Kim Klement/US Presswire
Rose Bowl (Jan 1)
USC Trojans (10-3 Projected Pac-12 Tie-in) vs. Michigan Wolverines (10-3 Projected Big Ten Champion)
USC may not get in the BCS if they happen to have three losses depending on where Clemson and Notre Dame fit into the picture.
Could you imagine if the Irish landed in Pasadena because that would be absurd, however the Trojans are slotted to still land here at the moment if they can finish inside the top 12.
Orange Bowl (Jan 1)
Florida State Seminoles (11-2 Projected ACC Champion) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-1 Projected Big East Champion)
The Noles once again had their BCS title dreams dashed, but a BCS bowl is still well within reach. They own the tiebreaker over the Clemson Tigers which is huge. The defense is still legit, but they need to open up the playbook a bit if they expect to have the record I have them slotted for.
Rutgers has the defense to give FSU fits in this potential matchup, but E.J. Manuel has six and seven different targets to throw to. The talent is way too deep and that is why their upsetting loss to NC State is a tough pill to swallow.
Sugar Bowl (Jan 2)
Texas Longhorns (11-1 Projected #2 BCS at-large bid) vs. Florida Gators (12-1 Projected SEC tie-in)
This truly would be a sensational matchup to look forward to with two prestigious programs going off on another. The Longhorns has been sensational, but Florida’s defense has been much more impressive.
Plus, the Gators are running the ball at will and Texas cannot avoid getting gashed without star linebacker Jordan Hicks in the lineup. Florida of course needs some luck although they control their own destiny in the SEC alongside Alabama in the West.
Fiesta Bowl (Jan 3)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1 #1 BCS at-large bid) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (11-1 Projected Big 12 Champion)
Notre Dame throttled the Canes identical to the way Kansas State did, but those Wildcats will get back into the BCS picture if they can go into Morgantown and upset these Mountaineers.
Geno Smith is incredible and although the defense is atrocious, they continue to do all the little things perfectly. Notre Dame is in that same category and their triple threat in the backfield (Cierre Wood, George Atkinson III, Theo Reddick) is all thanks to their wonderful offensive line (top 5 OL).
BCS National Championship (Jan 7)
Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0 Projected #1 BCS Team) vs. Oregon Ducks (13-0 Projected #2 BCS Team)
This game would be a treat with the Ducks spread and unstoppable offense. Alabama’s defense is known for their tremendous team speed and ferocious ability to bottle up the run and harass opposing quarterbacks.
Both will be favored to win out although the challenges will not be easy. Can the Ducks defense put together a stinker and will the offense continue to be the most electric (save WV). There are a boatload of games to be played still, but these are by far the best teams at the moment despite the likes of South Carolina, Kansas State, West Virginia and Notre Dame nipping at the heels.
