50 College Football Teams That Are Locks for 2012 Bowl Games

With 35 bowl games now played annually, it is not surprising for a team to play in one nearly every year.

Virtually everybody with a .500 or better record moves on to the postseason, as 70 college football teams play every year in various bowls.

As always, there are teams that qualify for bowl games on a consistent basis, and 2012 will be no different.

For some teams, making a bowl game is a big deal, but for others, it is mandatory.

Here are 50 teams that are guaranteed to make a bowl game in 2012.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Even though Alabama may have lost as much talent as anybody in the country, there is no question that they will be headed to a bowl game next year.

Anything less than a national championship appearance would likely be disappointing for the Crimson Tide.

There is enough talent on Alabama that they probably have a better chance of making the NFL playoffs than missing a bowl game.

They will be one of the top three or four teams in the country to begin the season, and will contend for the SEC title and a BCS National Championship.

LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers may be the best team in the country heading into 2012, and they are one of five SEC teams with a legitimate chance to win the national championship.

The Tigers have a ton of talent coming back on both sides of the ball, led by Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu and a wealth of players at the running back position.

Odds are the SEC will come down to LSU and Alabama once again, with the winner playing for the BCS National Championship.

Reaching a bowl game is not a question for these guys.

USC Trojans

The USC Trojans have the best quarterback in the country and the best duo of wide receivers college football has seen in quite some time.

They are finally bowl eligible after their recent bowl ban and appear to be the front runner to play the SEC winner for the BCS National Championship.

The Trojan offense will be rather explosive and perhaps the best in the country .

A bowl game is a lock for these guys.

Oregon Ducks

The loss of running back LaMichael James to the NFL will certainly hurt, but Oregon is so deep at the running back position, that they are just going to reload.

Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas will be two of the most explosive running backs in the country.

The Ducks offense will be dominant, and if they can find a way to get past USC, they will likely play for the BCS National Championship.

If not, they will definitely be in a bowl game somewhere.

Georgia Bulldogs

If anybody has a chance to knock off the two SEC powers, it is the Georgia Bulldogs.

Led by junior quarterback Aaron Murray, the Bulldogs may be as talented as anybody in the country.

Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is also a huge threat.

Expect Georgia to be in the SEC championship game with a chance to pay for all the marbles.

Oklahoma Sooners

If quarterback Landry Jones comes back and plays well, Oklahoma has a chance to be a sleeper for the national championship.

They have talent at wide receiver and play in a Big 12 where they could easily run the table.

The health of running back Dominique Whaley will be important, but expect to see Oklahoma at least in a BCS bowl game next season.

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is a heavy favorite to win the ACC and play in the Orange Bowl.

If they can manage to run the table, they have a shot to play for the national championship.

With nine starters coming back on the defensive side of the ball, the defense will be the best in the country outside of the SEC.

Look out for the Seminoles to finally put everything together in 2012.

Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State will likely compete with Michigan for the Big 10 title and would be disappointed if they did not qualify for a BCS bowl game.

They return the majority of their starters on defensive, along with four linemen on offense.

Mark Dantonio has turned the Spartans into a national title contender and a big time bowl participant every season.

West Virginia Mountaineers

If anybody can knock off the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12, it is their newest member, West Virginia.

The Mountaineers have one of the top-five quarterbacks in the country in Geno Smith, and skill players that compete with those of USC and Oklahoma.

Everyone saw what they could do against better competition when they dismantled Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Look for West Virginia to contend for the Big 12 title and a BCS berth.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina is the fourth team in the SEC that is a bowl lock, and if all goes well they could earn a BCS bowl bid.

The Gamecocks will get star running back Marcus Lattimore back in 2012 to carry the load. He is arguably the best running back in the country.

Quarterback Connor Shaw will be the key to the success of South Carolina.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan may be a little overrated to begin the season, but it's a lock to reach a bowl game in 2012.

With Denard Robinson back for his senior season, the Wolverines are as talented on offense as anybody in the Big 10.

They will compete with Michigan State and possibly Nebraska for the Big 10 title, and have a good chance to earn a BCS bowl berth next season.

Arkansas Razorbacks

The return of running back Knile Davis will be a big boost to an Arkansas offense that certainly could have used him last season.

The Razorbacks have an outside shot to win the whole thing, but they're more likely to have three or four losses.

Still, they are a virtual lock for a bowl game in 2012.

Kansas State Wildcats

Quarterback Collin Klein could be a darkhorse for a Heisman if Kansas State has a successful season.

Odds are, they will finish around third in the Big 12 with an outside shot at a BCS bowl berth.

Kansas State is one of the more fun teams in the country to watch and will be playing in a bowl game somewhere next season.

Stanford Cardinal

Stanford may be a step behind USC and Oregon, but they're a bowl lock once again.

Even though Andrew Luck is gone, there is still a ton of talent on offense.

Running back Stepfan Taylor is very talented and receiver Ty Montgomery is back.

Look for Stanford to be near the top ten next season.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers have eight starters coming back on defense along with quarterback Taylor Martinez.

