What Sports to Watch for Heading into the New Year

With 2011 ending and 2012 starting, the next two weeks will perhaps be the most compelling two weeks of the entire year.

The start of the NBA season has already shown us much excitement and shock as the Lakers and Mavericks have gotten off to slow starts, while Kevind Durant and Derrick Rose have already nailed last second shots to give their teams the lead. Their are many more exciting matchups that await us.

College basketball has just started conference play where the real excitement starts. It is the time of year where resumes are built and bubbles are popped.

The last week of the NFL playoffs awaits us on Sunday where there are multiple teams on the absolute borderline. Four teams (Bengals, Broncos, Cowboys and Giants), have the win and we're in scenario, while others have no control of their own destiny, as they pray for the slim scenarios that will give them a shot at the playoffs. 

The next two weeks will be filled with excitement, so let's take a look at which games will be the most intriguing, along with their predictions.

Ohio State vs. Indiana (December 31)

Prior to their recent loss to Michigan State, Indiana was surprising everybody with an undefeated record. They have already pulled off a miracle, nailing a game winning three at the buzzer to beat top-ranked Kentucky in front of their home crowd in Bloomington.

It is now time for the Buckeyes to come in and give the Hoosiers a run for their money. Ohio State's sole loss this season came in a game in which their star sophomore, Jared Sullinger, was out with an ankle injury. 

The Hoosier faithful supply one of the most exciting atmospheres in college basketball, so you can except an incredible matchup.

Prediction: IU 83, OSU 82

Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats (December 31)

Despite having an undefeated record, the Cardinals were ranked behind one-loss foes OSU and Kentucky to begin the week. Louisville showed why as they were finally unable to overcome a deficit as they lost to conference rival Georgetown.

However, the Cardinals are still ranked in the top five as they look to try and hold on as they face SEC heavyweight Kentucky.

On the other side, Kentucky suffered a shock to Indiana, and look to reprove themselves as the number one team in the land, but even with a win over Louisville might not hand them the number one ranking due to the extremely hot play but the Orange up in Syracuse. However, rankings are meaningless before March.

Prediction: KU 88, UL 80

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos (January 1)

The reason I chose Kyle Orton as the image to represent this game as opposed to Tim Tebow, because this game is more than just the story of whether or not Tebow can pull off a miraculous comeback. This is the story of whether or not the Broncos made a good decision in letting veteran QB Orton go.

Kyle Orton has a chance to show everyone in the Broncos organization that they made a huge mistake in putting their trust in the reincarnation of Jesus.

Their is plenty at stake for the Broncos in this game as a win could send them into the playoffs, while a loss could cut their miraculous season short.

Prediction: DEN 17, KC 10

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants (January 1)

Win and you're in. Lose and you're golfing.

You could not write a better script for an exciting ending to the 2011 NFL regular season. In the final game to be played, the Giants and Cowboys are playing a play-in game to decide who will be crowned the NFC East champions.

Tony Romo suffered a wrist injury in the loss to the Eagles last Sunday. He will most likely play. However, his performance will be affected.

Prediction: NYG 27, DAL 17

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers (January 2)

After the TV series 24/7 built up the excitement to this game, the NHL Winter Classic will be another exciting and fun game to watch.

Let's just hope someone doesn't suffer another concussion.

Prediction: NYR 4, PHI 3

The BCS Bowls (January 2-9)

As much as I hate the BCS system, we are provided with an incredible slate of exciting football games to begin the new year.

Rose Bowl (January 2) Wisconsin Badgers vs. Oregon Ducks: Two of the most exciting offenses to watch in college football will collide in Pasadena. Wisconsin looks to redeem themselves after losing in the Rose Bowl last year to TCU.

Prediction: WISC 27, ORE 24 

Fiesta Bowl (January 2) Oklahoma St. Cowboys vs. Stanford Cardinals: Many people were disappointed to not see the Cowboys in the National Championship. Despite being the Big 12 conference champions, OSU will find themselves in a slightly less intriguing matchup against the highly touted quarter back Andrew Luck.

Prediction: STAN 35, OSU 24

Sugar Bowl (January 3) Michigan Wolverines vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: In Brady Hoke's first year, the Wolverines have been pleasantly surprising, as they worked their way to a two-loss season, under the leadership and skillful play of Denard Robinson. VT has also been a nice surprise as they proved themselves to be the dominant team in the ACC.

Prediction: UM 24, VT 20

Orange Bowl (January 4) Clemson Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: Both of these teams do not deserve to be here. There is no denying the fact that neither of thee teams are among the nation's top 12 teams, let alone the top 20. Clemson is only here because the ACC is split into two divisions, in which they were able to top VT in the conference championship, despite the fact that South Carolina has a better record, and beat them the previous week. WVU, on the other hand is not even ranked, they were able to punch their ticket by winning the woeful Big East. Regardless, this game will still be fun to watch as  both tams are led by exciting, talented, fast quarterbacks.

Prediction: CLEM 35, WVU 24

Cotton Bowl (January 6) Kansas St. Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razor Backs: The Wildcats have been yet another exciting surprise of the 2011 college football season. They will look to cap off an incredible season against a very talented Arkansas team that was ranked third in the nation, prior to being knocked off by top-ranked LSU.

Prediction: ARK 21 KSU 17

and.....

The National Championship

Saying that this game is a controversial matchup is an understatement. 

Many people among the college football fan base completely disagree with the fact that the Championship game will be not only a rematch, but two teams from the same conference. However, many agree that these two teams are the top two in college football.

Alabama will look to extract revenge on LSU, who gave them their sole loss of the season on a last-second field goal. 

LSU will look to prove that Bama had no business being in the championship in the first place, as they look to cap off what could be debated as the most impressive football season in history.

Prediction: LSU 13, BAMA 10