How to watch college football games on today, including Duke's Mayo Bowl

The college football bowl season is coming to a close soon as the turn of the New Year marks the end of the calendar. There are only two games left on Friday, January 3 and one on January 4 before the final three games of the College Football Playoff kick off.  Here is how you […]

Ian Valentino National College Football Writer
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Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) hands the football off to running back Darius Taylor (1) during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The college football bowl season is coming to a close soon as the turn of the New Year marks the end of the calendar. There are only two games left on Friday, January 3 and one on January 4 before the final three games of the College Football Playoff kick off. 

Here is how you can watch the final three college football games of this week.


College Football Games on Friday

North Texas vs. Texas State

Where: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX

When: 4 p.m. ET, January 3, 2025

Channel: ESPN

Get ready for an exciting matchup in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, where the North Texas Mean Green will take on the Texas State Bobcats at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This game marks the first meeting between these two teams since 1994, creating even more excitement for the event.


The Bobcats are eager to secure another First Responder Bowl victory after finishing the season with a 7-5 record, placing second in the Sun Belt West Conference. Leading their offense, quarterback Jordan McCloud has had a remarkable season, boasting a 69.6% completion rate with 2,920 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

The Mean Green started the season strong with a 5-1 record, but they faced challenges later on and ended with a 6-6 record. Quarterback Chandler Morris has been a key player for North Texas, registering a 63.1% completion rate with 3,774 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. As Morris enters the transfer portal, the Mean Green will turn to freshman Drew Mestemaker to lead the offense.


Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech

Where: Duke's Mayo Bowl, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

When: 7:30 p.m. ET, January 3, 2025

Channel: ESPN

The Duke's Mayo Bowl matches two teams aiming to conclude their seasons on a high note, and it features an entertaining mayo bath for the victorious coach.


This year, the matchup includes Minnesota from the Big Ten and Virginia Tech from the ACC—both teams demonstrated competitiveness against the top teams in their conferences but also faced some ups and downs throughout the season. 

The Golden Gophers nearly pulled off an upset against Penn State, falling just short with a 26-25 score in November, and they also secured a win against an Illinois team that finished the season with 10 victories. Similarly, the Hokies had their standout moments, including a nail-biting 38-34 battle against Miami in late September. 


If both teams perform at their best, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested game in a bowl setting known for its entertainment.

College Football Games on Saturday

Buffalo vs. Liberty

Where: Bahamas Bowl, Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau

When: 11 a.m. ET, January 4, 2025

Channel: ESPN2

The 2025 Bahamas Bowl will mark the last game of the season outside the College Football Playoff, featuring the Buffalo Bulls against the Liberty Flames. Buffalo finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, achieving a 6-2 mark in the MAC, while Liberty ended with an 8-3 overall record and a 5-3 performance in Conference USA. 

These two teams faced off in the regular season last September, where Liberty triumphed 55-27 in Buffalo en route to a 13-1 season.


The Bulls have avoided significant losses in the transfer portal so far, ensuring that their key players will be available for the Bahamas Bowl. Quarterback CJ Ogbonna passed for 2,244 yards and 19 touchdowns, with just five interceptions, while also rushing for 311 yards and eight touchdowns this season. 

They will also have their leading rusher, Al-Jay Henderson (959 rushing yards), and leading receiver, Victor Snow (51 receptions for 610 yards and 6 touchdowns), ready to go.


On the other hand, the Flames are facing substantial departures due to the transfer portal and player opt-outs. Their starting quarterback, Kaidon Salter, has transferred to Colorado, and they have lost three starting offensive linemen along with 1,000-yard rusher Quinton Cooley.