They may not be as talented as Michigan or Michigan State, but they're in the next group as far as the Big 10 goes.

A bowl game is a certainty for these guys next season. The question is whether or not it will be a BCS bowl.

TCU Horned Frogs

The TCU Horned Frogs are joining West Virginia in the Big 12, which has grown more competitive with the addition of these two teams.

They will not be able to dominate like they did in years past, but will certainly be in the middle of the pack in the Big 12, at the worst.

Quarterback Casey Paschall will be back to lead a high-powered offense.

Wisconsin Badgers

The decision of star running back and Heisman finalist Montee Ball to come back for his senior season was a big shot in the arm for Wisconsin.

James White also adds some depth at the running back position.

The departure of Russell Wilson and three offensive linemen will hurt, but the Badgers are a lock to return to a bowl game next season.

Virginia Tech Hokies

No matter where they are ranked to begin the season, Virginia Tech always seems to be in the hunt for an ACC title and a BCS bowl berth. 2012 will be no different.

Even though they have to replace a lot on offense, including running back David Wilson, the Hokies are still very talented.

With nine starters coming back on defense, Virginia Tech will be in a bowl game somewhere next season.

Boise State Broncos

To miss a bowl game, a team conceivably has to lose seven games.

Boise State has lost six games over the last six years. Odds are, they are a lock for a bowl game in 2012.

It will be their last season in the Mountain West conference, and Boise St. is likely going to move into the top ten and a nice bowl game by the end of the season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame is the one team that could make a bowl game with a losing record.

Not really, but if it did happen, they would be the team to do it.

The Irish have a tough schedule in 2012, but have a lot of talent coming back, and even though they play nine bowl teams from last season, the Irish will have no trouble finishing with a winning record.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson will be looking to rebound after an embarrassing Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia. 

Quarterback Tajh Boyd will be back for his second season under center for the Tigers.

The schedule is challenging, but Clemson has the talent to get double-digit wins next season and will find themselves in a bowl game somewhere.

Louisville Cardinals

Louisville only won seven games last season, but were one of the most talented young teams in the country last year.

True freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater showed glimpses and head coach Charlie Strong will lead a Cardinals team that may be the favorite to win the Big East.

Whether they do or not remains to be seen, but they will certainly improve on their seven wins from a season ago.

Southern Mississipi Golden Eagles

Southern Mississippi won 12 games last season and finished the season in the top 25.

They are likely to be the Conference USA favorite heading into next season.

A bowl game is a certainly for these guy, despite the loss of quarterback Austin Davis.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Even with the departure of head coach Greg Schiano to the NFL, Rutgers has a very talented recruiting class and plays in a weak Big East.

They have a good shot for a BCS bowl berth and with five or six of the eight Big East teams getting bowl games, Rutgers is a lock.

The loss of receiver Mohamed Sanu will hurt, but Rutgers could win nine to ten games next season.

NC State Wolfpack

Quarterback Mike Glennon came on strong at the end of last season, and the Wolfpack finished 8-5 after starting the year 1-3.

They are a sleeper to contend for an ACC title and will likely improve on the eight wins they had last season, making them a bowl lock.

Beware of the Wolfpack in 2012.

Texas Longhorns

The young Texas squad improved a great deal last season, finishing 8-5 after a disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2010.

They are likely to be middle of the pack in the Big 12, but if they can get their quarterback situation figured out, they can be a sleeper.

Either way, they are a certainty for a bowl game in 2012.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati may not be able to duplicate the success of last season's 10-win team, but they are a top contender for a Big East championship.

The Bearcats have talent coming back on both sides of the ball and winning eight games seems likely for these guys.

They will battle Rutgers and Louisville for Big East supremacy and play somewhere in a bowl game next season.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State lost a ton of talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and may even finish in the bottom half of the Big 12.

With that being said however, they are likely to win seven or eight games and will be in a bowl game somewhere next season.

Eight starters are back on a defense that knew how to force the issue. A winning season will be no problem for OSU.

Florida Gators

There is a bit of a gap between the top tier teams in the SEC and the next group.

The Florida Gators are the first in line when it comes to that next group.

Head coach Will Muschamp will be entering his second season in Gainesville, and Florida will likely improve on their seven-win total from last season, earning themselves a bowl berth.

Washington Huskies

Washington won seven games last year and played Baylor in perhaps the most exciting bowl game of the season.

They return 13 starters and despite the departure of star running back Chris Polk, they are likely to improve on their seven wins from a season ago.

A new defensive coordinator will help and the offense is up there with the elite of the Pac-12.

Utah Utes

Utah won eight games last season and they did it with defense.

They return 15 starters and are in the second tier of the Pac 12 with Washington, behind USC, Oregon and Stanford.

The secondary will be very strong and the defensive line is also very talented. Don't be surprised to see the Utes reach double-digit wins this season.

Auburn Tigers

Auburn is a middle-of-the-pack SEC team, making them a lock for a bowl game next season.

They won eight games last year and may be slightly better than that this season.

Wide receiver Emory Blake will be back, along with talented running back Onterio McCalebb.

