Who doesn’t love college football bowl projections in the middle of the summer?
Bill Bender of Sporting News has released an updated batch of bowl projections, which has the Spartans reaching the postseason this year. But where does Bender have Michigan State heading?
Check out where the Spartans and every other Big Ten team lands in Bender’s early bowl projections:
Quick Lane Bowl
Matchup: Maryland vs. Miami (OH)
Date: December 26, 2023
Location: Detroit, Michigan
My Thoughts: Maryland’s schedule sets up nicely for the Terps to reach the postseason again this year but I’m not expecting them to reach eight wins like last year. So this seems like a justified projection for Maryland.
Duke's Mayo Bowl
Matchup: Nebraska vs. NC State
Date: December 27, 2023
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
My Thoughts: Nebraska fans would be thrilled if they land in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in the first year under new head coach Matt Rhule. It’s not the flashy bowl game but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for Rhule and the Cornhuskers should they make it here.
Pinstripe Bowl
Matchup: Illinois vs. Pitt
Date: December 28, 2023
Location: Bronx, New York
My Thoughts: I anticipate a dropoff for both Illinois and Pitt this year, but this seems like a good projection for where both team’s could land in December. This would be a true black-and-blue bruiser of a matchup with both teams typically boasting strong running games and sturdy defenses.
Music City Bowl
Matchup: Minnesota vs. Texas A&M
Date: December 30, 2023
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
My Thoughts: Minnesota should be very happy if they end up in Nashville for the Music City Bowl. The Golden Gophers lose a lot of key pieces from last year’s team and have one of the toughest schedules in the country this fall. I’d say they are more likely to miss a bowl game than to land here.
ReliaQuest Bowl
Matchup: Iowa vs. South Carolina
Date: January 1, 2024
Location: Tampa, Florida
My Thoughts: Iowa feels like a lock for either this bowl game or the Citrus Bowl. I have them penciled in for nine wins this year — which would put them right here as Bender projects.
Citrus Bowl
Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
Date: January 1, 2024
Location: Orlando, Florida
My Thoughts: Like with Iowa, Wisconsin feels like a lock for either the Citrus Bowl or ReliaQuest. Whoever wins the Big Ten West Division most likely ends up in this spot, and that’s where I personally would put the Badgers as well.
Las Vegas Bowl
Matchup: Michigan State vs. UCLA
Date: December 23, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
My Thoughts: This would be a great bowl game for the Spartans to land in as we all need to lower our expectations for the 2023 season. It would mean Michigan State most likely reached at least seven wins and would also provide an enticing matchup against future conference peer UCLA in a fun city like Las Vegas. It won’t get much better for the Spartans this fall.
Orange Bowl
Matchup: Penn State vs. Florida State
Date: December 30, 2023
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
My Thoughts: Landing in the Orange Bowl is a great year for many programs but this probably would be classified as a disappointment for Penn State. The Nittany Lions are looking to break through in 2023 and reach their first-ever College Football Playoff — and they’d be falling short of that goal if they end up in the Orange Bowl.
Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
Matchup: Michigan vs. USC
Date: January 1, 2024
Location: Pasadena, California
My Thoughts: This would be an incredible Rose Bowl matchup with two of the game’s most prestigious programs battling it out for a spot in the National Championship game. It would also be the final time these two teams play before USC joins the Big Ten.
Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
Matchup: Ohio State vs. Georgia
Date: January 1, 2024
Location: New Orleans, Louisana
My Thoughts: Let’s run it back — Ohio State just fell short against the Bulldogs last year and would look for revenge in this College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.
CFP National Championship
Matchup: Michigan vs. Georgia
Date: January 8, 2024
Location: Houston, Texas
My Thoughts: Can Michigan finally get over the hump and reach the title game? Bender thinks so and has the Wolverines facing two-time defending National Champions Georgia in the final game of the year. This would be a fun matchup — even if it means the Wolverines will have a true chance at winning it all.
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