College Football Bowl Predictions 2012: Picking BCS Matchups Against the Spread

The much-anticipated BCS bowls are drawing nearer, and it’s high time those of you who have yet to place down a wager on these games finally do so.

These spreads are going to be subject to constant change over the next few weeks, and it’s going to be difficult to find value the closer to kickoff we get.

Let’s take a look at each of the five BCS bowls and predict a winner against the spread, which will hopefully help you cash in come January.

*Point spreads courtesy of ScoresAndOdds.com, all games played at neutral location.

 

Rose Bowl: Stanford (-7) over Wisconsin

The Cardinal have a major advantage playing in their home state against an unranked Badgers squad that was gifted this appearance due to sanctions against both Ohio State and Penn State.

It is interesting to note that this is the third-straight Rose Bowl appearance for Wisconsin, while Stanford hasn’t been to Pasadena since the turn of the century.

It’s unfortunate because Stanford is clearly the better team in this rather one-sided matchup, and that will be on full display when this game takes place on New Year's Day.

Orange Bowl: Northern Illinois (+13) over Florida State

The Huskies were lucky to get a BCS spot, but bettors who back them in the Orange Bowl will be pleasantly surprised when this small-conference school puts up a real fight against the Seminoles.

We’ve seen FSU display their weakness lately, especially with an underwhelming showing against a lowly Georgia Tech team in the ACC Championship Game.

NIU was able to dispatch all but one opponent in 2012 and looks like it could pull a Boise State-level crashing of the BCS.

 

Sugar Bowl: Florida (-14) over Louisville

Unlike their in-state rivals, we have the Gators projected to absolutely blow out the Cardinals—representing the abysmal Big East in the BCS.

While Louisville isn’t as looked down upon as an opponent as much as, say, Northern Illinois, Florida is simply a powerhouse and was only defeated once this entire season in the vaunted SEC.

We expect coach Will Muschamp to continue turning this program around and pick up his first BCS win with the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.

 

Fiesta Bowl: Oregon (-9) over Kansas State

This “runner-up” bowl features two of the nation’s most high-powered offenses going head-to-head in Glendale, Arizona.

Both the Ducks and Wildcats were on the path to the BCS Championship Game before having their hopes derailed by late-season losses. Now these one-loss powerhouses will meet and it may just be one of the highest scoring playoff games in collegiate history.

We’re giving the edge to Oregon, as it proved time and time again that their offense will score on anyone and should not have a problem hanging points on a mediocre K-State defense

 

BCS National Championship Game: Notre Dame (+10) over Alabama

While we’re more than convinced the Crimson Tide are going to win a second-straight national title, we aren’t so sure it’s going to be in blowout fashion this time.

The Fighting Irish are known for their defensive prowess, and with superstar players such as Stephon Tuitt and Manti Te’o bolstering their front seven, ‘Bama is going to have a tough time executing its offense.

Unfortunately for supporters of the South Bend-based program, the Notre Dame offense just doesn’t have what it takes to beat a defense full of insanely fast and immensely sized players.

Expect a close game that could very well be decided by a field goal or less in the Tide's favor.