Bowl Projections 2013: Predicting Outcomes of Most Exciting Non-BCS Matchups

It's still a little too early to set bowl matchups in stone, but there are several projected showdowns outside of the BCS that should have college football fans excited.

With the major conferences' best programs coming down the stretch of their respective schedules, there is still much to be decided in the 2013 season. However, there are certain gridiron clashes that would even make neutral parties interested enough to tune in during the holidays.

Let's take a look at some of the juiciest prospective battles that could play out as the new year approaches, along with predicted scores for the outcomes of those contests.

Note: Projected matchups are based on BCS expert Jerry Palm's list on CBSSports.com.

Capital One Bowl: No. 22 Wisconsin vs. No. 11 Texas A&M

Any time Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel is in action, it's worth checking out. Manziel is one of the most exciting players in recent memory, and this could very well be his last game before he goes to the NFL.

The superb sophomore is making a strong case to win a second straight Heisman Trophy.

However, his team does have two losses, and it's largely because Manziel has been carrying a horrendous A&M defense, which would be put to the test against the Badgers' prolific rushing attack.

Between James White and Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin has arguably the best backfield tandem in the country.

Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis has proven to be a reliable go-to target, too, piling up 849 yards and six touchdowns on 54 receptions this season. The showcase between him and A&M playmaker Mike Evans would be fun to watch.

No matter who the competition has been this season, though, Manziel has found a way to put up incredible numbers.

That would continue in this one, as he'd lead the Aggies to a shootout victory to likely close his collegiate career in style.

Prediction: Texas A&M 42, Wisconsin 38

Outback Bowl: No. 16 Michigan State vs. No. 9 Missouri

As highlighted by MLive.com's Mike Griffith, the Spartans rank first in the nation in total defense, rush defense, third-down conversion defense and pass efficiency defense.

Head coach Mark Dantonio has made his defensive-oriented approach stick in East Lansing, and Michigan State is now a force to be reckoned with as a result.

But this game would pit the Spartans against a Tigers team that lost just once this year in double overtime to SEC foe South Carolina. That was also without typical starting quarterback James Franklin, who would in all likelihood be able to play against Sparty.

The front seven is led by linebackers Denicos Allen and Max Bullough, who command the defense from the middle linebacker spot.

However, with a three-deep Tigers backfield and Franklin as a threat to run with his athleticism, Mizzou would be able to make just enough plays to edge out Michigan State.

Prediction: Missouri 17, Michigan State 10

Cotton Bowl: No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 21 LSU

The quarterback duel here is intriguing, but Tigers defensive coordinator John Chavis would throw a lot of exotic looks at Cowboys QB Clint Chelf—perhaps more than he could handle.

Oklahoma State operates a spread offense reliant on exploiting favorable matchups, which would be fewer against a foe as talented as LSU.

Plus, first-year Tigers play-caller Cam Cameron has gotten a lot out of Zach Mettenberger, who has turned into one of the best pure pocket passers in college football in the pro-style scheme.

Between Mettenberger's lively arm and a dynamic receiver duo in Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, the passing game alone would give the Cowboys' leaky secondary—84th against the pass—enough troubles.

But combine that with 235-pound sophomore Jeremy Hill pounding the rock, and LSU would likely have a great chance at dominating time of possession.

The inaccurate Chelf (50.7 completion percentage) would then be pressured into enough mistakes to ensure a Tigers victory.

Prediction: LSU 35, Oklahoma State 24