Florida State football bowl projections: Are the Seminoles headed to the Cheez-It Bowl?

Florida State might be headed to the Cheez-It Bowl.

At least that seems to be the most popular bowl game projection that the Seminoles received from national outlets – including USA Today, ESPN, Fox Sports, the Athletic and 247Sports – in the last week.

Now that the Orange Bowl is no longer a possibility, FSU would not mind settling for another in-state option via the Cheez-It Bowl. The Dec. 29 game between teams from the ACC and Big 12 is in Camping World Stadium in Orlando (5:30 p.m. on ESPN).

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ESPN will broadcast the College Football Playoff selection show at noon Sunday, while all of the bowl games are expected to be officially announced throughout the day.

Here’s a closer look at the Seminoles’ bowl projections.

Cheez-It Bowl

When/Where: Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m.; Camping World Stadium in Orlando

Conference tie-ins: ACC vs. Big 12

FSU’s projected opponent: Oklahoma (247Sports, Action Network, the Athletic, Fox Sports); Texas (USA TODAY); Texas Tech (ESPN, Athlon Sports).

Analysis: Oklahoma has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to play FSU in this game. These two teams have a history of playing each other in the Orange Bowl, with the Seminoles losing the latest edition to the Sooners, 13-2, in the 2001 BCS National Championship Game. The historical element, and more importantly, the brand recognition of both teams, makes this matchup attractive from a TV ratings and attendance perspective. But this matchup likely would not be competitive. FSU would probably clobber Oklahoma, a struggling 6-6 team under first-year coach Brent Venables.

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TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

When/Where: Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m.; TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville

Conference tie-ins: ACC/Big Ten vs. SEC

FSU’s projected opponent: South Carolina (Yahoo! Sports)

Analysis: In a time where bowl games can struggle to generate interest, this matchup could be a lot of fun. Both programs similarly have been enjoying a resurgence. While FSU looks to capture its first 10-win season since 2016, South Carolina aspires to reach nine victories for the first time since 2017. The Seminoles and Gamecocks also are playing their best football. Under second-year coach Shane Beamer, South Carolina essentially knocked Tennessee (63-38) and Clemson (31-30) out of the College Football Playoff to end the season. FSU finished its season on a five-game winning streak.

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San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

When/Where: Dec. 28, 8 p.m.; Petco Park in San Diego

Conference tie-ins: ACC vs. PAC-12

FSU’s projected opponent: Oregon (ESPN, 247Sports)

Analysis: With multiple in-state bowl games on the table, FSU fans may not like having the Holiday Bowl draw. It’s a long trip for a vast majority of the fanbase. But the Seminoles would have a better challenge against a quality team like the No. 16 Ducks compared to the woeful Sooners. And a win over Oregon would certainly punctuate this FSU season. The Seminoles also could benefit on the recruiting trail from beating a national brand on the West Coast.

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Duke's Mayo Bowl

When/Where: Dec. 30, noon; Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Conference tie-ins: ACC vs. Big Ten

FSU’s projected opponent: Minnesota (CBS, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News)

Analysis: If this is FSU's exact bowl game draw, its fans could be somewhat disappointed. The Seminoles not only would miss out on playing in multiple in-state bowl games. But they also would receive an unattractive matchup against a middling Big Ten team. The silver lining, though, is that the winning coach of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl receives a mayonnaise bath. FSU fans watching coach Mike Norvell take part in that tradition might be enough to make up for an underwhelming draw.

Reach Carter Karels at ckarels@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @CarterKarels. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Seminoles projected to play Oklahoma Sooners in Cheez-It Bowl