2008 Season Outlook Part 3: BCS Predictions—Who'll Make the Series?

In part one of this series, I looked at how each conference might play out and made predictions for every conference.

In part two, I looked at how each of the Big six conferences were ranked coming into this season and gave you each team's bowl chances.

In part three, I am making BCS predictions and telling you where to make your reservations come January. So here we go...

ROSE BOWL presented by Citi, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif., ABC

(Pac-10 champ vs. Big 10 champ if available)

Prediction: Wisconsin vs. USC

I figure Ohio State is going to the title game, again. So I look for Wisconsin to finish second in an average year for the Big 10. Illinois is an option again as well. USC is either in the title game or here. I like Georgia, maybe even Florida to represent the SEC in the BCS game, so USC ends up here. Everything could be riding on that Ohio State-USC matchup early in the season.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL, Jan. 2, New Orleans, FOX

(SEC champ, if available vs. BCS)

Prediction: Florida vs. Missouri

I figure Florida ends up here as the next best option from the SEC if Georgia goes to the championship game. Florida could very well only have one or two losses, one being to Georgia. Auburn and LSU are options here as well. Missouri will be the runner up in the Big 12 again to Oklahoma, but this time they will not be denied a BCS game.

TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL, Jan. 5, Phoenix, FOX

(Big 12 champ, if available vs. BCS)

Prediction: Oklahoma vs. BYU

I like Oklahoma to win the Big 12 yet again and get another shot at redemption in a bowl that hasn't treated them well lately. Missouri and Texas are other options here as well. And as an at-large bid, I like BYU to go undefeated and win the Mountain West and get a shot at the big boys. If BYU doesn't make it in, look for Virginia Tech to be another possible BCS at-large candidate.

FEDEX ORANGE BOWL, Jan. 1, Miami, FOX

(ACC champ, if available vs. BCS)

Prediction: Clemson vs. West Virginia

I think Clemson wins the ACC and ends up in the Orange Bowl. Virginia Tech could be here as well if they win the ACC. I also like West Virginia to win the Big East and be in the BCS again. Another option is, Missouri ends up here and West Virginia could be in the Sugar Bowl.

FEDEX BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, Jan. 8, Miami, FOX

(BCS #1 vs. BCS #2)

Prediction: Ohio State vs. Georgia

I like the Buckeyes to win the Big 10 and play in their third straight title game. The opponent will be up for grabs between Georgia, USC, and Florida. I like Georgia because their strength of schedule should separate them from USC if they both have one loss. Same goes for Florida and USC. Plus the Ohio State-USC matchup could be a tiebreaker and loser is out of luck, much like the Ohio State-Michigan game two years ago.

Even a two-loss SEC team will probably get in over a one-loss ACC champion. Oklahoma and West Virginia are possible options here if they win their conferences.