowl against Arkansas.
(OUT) Penn State senior wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who has opted out of the Outback Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Dotson caught 91 passes for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns, and has 183 receptions for 2,757 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career.
(OUT) Penn State will be without senior linebacker Ellis Brooks, who announced on December 20th that he would be opting out of the Outback Bowl in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Brooks has totaled 100 tackles including 3.5 tackles for a loss.
(OUT) Penn State will be without senior linebacker Brandon Smith, who announced on Twitter that he would be opting out of Penn State’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Smith has totaled 62 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss for the Lions, while also recording one fumble.
(OUT) Penn State will be without senior safety Jaquan Brisker, who announced via his Twitter account that he will be opting out of his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Brisker has totaled 63 tackles including 6.0 tackles for a loss and two interceptions while knocking down five passes.
(OUT) Penn State will be without senior defensive lineman Derrick Tangelo, who announced via his Twitter account that he would be opting out of the Outback Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Tangelo started every game for the Lions, totaling 30 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures and one sack while also forcing one fumble.
(OUT) Penn State will be without redshirt senior defensive end Arnold Ebiketie who has opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Ebiketie led Penn State with eight sacks and 52 quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus, while also posting 47 tackles and forcing one fumble.
Arkansas
NOTE: Arkansas senior wide receiver Tyson Morris was back practicing with the team on December 29 after not being with the team earlier in the week. This season, Morris has caught 20 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, and could be asked to serve in a larger role with Treylon Burks opting out to prepare for the draft.
(OUT) Arkansas junior wide receiver Treylon Burks has opted out of the team’s bowl game in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. Burks announced his intent to enter the draft on December 8th, and will now be preparing for the draft in which he has the chance to be one of the first wide receivers off the board. This season, Burks posted career-high numbers across the board, catching 67 passes for 1,123 yards and 11 touchdowns. Arkansas’ second-leading receiver was Warren Thompson, who caught 18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns.
(OUT) Arkansas will be without redshirt senior defensive lineman Tre Williams, who was arrested on December 19th for a DWI, and announced that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft shortly after his arrest. This season, Williams led the Razorbacks with six sacks while totaling 28 tackles and 6.5 tackles for a loss.
Citrus Bowl, January 1 (1 PM ET, ABC)
Kentucky (-3) vs. Iowa - O/U 44
Kentucky
NOTE: According to Tres Terrell of CatsCoverage.com, head coach Mark Stoops shared that he does not anticipate any player to opt out of the Citrus Bowl.
NOTE 2.0: Per Josh Moore of Kentucky.com, the Wildcats will be without running back Kavosiey Smoke, defensive end Josh Paschal, linebacker JJ Weaver, linebacker Trevin Wallace, linebacker Marquez Bembry and offensive lineman Dare Rosenthal. This was announced just moments before kickoff.
(OUT) Kentucky will be without senior wide receiver Josh Ali, who was involved in a car accident during his holiday break. Ali did not sustain a serious injury, but will not be suiting up in the Citrus Bowl. This season, Ali has caught 41 passes for 601 yards and three touchdowns while also returning nine punts for 133 yards and another touchdown.
(OUT) Kentucky will be without senior wide receiver Isaiah Epps, who was involved in the same car accident as Josh Ali was over holiday break. Epps did not sustain any serious injuries, but has been officially ruled out for the team’s Citrus Bowl game. This season, Epps has caught 11 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown.
Iowa
NOTE: Iowa has named redshirt sophomore quarterback Spencer Petras as the team’s starter ahead of it’s Citrus Bowl matchup against Kentucky. At one point in time this season, Petras was benched for backup Alex Padilla, who didn’t prove to be much better. This season, Petras has thrown for 1,669 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
(OUT) Iowa will be without junior running back Tyler Goodson, who announced on December 10th that he is declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Goodson was one of the lone bright spots for Iowa’s offense in 2021, rushing for a career-high 1,151 yards while adding six touchdowns on 256 carries. He also caught 31 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown, which were all career-highs. Backup running back Gavin Williams will likely take over in Goodson’s absence. On the year, Williams has rushed 49 times for 207 yards and no touchdowns, while also catching seven passes for 33 yards.
