BCS Bowl Predictions 2013: Lopsided Potential Matchups That Will Become Blowouts

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Alabama's loss to Auburn on Saturday turned the BCS on its head and set into motion a chain of events that could lead to some blowouts during BCS bowl games in January. 

In case you missed it, Auburn returned a missed field goal 100 yards for the game-winning score to win with no time remaining, as noted by Bleacher Report:

The loss not only knocked the Crimson Tide out of the SEC title game, but it also likely killed the team's chance to three-peat as national champs while setting up 'Bama against a lesser opponent in a BCS bowl game. 

With conference championship games yet to be decided, we could still see plenty of movement in the rankings. However, as things stand currently, these upcoming BCS bowl games are setting up as potential blowouts. 

Orange Bowl: Alabama vs. Clemson

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Getting beaten by Auburn likely killed Alabama's chance to win a third straight national championship, but Alabama is undoubtedly still one of the top two or three teams in the nation. 

Nothing in life is guaranteed, but you have to imagine the Crimson Tide would have had a great chance to win that game in overtime, but Nick Saban's decision to attempt a 57-yard field goal to win with no time remaining bit him in the behind. 

Clemson's offense isn't anywhere close to being the same kind of threat to Alabama's vaunted defense than Nick Marshall and his read-option attack. Before getting hammered to the tune of 296 yards by the Tigers in Week 14, the Crimson Tide allowed just 91.3 rushing yards per game. 

While Tajh Boyd fits the mold of dual-threat quarterback, he is a pass-first guy who is only averaging two yards per carry this season, with a long run of just 17 yards. Stopping Sammy Watkins isn't an easy task, but it's one Alabama's defense is equipped to handle.

On the other side, Alabama's rushing attack would have no trouble wearing down Clemson's defensive line, which isn't particularly stout in the middle. 

Predicted Score: Alabama wins, 42-21.

Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs. UCF

It's be nice to think UCF would have a chance to beat Auburn, but who are we kidding?

The Tigers would wipe the floor with the Knights. 

Sure, UCF features a stout defensive front seven that ranks No. 15 in the nation, allowing just 120 yards per game. But as was mentioned above, 'Bama's defense was even better before getting annihilated by Marshall and the Tigers.

But the real issue here is a matter of experience against quality opponents. The Knights have only faced two ranked teams this year—South Carolina and Louisville—losing to the Gamecocks and beating the Cardinals by three points. 

Meanwhile, Auburn has five ranked teams so far, beating four of them, and will have gone through Missouri to get to this bowl game. The battle-tested Tigers would have no difficulty taking apart the Knights.

Projected Score: Auburn wins, 49-35.

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Northern Illinois

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It's always nice to see a small school get national recognition, and there's no doubt the Northern Illinois Huskies have put together one of the best seasons of any school in the nation. 

But playing in the MAC doesn't prepare a team for the physicality of playing a top school that is running with top recruits like Oklahoma State does every weekend. 

Jordan Lynch has scored 42 touchdowns this year (20 rushing and 22 passing), but he'll be hard-pressed to make big plays against the Cowboys. Oklahoma State ranks No. 21 in the nation at shutting down the run, allowing just 130 yards per game (3.0 yards per carry), and allowed just eight rushing touchdowns all year long. 

On the other side, the balanced Cowboys offensive attack has been clicking of late, scoring at least 38 points against their past five opponents—three of which were ranked teams. 

Projected Score: Oklahoma State wins, 42-21.

Updated BCS Standings 

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