College Football Forecasting: How Will the BCS Shake Down?

With the college football season on the horizon and less than one week away, many teams have realistic dreams of reaching the national title or a BCS game in 2009. However, after examining a variety of aspects like returning players, certain opponents that teams should beat, and also strength of schedule, I was able to come up with the 10 teams who should be in the BCS picture come January.

Note: These matchups take into consideration the automatic berths for each conference, the BCS standings, and the BCS rules:

BCS National Championship—Oklahoma vs. USC

Two storied programs will meet with both teams being undefeated coming into the game. Due to more big-game experience and more playmakers on both sides of the ball, I give the edge to USC to once again be crowned national champions.

Prediction: USC

Rose Bowl—Ohio State vs. Georgia

With Florida winning the SEC, how can the Rose Bowl selection committee not take Georgia out of all the possible teams to choose from? Both teams travel very well, have a rich history, and, most importantly, would create one of the best college football games in years.

Prediction: Georgia

Orange Bowl—Clemson vs. BYU

The time has finally come for Tommy Bowden to get over the hump, win the ACC, and possibly a BCS game, all in one year capped with a victory over a very good BYU team.

Prediction: Clemson

Sugar Bowl—Florida vs. West Virginia

If anyone likes to see offense, they should tune into this one. Two spread offenses will take center stage along with a ton speed on both sides.

Prediction: Florida

Fiesta Bowl—Missouri vs. Texas Tech

In a matchup that would not contain the same marquee names and teams as the other bowl games, this one might turn out to be the most exciting. Missouri, with quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin against Texas Tech’s quarterback Graham Harrell and wideout Michael Crabtree—the two best pass-catch combinations in the country.

Prediction: Too close to call