Look for Auburn to win eight or nine games and finish in the middle of the tough SEC.

Northern Illinois Huskies

Northern Illinois was the class of the MAC last season and is the likely favorite again this year.

With the MAC now getting three bowl bids, Northern Illinois is a lock to get one of those three.

The Huskies finished last season with 11 wins, and on a nine-game winning streak.

Double-digit wins and a bowl berth are in store in 2012 for this MAC power.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech won eight games last season and should be right around that number next year, which would easily get them a bowl berth out of the ACC.

Quarterback Tevin Washington will be back for his senior season and the Yellow Jackets can beat anybody in the ACC.

Look for a year similar to 2011 for this squad.

Nevada Wolfpack

With the exception of Boise State, Nevada is the class of the Mountain West Conference.

The league will get up to five bowl bids next season, and Nevada is certain to be one of them, despite a 7-6 record last season and the loss of star receiver Rishard Matthews.

Freshman quarterback Cody Fajardo will be much improved next season, and Nevada will be behind Boise St. in the Mountain West conference.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Despite everything that has happened at Penn State over the past year, they are very talented and good enough to finish in the top half of the Big 10 next season.

That finish will certainly slot them in a bowl game.

They won nine games last season and have running back Silas Redd back next year.

He is one of the most talented in the Big 10 and will help lead Penn State back to a bowl game in 2012.

California Golden Bears

The California Golden Bears won seven games last season and have a lot of talent coming back for 2012, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Running back Isi Sofele is very talented and quarterback Zach Maynard is also back.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen is one of the most talented in the Pac-12.

Look for eight or more wins next season and a bowl berth from Cal.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Pittsburgh finished last season with a bowl loss to SMU and will likely be better in 2012.

They get most of their talent back on offense, particularly injured running back Ray Graham.

Quarterback Tino Sunseri will lead the charge, and receivers Mike Shanahan and Devin Street are his main targets.

The Panthers should finish in the middle of the pack in the Big East.

Baylor Bears

Baylor won 10 games last season and will have trouble duplicating that this year, considering the loss of Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

They will almost certainly finish in the bottom half of the Big 12, but still have plenty of talent around to win seven or eight games.

Wide receiver Terrance Williams will be the big offensive threat for the Bears.

Arkansas State Red Wolves

With the Sun Belt getting two bowl games, Arkansas State is certain to grab one of the two.

The Red Wolves won ten games a season ago and may have the talent to duplicate that next season.

Either way, they will finish in the top two of the Sun Belt and be playing in one of their two bowl games.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa won seven games last season and finished in the middle of the pack in the Big 10. 

They have a solid defense coming back, along with quarterback James Vandenberg.

Expect Iowa to be in the middle of the Big 10 with another seven wins in store for the Hawkeyes.

South Florida Bulls

South Florida did not qualify for a bowl game last season, but don't expect a repeat in 2012.

Quarterback B.J. Daniels is back for his senior season and there is plenty of talent around him.

The Bulls need to avoid the late season collapses that have plagued them the past few years.

Expect seven or more wins in 2012 from South Florida.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois had quite a season last year, finishing with a bowl win over UCLA.

Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is very talented, and Illinois should improve slightly on their seven wins from last season.

New head coach Tim Beckman will help with that.

Southern Methodist Mustangs

Southern Methodist won eight games last season and expect much of the same in 2012.

They will soon be headed to the Big East, but for now are still in Conference USA.

Running back Zach Line is very talented and head coach June Jones will have the Mustangs in a bowl game somewhere.

Virginia Cavaliers

Virgina may not be up there with the elite of the ACC, but they are definitely in that second tier.

They had a successful 2011 campaign, finishing 8-5, and should be right around those same numbers next year.

Quarterback Michael Rocco will be back to help improve an offense that struggled last season.

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue won seven games last year and should be right about the same level in 2012, maybe even a little better.

They should get quarterback Rob Henry back. Henry was injured all of last season and the Boilermakers will likely find themselves in the middle of the talented Big 10.

Another bowl berth is likely for Purdue in 2012.

Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State won six games last season and qualified for a bowl game.

They should be able to do that again in 2012.

Quarterback Brock Osweiler declared early for the NFL draft, which will hurt.

Some other talent has moved on, but the Sun Devils have enough remaining to be a bowl team once again.

Toledo Rockets

Toledo won nine games last year with an explosive offense that averaged over 42 points a game.

Even though they lost their head coach, finishing near the top of the MAC should be no problem next season.

They have talented skill players all over the field and another nine-win season is likely.

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona only won four games last season, but expect a slight turnaround next season with Rich Rodriguez now running the show.

The Wildcats should be able to get two more wins to be bowl eligible.

The spread offense is coming to Arizona and it will do nothing but help a struggling football program.

Texas A&M Aggies

New head coach Kevin Sumlin likes to score and he may have more trouble doing that in the SEC than Conference USA.

Texas A&M had a disappointing season in 2011, finishing 7-6, and things will not get any easier as they enter the SEC.

Running back Christine Michael will be back from injury and even though they will likely finish in the bottom half of the SEC, six wins and a bowl is likely.