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In a thrilling conclusion to the college football bowl season, the Pac-12 emerged as a standout conference, securing impressive victories and boasting exceptional individual performances. Meanwhile, the Big Ten celebrated a hard-fought triumph that had long eluded them, and the SEC showcased their dominance in head-to-head matchups.

The Pac-12 made its mark as Washington reached the national championship game after a successful run in the New Year's Six. The team's exemplary performance throughout the season led them to a title shot slated for Monday. Arizona also contributed to the conference's success, triumphing over Oklahoma in an intense battle at the Alamo Bowl.

The Pac-12's defining moment in the bowl season came with the exceptional display of USC backup quarterback Miller Moss. Facing a formidable Louisville defense, Moss delivered an incredible performance, throwing six touchdowns in a resounding 42-28 victory in the Holiday Bowl. The Pac-12's strong head-to-head record, including a 2-1 advantage over the Big 12, solidified its reputation as a formidable conference.

The Big 12 stood toe-to-toe with the Pac-12, showcasing a comparable overall record. Texas Tech managed a crucial head-to-head win against California in the Independence Bowl, remaining the lone victory for the conference. However, the Big 12's memorable moments came in the form of lighthearted celebrations, as Kansas State and West Virginia enjoyed unconventional perks after their respective victories. Kansas State devoured the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot, while West Virginia coach Neal Brown basked in a Duke's Mayo bath, creating epic imagery for fans.

Meanwhile, the SEC proved its mettle by securing a resounding victory over the Big Ten in head-to-head matchups, finishing with an impressive 4-2 record. Although the SEC slipped in the pivotal game that mattered the most, the conference dominated the New Year's Six games, with Missouri and Ole Miss defeating Ohio State and Penn State, respectively. The Missouri-Ohio State game proved to be a defensive struggle, with the Tigers triumphing 14-3 after a late surge in the fourth quarter. Georgia's 63-3 demolition of a depleted Florida State team also left a lasting impression as the biggest blowout in bowl history.

After years of waiting, the Big Ten finally celebrated a significant win that had eluded them. Michigan staged a stunning comeback against Alabama in overtime, securing a place in the national championship game on Monday and breaking the SEC's stronghold on the title game since 2014. The Big Ten's bowl season featured a mixture of outcomes, with Wisconsin engaging in a back-and-forth battle against LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl and ultimately falling short. Meanwhile, Iowa endured a shutout loss against Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl. The conference's 3-0 record against non-SEC opponents, highlighted by Northwestern's victory over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, showcased their potential.

The ACC displayed its prowess with Notre Dame and Clemson leading the way. Clemson's thrilling 38-35 victory over Kentucky provided one of the most entertaining bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Notre Dame left an indelible mark with a dominant 40-8 win over Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. The ACC also boasted an impressive 4-1 record against Group of Five teams in their bowl games.

The Conference USA (C-USA) made history with Liberty's successful regular season, culminating in their first-ever appearance in the New Year's Six. However, Liberty faced a formidable opponent in Oregon and fell short in the Fiesta Bowl. Nevertheless, reaching such a prestigious bowl game marked a significant achievement for both the team and the conference. Western Kentucky also impressed with a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Old Dominion 21-0 before clinching victory in overtime.

The American Athletic Conference (AAC) enjoyed multiple matchups against major conference teams, finishing with a 1-3 record against the ACC. South Florida's dominant performance against Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl stood out as a convincing win for the AAC. Memphis also made an impact by defeating Iowa State 36-26, taking full advantage of their home-field advantage.

The Mountain West Conference celebrated an impressive victory as Air Force triumphed over James Madison in the Armed Forces Bowl for the second consecutive season. This victory handed James Madison only their second loss of the season, solidifying the conference's reputation for upsets. However, the Mountain West's overall record suffered as they were unable to secure victories in their two matchups against major conference teams.

The Sun Belt conference showcased its depth by sending a staggering 12 out of 14 teams to bowl games. Coastal Carolina's victory over San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl highlighted the conference's success. Conference champion Troy faced a tough test against Duke in the Birmingham Bowl, resulting in a narrow 17-10 defeat.

The MAC struggled in the bowl season, with only Ohio managing a convincing win over Georgia State. Toledo surrendered a late lead and suffered a close defeat against Wyoming. Bowling Green's valiant effort against Minnesota in their sole game against a power conference opponent ended with a 30-24 loss.

Although the CFP eluded some conferences, the bowl season showcased the competitive spirit and triumphs of various teams across the nation. As the college football season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on the national championship on Monday, where Washington and Michigan will vie for the ultimate collegiate football glory.