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The 2024 Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day will witness a battle of high-powered offenses as the No. 8 Oregon Ducks go head-to-head against the No. 18 Liberty Flames. This eagerly anticipated clash will feature the Pac-12 runner-up taking on the highest-ranked Group of Five team from the 2023 season, promising an electrifying start to the new year.
For Oregon, this marks a triumphant return to the New Year’s Six, a feat they last accomplished in 2020 with a previous appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. After an impressive regular season, where they secured 11 wins, the Ducks came tantalizingly close to a College Football Playoff berth. However, their aspirations were thwarted by two losses to an undefeated Washington team, first on the road in October, and then again in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
On the opposing side, the Liberty Flames will be making program history as they step onto the field at State Farm Stadium. As the undefeated Conference USA champions, Liberty enters the Fiesta Bowl as the highest-ranked Group of Five team, thanks to a remarkable run in the 2023 season. This marks their debut appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl game, presenting a crucial turning point in the program’s history.
Although the Flames’ journey may have flown under the radar for some college football fans, this game is set to put Liberty University firmly in the spotlight. Founded in 1971, with the football team commencing play in 1973, the Flames’ emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the college football arena is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Beyond the Fiesta Bowl, college football enthusiasts are in for a treat with a lineup of monumental games on the horizon. Monday will feature five bowl games, headlined by the highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinals. The Rose Bowl will see No. 1 Michigan take on No. 4 Alabama, while the Sugar Bowl will feature a showdown between No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas.
The storylines surrounding these matchups are compelling, from Alabama’s resurgence to Michigans sign-stealing scandal, and Texas’ return to prominence, all culminating in a day filled with thrilling football action. With the CFP semifinals poised to captivate audiences, the stage is set for an unforgettable day in college football history.
As the countdown to the Fiesta Bowl intensifies, excitement mounts for a showdown that promises to showcase the talent and determination of both the Oregon Ducks and the Liberty Flames. With their high-octane offenses ready to ignite the field, fans can anticipate an enthralling New Year’s Day spectacle, as these two formidable teams vie for victory in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
