Bowl Predictions 2014-15: Full Schedule and Picks for Notable Matchups

College football fans finally got their first glimpse of the bowl season on Saturday, but they still have a lot to look forward to in the next several weeks.

For the first time in the history of college football, there will be a playoff at the Division I level. Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State will all battle for a coveted spot in the national championship.

Outside of the two semifinals, four other bowls were decided by the playoff selection committee. Baylor and TCU may have missed out of the playoff, but they will get a chance at redemption in the Cotton and Peach Bowls, respectively.

Here's a look at the complete schedule and picks for the biggest matchups.

Bowl Game	Date	Matchup	Predicted Winner
Sugar Bowl	Jan. 1	No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Ohio State	Alabama
Rose Bowl	Jan. 1	No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 3 Florida State	Oregon
Cotton Bowl	Jan. 1	Michigan State vs. Baylor	Baylor
Orange Bowl	Dec. 31	Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech	Mississippi State
Fiesta Bowl	Dec. 31	Boise State vs. Arizona	Boise State
Peach Bowl	Dec. 31	Ole Miss vs. TCU	Ole Miss

Breakdown of Notable Bowls

By this point, every fan has dissected and taken in just about everything possible surrounding the Sugar and Rose Bowls. Both games feature massive matchups, but the other four selection committee contests offer plenty of intrigue as well.

One of the biggest contests will take place in Glendale, Arizona with two familiar programs. Arizona comes in with potential home-field advantage, but Boise State has a bit of history at the Fiesta Bowl.

After knocking off Oklahoma in 2007 and the previously undefeated TCU in 2010, the Broncos know all about stepping up on the big stage. This time around, they have another explosive running back in Jay Ajayi, as the team's official account notes:

Ajayi put up career highs in nearly every category this season, tallying 2,225 yards from scrimmage and 29 total touchdowns—10 more than his sophomore season. He's been so successful with the Broncos that he'll likely forgo his final year in Boise, per Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports:

"

#BoiseState RB Jay Ajayi is heavily leaning toward entering the 2015 NFL Draft, per a source close to the situation.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) December 18, 2014"

Along with Ajayi, Grant Hedrick is looking to go out on top as a senior. The Broncos quarterback has 30 total touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but he offers enough mobility to potentially find the same success as Marcus Mariota against the Wildcats defense.

Over in Arlington, Baylor will be looking to prove it was worthy of earning a playoff spot. The Bears were overlooked by the selection committee in favor of Ohio State despite defeating Kansas State in the final weekend.

Much of Baylor's success over the last several seasons has been because of Bryce Petty. The quarterback has been up-and-down all year, but he still finished the year with 26 passing touchdowns to just six interceptions. Petty spoke about his expectations of his final year, via Max Olson of ESPN.com.

“Obviously I’d want it different,” Petty said. “Shoot, I’d love to be No. 1 on the Heisman list. I’d love to be the No. 1 pick coming out. I’d love to have 40 touchdowns, no picks.”

Baylor and Petty might be looking to prove themselves on New Year's Day, but Michigan State will be a difficult test. The Spartans feature a battle-tested quarterback in Connor Cook and a dynamic running back in Jeremy Langford.

Cook has already made his intentions clear about returning next season and will look to prove he's one of the best in the country against Petty. Mike Huguenin of NFL.com believes Cook is a Heisman contender for next year, via Spartan Football's Twitter:

After claiming the Rose Bowl MVP last season, Cook will look to star in another huge game for the Spartans. Having a tailback in Langford that has rushed for an average of 134 yards and 2.5 touchdowns in his last six games makes Michigan State's backfield even more dangerous.

All six games feature great matchups, but the offensive fireworks in both the Fiesta and Cotton Bowls should be something to watch for college football fans.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.