Alabama, Auburn, UAB Accept Bowl Game Bids

BIRMINGHAM, AL — For the third year in a row, Alabama, Auburn and UAB will play postseason games, as each was invited to play in bowl games in the next few weeks. This, however, will be the first year since 2008 that no team from the state will play for a national championship.

UAB, the only school in the state that played for a conference title over the weekend, lost the Conference USA Championship Game to Florida Atlantic Saturday, and accepted a bid to the New Orleans Bowl against Appalachian State Dec. 21. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. The game will feature starting quarterbacks from Alabama high schools, as the Blazers' signal caller is Tyler Johnston from Spanish Fort High School, and Appalachian State's quarterback is Hewitt-Trussville graduate Zac Thomas.

Alabama missed the College Football Playoff for the first time in the history of the playoff format, and will face Michigan in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando Jan. 1. Both teams are coming off losses to their biggest rivals, but one of the more intriguing aspects of this game will be which of Alabama's draft-worthy players will actually play in the game. Although no announcement has been made by any of the Tide players, running back Najee Harris and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Davonta Smith and Henry Ruggs are all expected to be high picks in the upcoming NFL draft.

Kickoff for the Citrus Bowl is set for 11 a.m.

Auburn is riding an exciting Iron Bowl victory into bowl season and will travel to Tampa to play Minnesota in the Outback Bowl. Minnesota had one of its best seasons in recent history this year, coming a win away from playing in the Big 10 Championship Game. Auburn, who had one of the toughest schedules in the country in 2019, posted three losses this year but can post a 10-win season with a victory over the Golden Gophers.

Kickoff for the Outback Bowl is scheduled for 11 a.m.