2011 Bowl Predictions: The 5 Biggest Upsets Still Waiting to Happen

One of the reasons we watch sports is because of the upsets.

There are very few things that are as exciting as seeing the little guy win. Or seeing a team that is given almost no shot to win somehow find a way to pull off the impossible.

In this college football bowl season, I don't think any game would be a miracle for any team to win. All of the teams seem pretty evenly matched up.

There are, though, a few teams that everybody is jumping on, to the point you could call it an upset if the other team happens to win.

Here are a few games that could shock the college football world.

Kansas State vs. Arkansas

On the ESPN College Bowl Mania site, 79 percent of contestants are all over the Razorbacks.

Did we not learn this season that Kansas State is a team capable of playing good football? They finished the season with a 10-2 record, including victories over Baylor, Texas A&M and Texas.

They run the football very well, averaging 193 yards on the ground. That's good enough to keep the explosive Arkansas offense off the field.

It's also nice knowing that the Razorbacks' defense has allowed 20 rushing touchdowns and 174 rushing yards on average.

Don't doubt Bill Snyder and his underrated Wildcats.

Iowa vs. Oklahoma

Don't we see this happen nearly every year?

A team that's considered a national championship favorite in the beginning ends up in one of the lousy bowl games.

That's the case for the Sooners, and I guarantee you that they won't be ready to play in this bowl game.

They don't want to be here.

The Hawkeyes, on the other hand, love this matchup, as they get to play a talented Sooners team. The problem is, Oklahoma hasn't been themselves lately, with several injuries to key players.

Iowa is a balanced team on both sides of the ball, and played close games against Penn State and Michigan State, and beat Michigan. 

Call me crazy, but I'll take the motivated team nearly every time.

Houston vs. Penn State

Everybody on the Houston bandwagon really surprises me.

I guess the performance the Cougars put on against Southern Miss didn't do anything to anyone?

I get the fact that the Nittany Lions are one of the worst teams are putting up points, and Houston is one of the best.

But Penn State has one of the top defenses in the country, and I just saw the Golden Eagles hold the Cougars to 28 points and 6-for-20 on third down.

The Nittany Lions will be playing with their backs against the wall, and I always like the team that's actually played a tough schedule.

Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is another team that many are sleeping on.

Head coach James Franklin has done a fabulous job with the Commodores, and will likely end this improved season with a bowl win.

Look at it this way: Neither team has really had a season that 'wowed' anyone.

Cincinnati plays in the watered-down Big East and lost three games, including nearly losing to Connecticut and Pittsburgh.

Vanderbilt lost six games in the SEC, but lost to Florida, Alabama and Arkansas by less than six points each.

The Commodores' defense is solid and has forced 27 turnovers. Don't let the records fool you.

Virginia vs. Auburn

I guess because Auburn is an SEC team, they're automatically the favorite?

The Tigers have done nothing this season to impress me. They lost five games, they were one of the worst passing teams in the country, and thery ranked in the 80s in points scored and points allowed.

Did I mention that running back Michael Dyer won't be playing in this game?

Virginia, on the other hand, is motivated, playing in their first bowl game since 2007. They have a solid defense, and they find ways to win games. They've beaten Miami, Georgia Tech and Florida State this season.

Once again, give me the team that's hungry for a victory and has the better resume this year.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]