BCS Bowl Games 2012-13: Examining the Spread of Each Matchup

We are getting closer and closer to this season's BCS bowl games, and the new year couldn't come soon enough.

Whether you are a fan of one of the BCS bowl teams or you simply love college football, there is a little something for everyone in 2013.

Here's a look at the spreads for each BCS bowl, complete with my golden advice.

Note: Spreads via ScoresAndOdds.com

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. No. 6 Stanford

Spread: Stanford -6

Given what Wisconsin did to Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship Game (a 70-31 thumping), I certainly don't think the Badgers are just going to roll over for Stanford.

Stanford's run defense poses a problem for the Badgers, but I still expect Montee Ball and Co. to do some damage on the ground. After all, they combined for 539 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground against the Cornhuskers.

Go against the spread in this matchup; I don't think Stanford wins by more than three points.

Orange Bowl: No. 15 Northern Illinois vs. No. 12 Florida State

Spread: Florida State -13.5

A lot of people aren't giving Northern Illinois a lot of credit against Florida State, primarily because the Huskies dominated inferior competition in the MAC this season.

But I see Northern Illinois' offense posing a legitimate threat to Florida State's vaunted defense. Junior dual-threat quarterback Jordan Lynch cannot be ignored, as he's rushed for the third-most yards in the nation this year.

I see the Huskies losing this one by seven points, but Florida State won't cover the spread. Go against the spread.

Sugar Bowl: No. 21 Louisville vs. No. 3 Florida

Spread: Florida -14

A 14-point differential may seem like a lot, but I could actually see this being a blowout.

Not only does Florida's rushing attack pose problems for Louisville's run defense, but Louisville's greatest strength on offense is its passing game behind quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and Florida has been sensational against the pass this season.

Take the spread in this game.

Fiesta Bowl: No. 4 Oregon vs. No. 5 Kansas State

Spread: Oregon -9

Oregon may have an explosive offense, but so does Kansas State behind dual-threat and Heisman finalist Collin Klein.

Kansas State has a decent defense, but the only team that has been able to stop Oregon on the ground this season has been Stanford. 

On the flip side, Oregon has had trouble against the run, and I expect Kansas State to churn out yardage on the ground.

The result will be a high-scoring contest, with the Ducks barely nudging the Wildcats.

Go against the spread. The Ducks won't outscore the Wildcats by nine points or more.

BCS National Championship Game: No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Alabama

Spread: Alabama -9.5

While I do believe Alabama wins this game (based on a better offense), I think it's doing a disservice to Notre Dame's defense to say the Crimson Tide will win by more than nine points.

After all, the Fighting Irish have allowed just 10.3 points per game this season, first in the nation. That includes holding Oklahoma and USC to 13 points apiece.

This should be a grind-it-out game, with the Crimson Tide edging Notre Dame by seven points.

Go against the spread.

What are your thoughts?