Written by Alex Koslow at The Sports Quotient
Bowl season is here once again, and all eyes are on the semi-final match-ups. However, dismissing the other bowl games would a disservice to those teams involved. While not all games are going to be nail-biters, some of the other major bowl games feature teams that were close to playing on New Years.
Though the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl are perennially the best bowl games to watch, here are a few others for your viewing pleasure:
BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)
Facing against each other for the first time since the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, Notre Dame and Ohio State play in a bowl that seems to be a consolation prize for those that just missed out on glory. The Buckeyes had visions of a repeat visit to the CFP while the Irish blew their chance at a berth by losing to Stanford in their final game.
The biggest matchup in this game will be the two juggernaut offenses against their respective opposing defenses. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame average over 34 points a game, but Ohio State has the definite edge on defense. The Buckeyes will most likely rely heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, especially since the Irish give up just over 166 rushing yards on the ground per game.
Notre Dame will have a tough time moving the ball on Ohio State, who ranks in the Top 25 in both rushing and passing yards given up per game. Deshone Kizer has played very well at quarterback since Malik Zaire went down with an injury earlier in the season, but the Buckeyes will be the best defense Kizer will face all year. The Irish offense will have to have their best game of the year to have a shot at taking down the former champs.
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