By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

B.J. Bennett shares the five bowl games he is most looking forward to.

1. Allstate Sugar Bowl (semifinal): Clemson vs Ohio State
Last season’s semifinal showdown was an instant classic, with the Tigers preserving their six-point advantage with a late game-winning interception in the endzone. The quarterback pairing, Trevor Lawrence vs Justin Fields, is as good as it gets; they will likely be the first and second overall selections in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. How about the running back pairing as well? Clemson all-timer Travis Etienne and Trey Sermon, fresh off 331 yards for Ohio State. Expect offensive fireworks as the Tigers enter the contest averaging 44.9 points per game and the Buckeyes at 42.5.

2. Cure Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs Liberty
Though it would have been fascinating to watch the undefeated Chanticleers take on a top ten Group of Five opponent, this rescheduled matchup with the Flames features two of the best teams in the country, regardless of classification. Coastal Carolina, led by Jamey Chadwell, and Liberty, led by Hugh Freeze, are a combined 20-1. Both teams are clearly underrated in the polls. Though the Chanticleers were deserving of a New Year’s Six bowl bid, the first postseason appearance in program history is set to be a compelling one. This is one of the must-see bowl games on the entire schedule.

3. Rose Bowl (semifinal): Alabama vs Notre Dame
The names alone make this a college football showcase. When the Crimson Tide and Fighting Irish take the field at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the history of the game will follow. Alabama has looked the part of the nation’s number one team, with the Heisman-worthy offensive trio of quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith leading the way. Though Notre Dame was overwhelmed by Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, the Fighting Irish still beat the Tigers in the regular season and have a veteran signal caller in Ian Book.

4. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Florida vs Oklahoma
A great senior-freshman quarterback showcase will be on display here with Kyle Trask and Spencer Rattler. Trask, a leading Heisman Trophy candidate, ranks number one in the nation with 4,125 yards and 43 touchdowns. After nearly upending Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, the Gators, whose three losses have come by a total of 12 points, will face a Sooners side that has won seven games in a row, including the Big XII Championship Game. The head coaching matchup is obviously a great one, too, with Dan Mullen and Lincoln Riley.

5. Capital One Orange Bowl: North Carolina vs Texas A&M
Who knows what to expect, here, but it should be fun. The Tar Heels entered with all kinds of momentum as they put up 778 yards of total offense on Miami in their last game. It goes without saying that the Aggies, with just a loss to top-ranked Alabama in an SEC-only schedule, feel like they should be in the College Football Playoff. How will they respond? Mack Brown and Jimbo Fisher are two of the five active coaches in today’s game with a national championship ring.