BCS Bowl Projections 2012: Notre Dame and Other Locks for BCS Appearances

The college season is winding down, and with only weeks remaining it becomes easier and easier to project the BCS bowls.

Teams like Notre Dame only need one more win to lock up their spots, and the conference winners are becoming clearer by the day.

So, let's take a look at the teams sure to be playing in a BCS bowl come January.

Notre Dame

The Irish has lived on the edge for much of the season, but with only one game remaining they have an almost tailor-made road to a BCS game, and maybe even a national championship opportunity.

The only thing Notre Dame has to do is defeat a floundering USC team, which is made all the more easy when you take into account Matt Barkley’s injury. 

Notre Dame has everything on the line in this matchup and USC only has pride.

Expect the Irish to take advantage of a poor Trojans defense, and for the Notre Dame defense to contain a potent yet inconsistent USC attack.

Notre Dame has come up short against USC many times in recent memory, it just won't happen this time.

The Irish will be headed to a BCS bowl, it just stands to be seen whether it's a title opportunity or not.

Florida State

If it wasn't for a one-point slip-up to NC State, the Seminoles' matchup with the Gators would likely be for a national title berth. Instead, Florida State will just have to settle for an ACC championship.

The Seminoles have already clinched their spot in the ACC title game, and whoever comes out of the Costal division won't have the firepower to matchup with them.

Really, the only thing that could trip up Florida State is itself. They are far and away the most talented team in their conference, but if they don't come out to play, like they did against NC State, a team like Georgia Tech could defeat them.

Don't count on it though; Florida State will roll in the ACC title game en route to a likely Orange Bowl berth.

Alabama

The Crimson Tide was shocked by SEC newcomer Texas A&M, costing Alabama a chance at a perfect season. But Johnny Manziel and company will not stop the Tide's roll to a BCS bowl.

Alabama has two games remaining in its season. The first of those coming against Auburn, the worst team in the SEC by a significant margin. However, the second will be a much tougher task when the Tide take on Georgia in the SEC title game.

But, the Tide should be able to handle the test.

A.J. McCarron and company will be able to score points, and Alabama's fearsome front four will put pressure in Aaron Murray's face the entire game.

It won't be a blowout, but expect the Tide to move past the Bulldogs by a touchdown or two.

From there it will just be a waiting game. Will the dominoes fall right for yet another BCS championship game berth, or will the Tide find themselves in the Sugar Bowl?