Fri Dec 26 13:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Boxing Day Blitz: College Football Takes Center Stage Friday

Forget the gloves, Boxing Day is all about the gridiron for college football fans in the United States. This Friday, December 26th, offers a triple-header of bowl game action to satisfy your post-holiday sports craving. Here’s a preview of the matchups:

Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Northwestern Wildcats (1 p.m. ET, ESPN, Detroit)

The day kicks off in the Motor City with a regional clash between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Northwestern Wildcats. Central Michigan, under first-year coach Matt Drinkall, makes its first bowl appearance since 2021, while Northwestern looks to capitalize on a late-season surge that earned them bowl eligibility. Expect a physical game with both teams relying on their running games. Central Michigan will likely be led by QB Joe Labas and RB Nahree Biggins, while Northwestern counters with QB Preston Stone and RB Caleb Komolafe.

Arizona Bowl: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. New Mexico Lobos (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Phoenix)

The action shifts to Phoenix for a first-ever meeting between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the New Mexico Lobos. While the Lobos may have a geographic advantage in terms of fan travel, expect a strong contingent of snowbirds from Minnesota. The Gophers, led by QB Drake Lindsey and RB Darius Taylor, look to extend their impressive eight-game bowl winning streak. The Lobos, riding a six-game winning streak of their own with QB Jack Layne, and RB Damon Bankston, are eager to prove themselves against Big Ten competition.

First Responder Bowl: UTSA Roadrunners vs. FIU Golden Panthers (8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Dallas)

The night concludes in Dallas with a rematch between the UTSA Roadrunners and the FIU Golden Panthers. The teams have a closely contested history, splitting their four previous meetings. FIU, entering on a four-game winning streak with QB Keyone Jenkins, RB Kejon Owens, and WR Alex Perry, hopes to continue its momentum. UTSA, led by QB Owen McCown and a stable of running backs, looks to end its season on a high note. Despite playing in a deeper conference, UTSA may not have a significant roster advantage over FIU, promising a competitive game.

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