Here are my picks for all the college football bowls except the national championship which I will have a full preview of that game as it approaches.
Rose Bowl: USC vs Penn State
Both these teams feel they had championship caliber seasons, but neither were selected for the BCS Championship. This is the Trojans and Nitney Lions chance to prove how good they really are. The USC Trojans are the champions of the Pac-10, while the Penn St. Nitney Lions are the champions of the Big 10. USC's lon! e loss was on a Thursday night against Oregon State, while Penn State lost a tight one to Iowa. Both these loses were fatal for these two squads, but the Rose Bowl is a great opportunity to make this season worthwhile. Nicknamed the "Grandaddy of them all" this one is going to be closer than most think. But in the end, Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans are the pick.
Sugar Bowl: Utah vs Alabama
A perfect season for the Utes of Utah, but no champ! ionship opportunity. Utah must settle for the Sugar Bowl agai! nst the best defense in the nation, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama's only loss came in the SEC Championship to the Florida Gators. Alabama beat everyone else all season, but they will not get a championship opportunity. Utah is this year's Cinderella with a shot to knock off one of the big dogs. I like Utah a lot, but Nick Saban will have his boys pumped up to prove they are championship worthy. Alabama wins a defensive struggle.
Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs Ohio State
The Texas Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners head-to-head, but yet find themselves not worthy to qualify for the BCS Title. The Longhorns lost in the last second to Texas Tech on a Michael Crabtree TD catch and run. Texas if they win this game have an opportunity to become a co-champion if the cards fall into place. The Ohio State Buckeyes snuck into the BCS despite two losses to USC and Penn St. They took the spot of undefeated Boise St. or one-loss Texas Tech. Many, including myself feel they are undeserving. This could prove to be great motivation for Ohio State. The Buckeyes need to prove they are worthy after being demolished in the BCS Championship the past two seasons. Texas is simply a much better team. The Longhorns win in a blowout.
All the Rest
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech over Cincinnati
Humanitarian Bowl: Maryland over Ne! vada
Texas Bowl: Western Michigan over Rice
Holiday ! Bowl: Ok lahoma St. over Oregon
Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force over Houston
Sun Bowl: Oregon St. over Pittsburgh
Music City Bowl: Boston College over Vanderbilt
Insight Bowl: Kansas over Minnesota
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: LSU over Georgia Tech
Outback Bowl: South Carolina over Iowa
Capital One Bowl: Georgia over Michigan St.
Gator Bowl: Clemson over Nebraska
Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss over Texas Tech
Liberty Bowl: East Carolina over Kentucky
International Bowl: Buffalo over Uconn
GMAC Bowl: Ball St. over Tulsa
