With the 2022 college football season recently just kicking off, it’s time for the first bowl projections of the new campaign.
So, here are my predictions for where the Utes, Cougars, and Aggies will end up for some postseason fun at the end of the campaign.
Cougars
Ranked No. 25 in the AP preseason poll, BYU showed that perhaps they were underrated heading into Week 1.
After crushing South Florida following a weather delay, the Cougars will surely climb up the next set of rankings before opening at home versus No. 10 Baylor.
In its last season of independence, BYU is obligated to take part in one of the ESPN bowl games with a non-affiliated conference slot or where the designated conference cannot send one due to not having enough bowl-eligible teams. This gives them a handful of possible bowl destinations, assuming they aren’t in the New Years Six picture with some upset victories.
Projection: Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl
Opponent: Northern Illinois
Date: Saturday, December 17
Location: Toyota Stadium – Frisco, TX
Time and channel: 7:15 p.m. MT, ESPN
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Aggies
After winning a Week 0 matchup against UConn, the Aggies were dealt a heavy loss versus No. 1 Alabama in Week 1.
With a 1-1 record, Utah State looks to get back on track, facing Weber State and UNLV at home before traveling to Provo to take on rival BYU.
And while it appears this season’s Aggies aren’t as good as last year’s group, a bowl invite should be the bare minimum in Year 2 under Blake Anderson.
Projection: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Opponent: Toledo
Date: Tuesday, December 20
Location: Albertson’s Stadium – Boise, ID
Time and channel: 1:30 p.m. MT, ESPN
Utes
With a program-high No. 7 preseason ranking, the Utes were primed to make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Instead, a 29-26 loss to Florida has Utah’s hopes at the CFP taking a serious hit. Although they could still win the Pac-12, the Utes will likely have to win out and get some help to make the national semifinals.
But with USC winning big to open the season, Utah may no longer be the Pac-12 favorite and still has to face the Trojans at least once, if not twice.
Projection: San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
Opponent: Wake Forest
Date: Wednesday, December 28
Location: Petco Park – San Diego, CA
Time and channel: 6 p.m. MT, FOX
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