The new College Football Playoff format for the 2024-25 season has given fans an exhilarating holiday season filled with postseason games. While some might argue that the expanded 12-team bracket diminishes the significance of bowl games, the thrill of watching these teams battle on the field remains irresistible. Whether it's a 6-6 squad trying to finish strong or an undefeated powerhouse, the bowl games bring their own flavor to football fandom.

This year's bowl schedule features 41 games, each with its own unique backdrop and stories, and we've sorted them for your viewing pleasure. So, gather your friends, snacks, and get ready for a football feast this postseason!

Ranking of the 2024-25 Bowl Games:

41. Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan Date: December 14, 9 p.m. ET In a promising matchup, Western Michigan will showcase its senior star running back, Zahir Abdus-Salaam, as they face off against South Alabama. Both teams are looking to conclude their seasons on a high note.

40. New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston Date: December 19, 7 p.m. ET Georgia Southern, under coach Clay Helton, faces a surging Sam Houston team led by a dynamic rushing duo. This game is expected to be tightly contested!

39. Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty Date: January 4, 11 a.m. ET Buffalo's four-game winning streak clashes with Liberty's recent domination. Will Buffalo break its losing streak against the Flames?

38. New Mexico Bowl: TCU vs. Louisiana Date: December 28, 2:15 p.m. ET A rare collision between TCU and Louisiana makes for an intriguing matchup, with neither team having faced each other before.

37. Potato Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State Date: December 23, 2:30 p.m. ET Can the Huskies bounce back from their struggles earlier this season against a Fresno State team missing key players?

36. Frisco Bowl: West Virginia vs. Memphis Date: December 1, 9 p.m. ET With Memphis looking to regain momentum, and interim leadership for the Mountaineers, this game will be pivotal for both teams.

... *[The full list continues, exploring matchups and storylines for each bowl game]* ...

14. Las Vegas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. USC Date: December 27, 10:30 p.m. ET As both teams face turning points in their seasons, this contest could either mark a resurgence or further disappointment depending on how they play in Las Vegas.

7. Pop-Tarts Bowl: Miami vs. Iowa State Date: December 28, 3:30 p.m. ET A highly anticipated clash, it pits Miami's explosive offense against Iowa State's fierce defense. With star players on both sides looking for validation, this could be a thrilling encounter.

College Football Playoff Highlights

6. Peach Bowl Quarterfinal: Arizona State vs. Clemson or Texas

5. Fiesta Bowl Quarterfinal: Boise State vs. SMU or Penn State

4. Rose Bowl Quarterfinal: Oregon vs. Tennessee or Ohio State

3. Sugar Bowl Quarterfinal: Georgia vs. Indiana or Notre Dame

1-2. Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl Semifinals These monumental matchups are expected to capture the essence of college football, featuring elite teams battling for glory—no match will be without stakes in the inaugural playoffs.

With the college football landscape evolving, this year promises a blend of tradition and excitement that fans have come to cherish during bowl season. Make sure to mark your calendars and don’t miss these exhilarating matchups as they unfold! Are you ready for the thrill?