College Football Bowl Projections For Week 8: Is Auburn Too Strong To Stop?
Welcome to the eighth installment of the weekly Bleacher Report Bowl Projection series.
Summary and analysis is presented for all 35 postseason bowl games.
In the following pages you will find specific articles regarding the 20 highest-paying bowls, each detailing how the teams were chosen and who will be the most likely contenders for these contests.
The remaining 15 bowls reward participants with payouts of less than one million dollars. These contests are listed as a group on page two of this article.
The choices presented here are updated on a weekly basis. They include the outcome of past games and a team's upcoming schedule.
Reader participation is strongly encouraged each-and-every week. All followers should feel free to leave comments regarding their impressions of bowl matchups and how these games may develop over the course of the season.
Participants that leave comments will make a difference in what schools are selected for the bowl games. Final analysis and predictions will be a combination of the readers' suggestions and the writer's personal opinions.
The bowl presentation order reflects the amount of money paid to schools for playing in the game.
Information concerning conference affiliations to specific bowl games is part of each analysis.
We kindly ask all readers to provide their ideas and predictions of which teams go to these contests. Only with your assistance may we gather a consensus regarding the continuing developments and provide the most accurate predictions possible.
Now that we've covered the bases, let us take a look at how the events of last Saturday affected your team and its postseason destination.
The 15 Bowls Paying $1 Million Or Less To Participants
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In the traditional order of bowl projections, the games would be listed in order from the first played to the last played. Unfortunately, this sort of method removes the element of money paid to the schools and ignores the success of teams during the season.
The 35 bowl games listed here are in order of the amount of money paid to the participants.
By using this system, we do not devalue the Sugar Bowl or increase the prestige of the Birmingham Bowl simply based upon what date the bowl game takes place.
We begin with the following 15 bowls who pay out $1 million or less to the schools invited.
Bowl Date Place Payout Conf. Tie-Ins Projected Matchup
No.35: New Orleans Dec. 18 New Orleans $325,000 Sun Belt, CUSA Troy vs. SMU
No.34: Texas Dec. 29 Houston $612,500 Big Ten, Big 12 Indiana vs. Kansas St.
No.33: New Mexico Dec. 18 Albuquerque $750,000 MWC, WAC BYU vs. Fresno State
No.32: Armed Forces Dec. 30 Dallas $750,000 CUSA, MWC Tulsa vs. Army*
No.31: Hawaii Dec. 24 Honolulu $750,000 CUSA, WAC Houston vs. Hawaii
No.30: Poinsettia Dec. 23 San Diego $750,000 MWC, Navy San Diego St. vs. Navy
No.29: Kraft Jan. 9 San Fran. $750,000 WAC, Pac-10 Nevada vs. Washington
No.28: GMAC Jan. 6 Mobile $750,000 MAC, Sun Belt Temple vs. M. Tenn. St.
No.27: Humanitarian Dec. 18 Boise $750,000 WAC, MAC Idaho vs. Ohio U.
No.26: Little Caesars Dec. 26 Detroit $750,000 MAC, Big Ten N. Illinois vs. N'western
No.25: Birmingham Jan. 8 Birmingham $900,000 SEC, Big East Kentucky vs. South Fla.
No.24: Meineke Dec. 31 Charlotte $1,000,000 ACC, Big East UNC vs. Louisville
No.23: Eagle Dec. 29 Washington $1,000,000 ACC, CUSA Maryland vs. E. Carolina
No.22: St. Pete Dec. 21 St. Pete $1,000,000 Big East, CUSA Syracuse vs. Sou. Miss.
No.21: MAACO Dec. 22 Las Vegas $1,000,000 MWC, Pac-10 TCU vs. California
The choice for the MAACO is TCU based upon the analysis that Utah will defeat TCU in a battle of unbeatens for the Mountain West crown.
Void of their high BCS ranking, the Horned Frogs could tumble down the ladder in the manner outlined. Likewise, if Utah loses its home contest with TCU, the Utes will be placed in this spot for the MWC.
In either case, California will make a highly desirable opponent in the MAACO.
The St. Petersburg Bowl may attract the surprising Orange of Syracuse to tangle with traditionally strong Southern Mississippi of Conference USA in one of the more intriguing clashes of "North versus South" in the Bowl picture.
The Kraft Hunger Bowl in San Francisco could find itself with one of the most interesting of the lesser-paying bowl games with Jake Locker and Washington going up against "The Pistol" offense of Nevada.
The Birmingham Bowl sets up another unique challenge for the SEC against a Big East opponent while the New Mexico Bowl continues to labor under the pressure that comes from being the first of all postseason contests each year.
