Georgia and Florida Notch BCS Bids in SEC Bowl Predictions

The SEC has a penchant for getting two teams into the BCS (and one into the Championship Game), which might limit their ability to fill all nine of their bowl slots.  I only predicted eight teams to qualify, so I expect a shortage somewhere.

BCS Championship (BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2)

Georgia vs. USC

The two teams who start at the top finish their regular seasons meeting for the national title.  Two of the most exciting running backs in the nation will be displayed in Georgia's Knowshon Moreno and USC's Joe McKnight.

Sugar Bowl (BCS At-Large vs. BCS At-Large)

Florida vs. Missouri

The Sugar Bowl lost the SEC Champion to the BCS Championship but is glad to snap up Florida.  They will pit them against the number two team from the number two conference: the Missouri Tigers.

Capitol One Bowl (SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2)

Auburn vs. Illinois

This has been one of the best non-BCS bowls over the years.  Auburn happily comes to Orlando to face Illinois, who was somewhat of a Big Ten surprise.  The bowl features two more teams using the spread offense playing on New Year's Day.

Outback Bowl (SEC No. 3 vs. Big Ten No. 3)

LSU vs. Penn State

It just doesn't get any easier for the Big Ten as they have to face LSU again.  This time it is Penn State who gets the nod over Wisconsin, who is tired of making Tampa their home in January.

Cotton Bowl (SEC No. 4/5 vs. Big 12 No. 3)

Alabama vs. Texas

Alabama gets the nod here due to an exciting end to the regular season.  They will play Texas in a game pitting two teams who are longtime college football powers.

Chick-fil-A Bowl (SEC No. 4/5 vs. ACC No. 2)

Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech

Alabama is considered here, but the trip to Atlanta earlier in the year eliminates them from contention, giving Tennessee the selection.  The ACC runner-up Hokies are glad to be invited to Atlanta, and the feeling is mutual since Va Tech travels well.

Music City Bowl (SEC No. 5/6 vs. ACC No. 5)

North Carolina vs. South Carolina

An old ACC rivalry is revived, and there is no love lost between the Carolinas.  These two teams met in '07 with South Carolina coming out on top.

Liberty Bowl (SEC No. 6 vs. Conf. USA No. 1)

Kentucky vs. East Carolina

The Wildcats squeak into this bowl at .500 and look for their third straight bowl win, which would be a school record.  They face a tough East Carolina team that gave Va Tech a tough game earlier in the season.

Independence Bowl (SEC No. 7 vs. Big 12)

Due to the SEC getting two teams into the BCS, there may not be enough teams to fill all of the slots.  My best guess for a team I have outside of a bowl is Mississippi State.

Papajohns.com Bowl (SEC vs. Big East)

See Independence Bowl.  If two SEC teams don't get in, then Mississippi State could be pushed down here.  If not, then my next guess to Miss. State would be Bobby Petrino's Arkansas Razorbacks.