So you want to understand college football. Or at least, know enough to be able to hold a conversation about football. The annual bowl game season is just around the corner and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn a little about the complicated, confusing and beloved game of football — especially since Iowa State is in a bowl.

Here’s a guide to bowl games for those who don’t know college football.

What is a bowl game?

A bowl game is a special game college football teams can participate in if they’ve had a good season. In a way, it’s their reward for doing so well. A team needs at least six wins to qualify.

Where does Iowa State fit into this?

Iowa State will be playing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Iowa State went 7-5 on the season.

When is the bowl game?

There’s not just one big game, bowl games last from Dec. 16 to Jan. 8. The order of the games is key because the closer the game is to Jan. 8, the bigger the game is. For example, the Dec. 16 bowl games will be teams that aren’t ranked as high as the teams playing in Jan. 1 bowl games. Iowa State’s game is Dec. 30 at 11:30 a.m.

Where is it?

Locations vary for different teams. Iowa State is playing in Memphis, Tennessee.

Who will Iowa State play?

Iowa State is playing the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers went 10-2 during the 2017 season with notable wins over then-No. 25 UCLA, then-No. 24 Navy and lost in the AAC Championship in double overtime to then-No. 14 Central Florida.

Why does it matter? What happens at the end?

Iowa State hasn’t participated in many bowl games in the last few years, the last one being in 2012. The winner of the bowl game gets a trophy, bragging rights and the coach will get a bonus. The winner of the big Jan. 8 game will be considered the top-ranked college football team in the country.

How can I sound like I know what I’m talking about to my friends?

When in doubt make vague comments about sports. “Wow, what a season,” or “I just hope it’s a good game,” will do. If you want to go the extra mile, do some research on the teams participating and make your own predictions.

Now what?

When it’s game time, show off your bowl game knowledge by keeping up with the games. And of course, watch Iowa State on Dec. 30 either in Memphis or from home.