(OUT) Iowa will be without senior cornerback Matt Hankins, who has been ruled out with an injury. This season, Hankins has played in 10 games for the Hawkeyes, starting in all 10 while playing on 691 defensive snaps and posting 42 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups according to Pro Football Focus.
Fiesta Bowl, January 1 (1 PM ET, ESPN)
Notre Dame (-1) vs. Oklahoma State - O/U 45.5
Notre Dame
(COACH) Notre Dame will be without head coach Brian Kelly, who accepted a job with LSU to become its next head coach on November 30th. Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman was named as the new head coach of the Irish, and will coach the team in the Fiesta Bowl.
(OUT) Notre Dame will be without junior safety Kyle Hamilton, who announced on December 10th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Hamilton played in only seven games this season due to a knee injury and last suited up for the Irish in Week 8 against USC. He totaled 29 tackles on the season along with three interceptions and three pass breakups.
(OUT) Notre Dame will be without redshirt sophomore running back Kyren Williams, who announced on December 10th that he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Williams rushed 204 times for 995 yards and 14 touchdowns while also catching 42 passes for 359 yards and another three scores.
Oklahoma State
NOTE: After missing Oklahoma State’s Big 12 championship game against Baylor, Jaylen Warren is reportedly back at practice ahead of the team’s Fiesta Bowl game.
(COACH) Oklahoma State will be without defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who was hired to the same position by Ohio State on December 10. The team will use a collaborative defensive coaching effort in its game vs. Notre Dame.
(TBD) Oklahoma State senior running back Dezmon Jackson announced on December 21st that he would be entering the transfer portal, while his status for his team’s bowl game against Notre Dame is up in the air. Jackson was fourth on the team in rushing yards, but his absence could be felt if starting running back Jaylen Warren is unable to suit up for this game after missing the Big 12 championship game against Baylor.
Rose Bowl, January 1 (5 PM ET, ESPN)
Ohio State (-4) vs. Utah - O/U 64
Ohio State
NOTE: Ohio State had several players absent from Tuesday’s practice, including Antwuan Jackson, Sevyn Banks, Cody Simon and Marcus Williamson.
(OUT) Ohio State will be without junior wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who announced on December 27 via his Twitter account that he would be opting out of the Rose Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Wilson will be one of the first receivers taken off the board in 2022, and posted a 2021 receiving line of 70-1,058-12. It would not be surprising to see more opt outs for Ohio State in the coming days leading up to the Rose Bowl.
(OUT) Ohio State will be without senior wide receiver Chris Olave, who has opted out of the Rose Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Olave could have declared for the NFL Draft following the 2020 season, but opted to return for one more year. In 2021, Olave totaled 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns.
(OUT) Ohio State will be without senior defensive lineman Haskell Garrett, who has opted out of the Rose Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Garrett totaled 22 tackles, 7.0 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks for the Buckeyes.
(OUT) Ohio State will be without junior left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, who has opted out of the team’s bowl game in preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Petit-Frere started every game at left tackle for the Buckeyes, where he allowed 26 pressures on the year and two sacks. Per Pro Football Focus, Petit-Frere was one of the higher graded left tackles with an overall grade of 78.5 on the season.
(TBD) Ohio State may be without redshirt freshman cornerback Ryan Watts, who entered the transfer portal on December 12th, and has since committed to Texas. This season, Watts totaled six tackles and two interceptions on 120 defensive snaps per Pro Football Focus.
