Bowl Predictions Week 2

Every week I will be putting up an updated bowl prediction out there. It will include all the BCS and Big Ten bowls. Every few weeks I will include all of the bowls. The selection order for the BCS is



1) National Championship
2) National Championship
3) Bowl that lost a representative to the first NC pick
4) Bowl that lost a representative to the second NC pick
5) Sugar Bowl
6) Orange Bowl
7) Fiesta Bowl


Remember that the Rose Bowl, if it loses the Big Ten or Pac 10 representative must take the first non-AQ school.

BCS National Championship: Ohio State v. Alabama

The Tide team looks head and shoulders above the rest of the SEC and the league champion will undoubtedly make a title game appearance.  The Buckeyes looked solid against Miami and right now look like the team that will get to face the Tide in Glendale.

Rose Bowl Game: TCU vs. Oregon

Oregon struggled early with the Vols but put them away soundly in the second half.  TCU gets the nod since Boise State lost its' credibility after Virginia Tech fell to James Madison.

Sugar Bowl: Florida v. Iowa

Florida is still in the best position to win the East despite their struggles and I think that earns them a spot here.  Iowa is rolling right now but we will know more about this team after they play Arizona next Saturday.

Orange Bowl: Miami v. Oklahoma

The ACC is a mess right now but Miami didn't hurt itself too much in a somewhat close loss to the Buckeyes.  Oklahoma was impressive but I am still concerned about consistency with this team.

Fiesta Bowl: Nebraska v. South Florida

UNL really only needs to get up for the Big XII championship game at this point since nobody else looks on their level in the North.  South Florida wasn't bad in a loss to the Gators this week and I still think they will win the Big East.

Capital One Bowl: Michigan State v. Auburn

The Tigers played Mississippi State close on Thursday but I think this team will improve as the season goes along, at least enough to earn nine or so wins.  Sparty has looked solid twice in a row now and I think their breezy conference slate sets up well for a 9-10 win season.

Outback Bowl: Wisconsin v. South Carolina

Cocky took care of UGA last week and I think that earns them a trip to Orlando.  Wisconsin has been winning ugly against some really bad teams and has had some mounting injury problems in the process. I still think the Badgers will be solid but things just don't seem to be breaking their way this season..

Gator Bowl: Michigan v. Georgia

The Wolverines still have to contend with the Big Ten defenses but right now they look like they will coast to a 4-0 start  which means six or seven wins is certainly a possibility.  Right now the SEC slot could be filled with a lot of teams but I think the Bulldogs are the most likely candidate.

 Insight Bowl: Northwestern v. Missouri

Northwestern jumps up here after a very poor performance by Purdue.  The Wildcats are good enough to be a bowl team and they rolled easily against Illinois State yesterday.  Missouri has held steady at this spot and unless they fall against Kansas State I don't think this will change.

Texas Bowl: Purdue v. Kansas State

Purdue looked unimpressive this week against Western Illinois and I am starting to become concerned about how they will fare in Big Ten play.  KState gets the nod over the Cowboys here because they will likely have the better record playing in the Big XII North.

Dallas Football Classic: Indiana v. Maryland

Indiana should probably have been here from the beginning and I think with this I am resolving myself to more of a wait and see approach to the Hoosiers. Maryland continues to impress and I think they will earn an at large bid.

Little Caesers Pizza Pizza Bowl: Western Michigan v. Middle Tennessee State

I still do not see the Big Ten filling this bowl slot and the Broncos remain my pick to represent the MAC in Detroit.  The sunbelt gets preferred status when it comes to at-large bids and right now I am leaning towards the Blue Raiders.