The Armed Forces Bowl may turn to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point if no viable Mountain West opponent is available for nearby Tulsa of Conference USA.
Troy will win the Sun Belt Conference and opt for the bright lights and night life of New Orleans. The Trojans may face a strong opponent in Coach June Jones and his SMU Mustangs.
The GMAC features a nice location for the up-and-coming Temple Owls to demonstrate their balanced attack against Sun Belt-entry Middle Tennessee State.
The Eagle Bank, Hawaii, Poinsettia, New Orleans, Humanitarian, Little Caesars and Meineke Bowls are examples of choices purely of more local interest to fill seats.
The Texas Bowl may sound more like a basketball game with the Hoosiers and Wildcats.
In the following pages you will find the 20 bowl games paying out more than $1 million to those fortunate enough to receive invitations.
No.20: The Independence Bowl
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Date: December 27, 2010
Place: Shreveport, Louisiana
Payout: $1,100,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Mountain West No.3 vs. ACC No.7
Projected Matchup: Air Force vs. Ga Tech
The Yellow Jackets provide the name recognition under the new ACC contract with the Independence Bowl.
Air Force is recognized nationally as well, and provides an outstanding representative under the new contract the Mountain West Conference secured with the Independence Bowl.
If the Falcons stun highly-ranked Utah and the Yellow Jackets take down highly-regarded Virginia Tech, both schools will move up to higher-paying bowls.
No.19: Dallas Football Classic
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Dallas, Texas
Payout: $1,200,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 7 vs. Big 12 No. 8
Projected Matchup: Penn State vs. Baylor
The Bears from Waco are enjoying a fine turnaround season and should be rewarded as the host team in the new Dallas Football Classic, played at the site of the old Cotton Bowl stadium.
Penn State and coach Joe Paterno will bring national exposure to the inaugural event.
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No.18: The Music City Bowl
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Date: December 30, 2010
Place: Nashville, Tennessee
Payout: $1,600,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 7 vs. ACC No.6
Projected Matchup: Mississippi vs. N.C. State
The two premier southern football conferences, SEC and ACC, meet in the interesting locations of Nashville and Atlanta during the postseason.
While the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Georgia produces a more "cosmopolitan" contest, it is the Music City in Tennessee which has provided action demonstrating the true "Hatfield and McCoys" attitude of the SEC and ACC.
Two ancient names in Dixie football lore, "State" and "Ole Miss", should be plucked from the field to do battle in this year's postseason gala.
The Wolfpack and Rebels will get down and dirty with the best of them. As southerners like to say, "this one could get nasty in a hurry."
Expect this game to go down to the wire as the Music City Bowl game usually does not disappoint.
No.17: The Liberty Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: Memphis, Tennessee
Payout: $1,700,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 8 vs. Conference USA No. 1
Projected Matchup: Arkansas vs. Central Florida
The storied Liberty Bowl usually provides a measurement for the Conference USA champion to match strength with the SEC.
Central Florida has the most complete team in CUSA and a coach in George O'Leary (see picture) who knows how to win with defense.
Arkansas fans would fill the stadium, and the Razorbacks may require an offensive fireworks display in order to escape the clutches of the Conference USA champion.
No.16: The Sun Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: El Paso, Texas
Payout: $1,900,000
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 4 vs. Pac-10 No. 4
Projected Matchup: Clemson vs. Oregon State
In the first year of the ACC contract with the venerable Sun Bowl, the Tigers of Clemson should be chosen due to their traveling fanbase and an entertaining brand of football.
Oregon State will provide an exciting opponent. One who is battle hardened after facing Boise State, TCU, and Arizona all away from home.
The inside story in this clash would match two former Alabama Crimson Tide football players against each other. Beavers coach Mike Riley played for Bear Bryant and Tigers coach Dabo Swinney played for Gene Stallings.
Perhaps it should be nicknamed "The Alabama Alumni Bowl" for 2010.
Roll Tide.
No.15: The Pinstripe Bowl
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Date: December 30, 2010
Place: The Bronx in New York City (Yankee Stadium)
Payout: $2,000,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Big East No. 4 vs. Big 12 No. 7
Projected Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Texas Tech
New York has all of the support systems in place for the new Pinstripe Bowl, and the location is sure to become one of the most popular postseason destinations.
The Pinstripe will pay $2 million to its participants, chosen from two BCS conferences as a tie-in.
Notre Dame is eligible for Big East bowl connections. The Irish are also listed as a backup team from the Big 12 in case the conference cannot produce a qualifying team.
New Yorkers expect two big names to be responsible for entertaining residents of the Big Apple.
