Photo by David E. Kluthic
Rose Bowl (Jan. 1)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (Projected 11-2, Big Ten Champions) vs. USC Trojans (Projected 10-3, Pac-12 tie-in)
I actually hope we Denard against the Trojans with Matt Barkley against that Maize & Blue defense. That in itself equals a boatload of points in what potentially could be one of the most entertaining Rose Bowls ever!
However, I am siding (just barely) with the Huskers in what will be the final year of Tom Osborne as the school’s AD. While that may not have anything to do with anything regarding this game, the Huskers have been lucky in many aspects and seem to have the mojo and lady luck on their side (they open as 3-pt favorites over Michigan).
Either way both of these teams have some weak links on defense (both solid still more so USC), and could be more consistent on offense. Still, this matchup is a filthy one and on New Year’s Day, are you kidding me?
Orange Bowl (Jan. 1)
Florida State Seminoles (Projected 11-2, ACC Champions) vs. Louisville Cardinals (Projected 11-1, Big East Champions)
This would likely be the least desired BCS bowl regardless of which teams are playing in it, but this FSU team could be ranked inside the top five (as if that does anything to ORE, KSU, UF, BAMA) if they keep on winning.
Plus, there could be a Big East team to go undefeated although it is safe to say that they will not be playing for the BCS title even if all hell breaks loose.
Sugar Bowl (Jan. 2)
Oklahoma Sooners (11-1, #2 BCS at-large bid) vs. Florida Gators (Projected 12-1, SEC tie-in)
These two prestigious programs would be a treat to watch and this would be a rematch of the BCS title not too long ago between Tebow and Bradford.
The Sooners are catching fire these days and there may be no stopping them and it is unfortunate since many wanted OU to get K-State in the later stages of the season, but give credit where it is overdue.
Kansas State has been more impressive than arguably any team on the planet, but I still think the Big 12 slate is too tough to run the table. I truly believe a few of the teams ranked in the top 5 will lose (ND, UF for example).
If these teams played, which theory would win out: Big 12 offenses or SEC defenses?
Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 3)
Kansas State Wildcats (Projected 11-1, Big 12 Champion) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Projected 10-2, #1 BCS at-large bid)
I will gladly eat crow if the Irish knock off the Sooners in a hostile environment on the road, but right now Notre Dame is hanging on by a thread in terms of their offense.
Tommy Rees is still the better option in the passing game, but Everett Golson will be starting once again and it may be just a matter of time before we see them fall on their faces a tad.
That said, their defense is as good as it gets in the game and nothing screams college football is the best than those Golden Domers being ranked in the top five!
If there would be a flawless matchup at this very moment in time, it would be Collin Klein against Manti Te’o and his defense.
Kansas State is more than just a team that can run the ball, their offense is simply unstoppable right now and some feel the same way about the ND defense.
Chris Harper and Tyler Lockett have been freaks out wide for Klein and his running mate John Hubert is a stud too. Something tells me I would be drooling over this potential BCS dream come true.
BCS National Championship (Jan. 7)
Alabama Crimson Tide (Projected #1, 13-0) vs. Oregon Ducks (Projected #2, 13-0)
Yes, the Ducks are fourth in the BCS Standings and they may not be picked to reach the BCS title right now.
However, they still are the best team in the country for me outside of the potential UF-Bama SEC title slugfest.
The Ducks would have to dethrone the Trojans twice whereas Kansas State is done with their heavyweight matchups. If they do run the table then we would have quite the debate although I do not foresee them running the table as great of a team as they currently are.
Alabama is still the best by a decent amount until proven otherwise, case closed.
Follow @Dan Vasta and like Gridiron Grit on Facebook
