BCS Bowl Predictions: Picks Against the Spread for Each Remaining BCS Tilt

College football's bowl season is nearly over, but there are still a few huge games remaining. In fact, there are three BCS bowls left to be played, and all of them bring a great deal of intrigue for plenty of different reasons.

One group that is sure to be interested in the BCS bowls is the betting public. Betting on college football is huge throughout the year, but it is an even bigger deal when it comes to bowl games. Even if fans aren't enthralled by the remaining BCS matchups, the betting aspect can certainly make them interesting.

Here are predictions for each of the three remaining BCS bowl games against the spread as bettors look to close out the season on a strong note.

*Spreads courtesy of Bovada

Oklahoma vs. Alabama (-17) (Sugar Bowl)

In what could be one of the most lopsided bowl matchups in recent memory, Alabama will take on Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. The Sooners are normally a national power, and they have lost just twice this season, but they simply don't compare to the Crimson Tide from a talent perspective. Oklahoma has gotten to this point with grit and determination as well as a masterful coaching job by Bob Stoops, while 'Bama has outclassed its opponents with the notable exception of Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

It's certainly possible that motivation will come into play. Although it's an intangible factor, it may allow Oklahoma to hang with Alabama. This game is huge for the Sooners, since they scratched and clawed to get there, but it is basically a consolation prize for the Tide. With that said, Alabama has a long history of success in the Sugar Bowl, according to College GameDay, and it may be motivated to defend that.

As long as Alabama doesn't sleep walk into the game, it should roll. The Sooners can't decide between Blake Bell and Trevor Knight at quarterback, but the Tide's defense should hold either in check. Also, this will be Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron's final collegiate game, and the same can be said for linebacker C.J. Mosley. Players on both sides of the ball will want to learn for their respective leaders, and head coach Nick Saban won't let his team take a lax approach.

Prediction: Alabama 38, Oklahoma 10

Clemson vs. Ohio State (-3) (Orange Bowl)

Both Clemson and Ohio State disappointed in certain ways this season, but it can be argued that their clash in the Orange Bowl will be the most entertaining BCS showdown of all. The Tigers and Buckeyes are stacked with offensive talent, and each team tends to suffer from defensive breakdowns at times, which points toward a high-scoring affair. The Buckeyes boast the No. 3 scoring offense in college football thanks to quarterback Braxton Miller and running back Carlos Hyde, while Clemson isn't far behind.

Inconsistency plagued the Tigers on both sides of the ball this season, but they dropped 38 or more points in a game eight times, so the points come in bunches. From Clemson's perspective, the focus will be on the combination of quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins. This game is particularly important for Boyd, since it is definitely his last game as a Tiger, and he needs a big showing to impress NFL scouts. According to Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated, pundits are so down on Boyd that he has become an underrated prospect.

Boyd was once considered to be a first-round lock, but that is no longer the case. Because of that, he should be motivated to have a big game. In the same vein, that pressure could adversely influence Clemson. Dabo Swinney's squad has a reputation for coming up small when expectations are highest, but that has never been said about an Urban Meyer-coached team. Because of that, look for the Buckeyes to come through with some offensive fireworks.

Prediction: Ohio State: 48, Clemson 31

Florida State (-8) vs. Auburn (National Championship)

Everything will be riding on the National Championship Game between Florida State and Auburn on Jan. 6, and that includes the fortunes of bettors everywhere. The Seminoles vs. Tigers contest figures to be one of the most bet-on sporting events in recent memory, and it should be quite interesting due to the controversial point spread that is currently in place. Florida State has undoubtedly been dominant, but giving eight points to the SEC champion may be a bit much.

The big concern as it relates to Auburn is its ability to come from behind. The Tigers are the No. 1 rushing team in the nation at nearly 336 yards per game, so they are built to play from ahead. The Seminoles have barely trailed this year, though, and they obviously don't intend to in the title game. Nevertheless, according to Brad Edwards of ESPN.com, Auburn may be able to take advantage of vulnerability on Florida State's defense.

Florida State is No. 1 in both points scored and points allowed, but Edwards believes it can be run on. The Seminoles' adjusted efficiency ranking against the run is No. 19 in the nation. That takes into account the quality of the rushing attacks they have faced. For comparison's sake, Alabama is No. 3, and it let Auburn run rampant.

On top of that, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn has been amazed by his team's continued improvement, per Joel A. Erickson of AL.com.

"This group has really, each game, improved. It is hard to improve each game, especially in college football, but our guys have done it, and that's a tribute to them," Malzahn said.

Florida State's dominance can't be understated, especially with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston under center. Thanks to the running of Tre Mason and Nick Marshall, Auburn will keep this one close enough to cover, but Florida State will still survive and complete an undefeated season.

Prediction: Florida State 31, Auburn 28

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