In 2017, college football fans followed an extended postseason calendar driven by conference championships and the national title game. Understanding how many bowl games in 2017 helps explain the length of the season and opportunities for teams to close out the year.
The 2017 bowl landscape featured a record number of postseason contests, with power conferences and Group of Five leagues all well represented. These games shaped final rankings, provided extra exposure for programs, and drove significant television viewership across multiple networks.
2017 Bowl Games Overview
The table below summarizes key details about the 2017 bowl season, including total games, major bowls, and conference participation.
| Statistic | 2017 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bowl Games | 41 | Highest number in a single season at the time |
| New Bowls Added | 2 | Frisco Bowl and Cure Bowl launched |
| Power 5 Conferences | All participated | Each had multiple bowl affiliations |
| Group of 5 Representation | Strong presence | MAC and Sun Belt sent multiple teams |
| National Championship | Georgia vs. Alabama | Played on January 8, 2018 |
Major Bowl Matchups in 2017
The major bowls highlighted top teams and provided marquee television moments throughout December and early January.
Key Championship and Elite Bowls
- College Football Playoff National Championship: Alabama defeated Georgia
- Rose Bowl: USC defeated Penn State
- Sugar Bowl: Georgia defeated Oklahoma
- Cotton Bowl: Wisconsin defeated Miami (FL)
- Fiesta Bowl: Penn State defeated Washington
- Orange Bowl: Wisconsin defeated Louisville
Conference and Group of 5 Bowls
Beyond the top tier, conferences used bowl games to showcase their best teams and build narratives for the future.
Notable Conference Bowl Results
- Military Bowl: Virginia Tech defeated Kentucky
- Belk Bowl: Wake Forest defeated Texas A&M
- New Orleans Bowl: Troy defeated North Texas
- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Colorado State defeated Air Force
- Bahamas Bowl: Ohio defeated Temple
2017 Bowl Record-Breaking Season
With 41 total contests, 2017 set a new standard for bowl participation and scheduling complexity.
Impact and Participation Trends
- Teams from every conference appeared in at least one bowl
- Increased bowl eligibility rules changes affected mid-major programs
- Television coverage expanded across ABC, ESPN, Fox, and NBC
- Economic benefits for host cities reached hundreds of millions
- Player development and extra game experience valued by coaches
2017 Bowl Legacy
The 2017 bowl season reinforced the postseason as a cornerstone of college football culture and revenue.
- Record number of bowl games created more opportunities for fan engagement
- New bowls expanded geographic reach and fan interest
- Television growth strengthened conference media deals
- Enhanced player exposure boosted draft and professional prospects
- Continued debate over playoff expansion and bowl significance
FAQ
Reader questions
How many total bowl games were played in 2017?
Forty-one bowl games were played during the 2017 season, marking a record at the time.
Which new bowls debuted in the 2017 schedule?
The Frisco Bowl and the Cure Bowl both launched in 2017, adding fresh matchups to the postseason.
Did Power 5 conferences have representation in every major bowl?
Yes, each Power 5 conference had multiple teams appear in the major New Year’s Six and CFP bowls.
What was the impact of the 2017 bowl boom on mid-major programs?
More teams became bowl eligible, but mid-major programs faced tighter scheduling and travel demands.