Utah
(TBD) Utah redshirt senior Britain Covey announced on December 10th that he intends to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. In his letter to fans and the “Utah family”, Covey said that he is content with his college career, capping it off with a Pac-12 Championship. As of now, it appears that his intent is to play in the team’s Rose Bowl game against Ohio State. On the year, Covey has caught 49 passes for 480 yards and two touchdowns and has a career receiving line of 181/1977/10. He also served as the team’s lead kick and punt returner, where he returned 29 punts for 427 yards and two touchdowns.
Sugar Bowl, January 1 (8:45 PM ET, ESPN)
Ole Miss (-1.5) vs. Baylor - O/U 58
Baylor
NONE: According to Chris Hudgison of Kait8.com, Baylor quarterback Gerry Bohanon is set to start in the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss after missing Baylor’s last two games.
Ole Miss
(COACH) Ole Miss offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left the program after being hired to the same position at Oklahoma on December 8. It has not yet been confirmed whether or not Lebby will coach in the team’s bowl game.
(TBD) Ole Miss redshirt junior quarterback Matt Corral has aspirations of being a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, however it appears that he will play in his team’s bowl game as of December 13th.
(TBD) Ole Miss may be without senior linebacker Mohamed Sanogo who announced on December 14th that he has transferred to Louisville. Sanogo was ranked as the fifth best linebacker in the transfer portal according to 247Sports, and was third in the SEC in tackles in 2018 with 112. During his career at Ole Miss, Sanogo totaled 209 tackles, 12.0 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks while also forcing two fumbles in 39 career games.
Texas Bowl, January 4 (9 PM ET, ESPN)
Kansas State (-8.5) vs. LSU - O/U 47.5
Kansas State
NOTE: Kansas State senior quarterback Skylar Thompson is expected to start in Tuesday’s Texas Bowl matchup against LSU.
(OUT) Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman parted ways with offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham, as the offensive coordinator role will be filled by interim offensive coordinator Collin Klein.
LSU
NOTE: In somewhat a stunning turn of events, freshman quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is not expected to start in LSU’s bowl game, despite appearing at the top of the team’s depth chart on Sunday, with running back Tavion Faulk listed as the team’s QB2. Nussmeier has reportedly chosen to sit out the Texas Bowl to preserve his redshirt status for the 2021 season. There has been no specific news released on who is expected to play at quarterback for LSU at this point, but it will likely be a variety of position players running some version of an option offense.
(COACH) LSU will be without head coach Ed Orgeron, who has chosen to not coach in the bowl game following his dismissal after the 2021 season that was announced on October 17. Offensive line coach Brad Davis will serve as interim head coach.
(OUT) LSU will be without senior quarterback Myles Brennan, who announced that he would no longer be transferring, and intends to return to LSU in the 2022 spring semester and play for Tigers next season. Despite opting to remain at LSU, Brennan will not be playing in the team’s Texas Bowl game, which should do little to sway the opinions of books or bettors. Brennan had not played a game for the Tigers in 2021.
(OUT) LSU redshirt freshman quarterback Max Johnson announced on December 7 that he was entering the transfer portal. Johnson threw for 2,814 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions.
(TBD) LSU may be without junior wide receiver Trey Palmer, who announced on December 16th that he would be entering the transfer portal. This season, Palmer totaled 30 receptions for 344 yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers, and played 54.1% of his snaps in the slot this season per Pro Football Focus.
(OUT) LSU will be without redshirt senior defensive end Neil Farrell who announced on December 20th that he would be opting out of the Frisco Bowl to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Farrell totaled 45 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.
(OUT) LSU will be without senior linebacker Damone Clark, who announced on Twitter that he would be opting out of his team’s bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season Clark totaled 135 tackles including 15.0 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks for the Tigers.
(OUT) LSU will be without junior running back Tyrion Davis-Price, who has opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Davis-Price rushed 211 times for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns for the Tigers.
(OUT) LSU is expected to be without junior kicker Cade York, who was not dressed during warmups ahead of the team’s Texas Bowl matchup against Kansas State. This season, York completed 15-of-18 field goals and converted all 39 of his extra point attempts.
