Bowl Projections 2014: Predictions for Best Potential Non-Playoff Matchups

When the College Football Playoff selection committee decides on its final four to include in the postseason picture, all contending teams but those in the nation's elite quartet will be disappointed. But that doesn't exclude them from postseason action.

There are plenty of potential bowl-game matchups to ponder, what with three of the four other marquee contests to be decided by at-large representatives at the committee's discretion.

Championship weekend still leaves a lot to be decided, as teams in the current Top Four could find themselves out of the mix if they stumble.

Provided the weekend doesn't bring too big of a shake-up, though, it's becoming clearer which programs may meet to entertain fans outside of the new playoff format.

Below is an overview of some of the better showdowns that could be on tap once conference championships are decided, along with predictions as to how they'd unfold.

Note: Statistics are courtesy of NCAA.com unless otherwise indicated.

Arizona vs. Ole Miss

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Imagine this: The two teams to beat the top two College Football Playoff seeds squaring off against each other. The Wildcats defeated Oregon on the road, while the Rebels knocked off Alabama in Oxford.

This scenario implies that the Ducks will avenge their only defeat of the year and knock off Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship Game. That will only fuel the fire for a program gaining momentum under coach Rich Rodriguez.

ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg praised the job Rodriguez has done in his short stint in Tucson:

Ole Miss ought to be pumped for the challenge of containing the Wildcats' spread attack with its defense that allows just 4.63 yards per play.

The Rebels just capped off a regular season to be proud of with some encouraging trends in booting Mississippi State from the playoff picture, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Hugh Freeze has done a comparable job in limited time to Rodriguez, building Ole Miss into a formidable force, and the core of the team will have plenty of returning members. This prospective bowl game would be a tone-setter moving forward for both Arizona and the Rebels.

Freshman Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon would be the X-factor in this one, because the Rebels would be keyed in on stopping first-year star rusher Nick Wilson, who's already had 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.

The disparity in defenses would likely give Ole Miss the edge, but it would be close, given Rebels QB Bo Wallace's tendency to turn the ball over, what with five interceptions in as many recent starts.

Prediction: Ole Miss 28, Arizona 24

Ohio State vs. Mississippi State

Even if the Buckeyes win the Big Ten title, they still may be on the outside looking in at the Top Four. Part of the reason is that OSU is down to its third QB in Cardale Jones.

Jones' play will determine how formidable the Bucks look in the committee's eyes should they emerge with the conference championship versus Wisconsin. ESPN.com reporter Brian Bennett doesn't believe it's feasible for OSU to sneak in at this point:

Matching up with the new system's inaugural No. 1 team in Mississippi State isn't a bad consolation prize for the Buckeyes, though.

The SEC has given Ohio State fits, highlighted in an embarrassing 41-14 national championship loss to Florida following the 2005 campaign. Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer happened to be at the helm of that loaded Gators team.

Although OSU boasts a stout front seven and is 19th in the country in total defense (h/t NCAA.com), containing the Bulldogs' dual-threat signal-caller Dak Prescott would be a tall order. That's what would make this game such a compelling test.

Despite two losses down the stretch, there's no denying Prescott has helped put Mississippi State on the map in 2014 with his brilliant play:

Under Jones' direction, Ohio State would likely have to pound the rock from the spread with sophomore tailback Ezekiel Elliott and hope Jones can also be a threat on read-option keepers.

Imposing physical will on an SEC defense that yields 3.7 yards per carry and is headlined by star linebacker Benardrick McKinney will be tough for the Buckeyes to do.

However, they could gain national clout and establish a springboard for 2015 national contention by defeating a quality opponent from what's widely perceived as the best conference.

It would probably come down to which QB could make a big play when it mattered most, and for that reason, Prescott and Mississippi State get the nod in what would be a thrilling contest.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Ohio State 20

Georgia Tech vs. Michigan State

Two of the nation's top 10 teams in turnover margin would battle it out for bragging rights in what might be a game filled with explosive plays and quick scores.

Both offensive lines like to get physical and run the ball, yet Connor Cook offers Sparty a big edge under center. Michigan State's defense is also far superior.

Cornerback Trae Waynes can lock down anyone in the Yellow Jackets' receiving corps, and the Spartans have the personnel on the defensive line to make Georgia Tech's one-dimensional, triple-option rushing attack wilt.

A devastating loss in DeAndre Smelter, the Yellow Jackets' leading receiver with 715 yards on 35 receptions and seven touchdowns, added a Pyrrhic victory element to the team's triumph over Georgia last week. Per Kelly Quinlan of Rivals.com:

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson weighed in on Smelter's absence on Sunday before he was ruled out for the rest of the year, via ESPN.com's Andrea Adelson:

"

He's been a really good player for us all year. He's been a go-to guy, not only receiving but he's a really good blocker and a really good football player. If he doesn't play, he's a guy we'll really miss. But our feel has been it's gotta be the next guy up. We play a lot of guys at that position. Micheal Summers, Ricky Jeune, Corey Dennis will have to step it up.

"

One constant positive, though, is that prospective ACC runners-up—provided Georgia Tech falls to Florida State in the conference championship—keep drives alive better than anyone in the country.

The Justin Thomas-led offense converts third downs at a 57.4 percent clip—ahead of both Auburn and Alabama, respectively.

But thanks to its excellent balance between Cook's savvy and Jeremy Langford's ball-carrying faculties, Sparty is 12th with a success rate of 48.3 percent on third down. Coach Mark Dantonio's defense also only concedes 30.5 percent of conversions to opponents.

In arguably the most critical areas of the game—third downs and turnovers—Michigan State is just a little bit better.

This clash of iron wills would go Sparty's way. Thomas' unique play at quarterback—he has a 16-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and leads Georgia Tech in rushing—would make it closer than many would expect for three quarters until passing becomes necessary.

Prediction: Michigan State 31, Georgia Tech 21