Full Breakdown
2025 College Football Bowl Games: Key Matchups and Prospects
12/17/2025, 10:07:22 PM
Overview of Bowl Games on December 17
The 2025 college football bowl season continues on December 17, featuring two significant matchups: the Cure Bowl and the 68 Ventures Bowl. These games highlight teams from the Sun Belt Conference and provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills ahead of the NFL Draft.
Cure Bowl: Old Dominion vs. South Florida
The Cure Bowl will see Old Dominion face off against the University of South Florida (USF) at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams enter the game with a record of 9-3. USF, once a playoff contender, is favored by three points, largely due to their tougher schedule in the American Conference. USF quarterback Byrum Brown, who is expected to enter the NFL Draft, will serve as a student coach for this game, allowing Gaston Moore to take the field. According to the College Football Power Index, USF has a 71.4% chance of winning, while Old Dominion is projected to win 28.6% of the time.
68 Ventures Bowl: Delaware vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Later in the evening, the 68 Ventures Bowl will feature Delaware against Louisiana-Lafayette at 8:30 p.m. ET, also on ESPN. Louisiana-Lafayette, having recovered from a slow start to finish the season strong, is favored by 2.5 points. The College Football Power Index gives the Ragin’ Cajuns a 61.3% chance of victory, compared to Delaware's 38.7%.
Key Players to Watch
As bowl games provide a platform for players to enhance their NFL Draft prospects, several athletes are drawing attention:
- Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks, QB: Despite a midseason dip, Moore has the potential to improve his draft stock significantly with a strong performance in the College Football Playoff. He is considered a top quarterback prospect.
- Cam Cook, Jacksonville State, RB: Leading the nation in rushing yards, Cook aims to solidify his status as a potential NFL running back with a standout performance against Troy.
- Justin Joly, NC State, TE: Joly's versatility could catch the eye of NFL scouts during the Gasparilla Bowl against Memphis, where he hopes to elevate his draft prospects.
Official Broadcast Information
The bowl games will be broadcast across various networks, including ESPN, ABC, and CBS, with streaming options available on platforms like Fubo and the ESPN app. This accessibility allows fans to follow the action closely as teams vie for postseason glory.
Conclusion
The college football bowl games on December 17 present exciting matchups and a chance for players to make an impression ahead of the NFL Draft. With significant stakes for both teams and individual athletes, these games are pivotal in shaping the future of college football talent.
