Longhorns To CFP? Way Too Early Playoff and Bowl Game Predictions

247Sports has made early predictions for bowl game appearances ahead of the start of the 2023 season.

It may be difficult to predict bowl game appearances in the summer, especially since the 2023 season has not even begun, however, program and team confidence and consistency determine where 247Sports' guesses land. Here are some of 247Sports' summer college football bowl game projections for the 2023 season - where will the Texas Longhorns land?

Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Oregon

The Fighting Irish have a history with the Fiesta Bowl. In 1988, this is the bowl game that Notre Dame was victorious in to claim the national championship trophy over West Virginia. 

Sam Hartman, the Fighting Irish's new transfer quarterback from Wake Forest, may have an opportunity to impress NFL scouts during the final bowl game, so that would give the Fiesta Bowl some extra importance to Hartman.

As far as the Ducks, 10 wins should be able to secure a New Year's Six slot for Oregon even though it will have some tough mountains to climb during the regular season.

Cotton Bowl: LSU vs USC

USC will need to get through a tough regular season lineup, but if they can make it out alive unbeaten, they have the chance to be considered for the Cotton Bowl. 

247Sports predicts that LSU will potentially have another double-digit winning season, and if they are 12-0 by the time they reach Atlanta, the Tigers would be placed in the final four, even if they suffer a loss to Georgia, predicted SEC champion.

Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Penn State

Florida State's incumbent quarterback, Jordan Travis, will be the unquestioned starter for the 2023 season and is one of the most talented quarterbacks nationally. The leadership of Travis, along with the LSU opener, could jumpstart playoff berth buzz for the Seminoles.

As far as Penn State, a split win against Michigan and Ohio State, the Nittany Lions' most sought-after games this season, could get them to the postseason. 

Peach Bowl: Alabama vs. Tulane

It is a possibility that Alabama could miss a playoff opportunity again this season. Two regular season losses may do it for Alabama, but if not, the Peach Bowl is a top prediction. It all comes down to figuring out their quarterback position questions.

Tulane lost many key components to their roster following their 2022 season run, however, Michael Pratt will make his return for the Green Wave.

Sugar Bowl: No. 1 Georgia vs No. 4 Michigan

Georgia and Michigan met two years ago in Miami where the Bulldogs clobbered the Wolverines. With a third-straight playoff potential appearance for Michigan, the Wolverines have yet to win a game.

The Bulldogs are looking for a three-peat and are expected to make a final-four appearance.

Rose Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Texas

If Texas is able to pull off a Week 2 Alabama win, the Longhorns will be the center of College Football Playoff talk. With the leadership of incumbent quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is a potential 2024 first-round draft pick, Texas is at quite an advantage over Alabama in the quarterback slot. If the Longhorns can defeat the Crimson Tide, they will need to keep their composure for the rest of the season to be a contender for the Rose Bowl.

Ohio State's dominant 11-2 run last season and Rose Bowl win is enough said to predict their 2023 bowl game appearance.

National Championship: No. 1 Georgia vs No. 2 Ohio State

The Bulldogs are looking to make their third consecutive national championship appearance. 

If the Buckeyes can make it through their Big Ten schedule with only one loss, 247Sports predicts the selection committee to place Ohio State in the semifinals.

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You can follow Tori Garcia on Twitter @ToriCGarcia

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