The situation for Notre Dame is precarious as the Irish must finish with at least six wins to qualify for a postseason visit.
Texas Tech brings a balanced team led by coach Tommy Tuberville, who knows how to handle big time situations. The Red Raiders have the kind of football reputation New Yorkers demand.
No.14: The Champs Sports Bowl
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Date: December 28, 2010
Place: Orlando, Florida
Payout: $2,130,000
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 3 vs. Big East No. 2
Projected Matchup: Florida State vs. West Virginia
The new Champs Sports Bowl contract brings in the No. 2 team from the Big East to face a highly-regarded ACC opponent.
FSU is capable of winning the ACC and going to the Orange Bowl. If they do not qualify for the Orange Bowl, expect the Seminoles to head for Orlando as a consolation prize.
The Mountaineers of West Virginia may just come up short in the Big East and arrive in town for a rematch of last season's Gator Bowl contest.
No.13: The Holiday Bowl
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Date: Dec. 30, 2010
Place: San Diego, California
Payout: $2,200,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Pac-10 No. 3 vs. Big 12 No. 5
Projected Matchup: Arizona vs. Texas
The Longhorns have an opportunity to correct their problems and finish strong.
Arizona is capable of going to a BCS postseason affair.
With these two schools, the Holiday would have an interesting match with teams that can attract a televised audience and fill the stands.
No.12: The Alamo Bowl
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Date: Dec. 29, 2010
Place: San Antonio, Texas
Payout: $2,225,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Pac-10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3
Projected Matchup: Stanford vs. Oklahoma
The Alamo Bowl has a new contract that provides the San Antonio classic with the second-place team from the Pac-10.
Stanford looks like the most likely candidate from the West.
Oklahoma is a powerful team, one who can and will put points on the board.
Both teams are dangerous and could wreck the best laid plans of future opponents.
These two potential BCS squads should make for a very attractive Alamo Bowl.
No.11: The Gator Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Jacksonville, Florida
Payout: $2,750,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 6 vs. Big Ten No. 4
Projected Matchup: Florida vs. Illinois
This is the first year of the Big Ten and SEC tie-in contract with the Gator Bowl. A top-quality matchup will be a necessity for officials, sponsors and local businesses.
Florida can sell out the Jacksonville stadium.
Illinois can bring huge Chicago-area media exposure.
The clash between these two teams also would provide former Florida headman, and current Illinois coach, Ron Zook an opportunity to revisit old friends.
That remark is made with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
Such a meeting in Jacksonville would make for a most interesting contest on New Year's Day.
No.10: The Outback Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Tampa, Florida
Payout: $3,100,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 3
Projected Matchup: South Carolina vs. Michigan State
Coach Steve Spurrier has done a fine job of bringing along the Gamecock program to compete for an SEC championship.
Were it not for squandering an 18-point halftime lead at Kentucky, the Gamecocks would be in the thick of the BCS top 10 rankings.
Michigan State has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, winning games with execution under stressful situations.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio played football for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 1970s.
The Spartans' leader should welcome the opportunity of coaching against his alma mater.
Consider this a bowl game which needs to be played.
No.9: The Chick-Fil-A Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: Atlanta, Georgia
Payout: $3,250,000 for the ACC and $2,400,000 for the SEC
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 2 vs. SEC No. 5
Projected Matchup: Miami vs. Georgia
If the Hurricanes fail to win the ACC, they should end up in Atlanta to face the nearby Bulldogs of Athens.
Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt played quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes in college.
Georgia has turned the corner on its season and looks to be a strong finisher.
In the tradition of previous contests in the Atlanta bowl, this one has a chance to be special.
No.8: The Insight Bowl
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Date: December 28, 2010
Place: Tempe, Arizona
Payout: $3,325,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 5 vs. Big 12 No. 4
Projected Matchup: Michigan vs. Oklahoma State
Since the Insight has become a big-money player in the bowl selection process, it will not be surprising to find teams with a national following going into the desert to reap the rewards.
The Wolverines are an attractive choice for any postseason event because they have an enormous following.
The Cowboys feature a high-wire act of an offense and are not likely to slow down this year.
With the big-money contract in their back pocket, this battle in the desert could be one of the most exciting events of the postseason.
No.7: The Cotton Bowl
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Date: January 7, 2011
Place: Arlington, Texas
Payout: $3,575,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 3 vs. Big 12 No. 2
Projected Matchup: Missouri vs. Mississippi State
The Cotton Bowl, with its storied legacy and incomparable new surroundings, is on the verge of becoming a BCS bowl.
On the first Friday night in January, the Cotton Bowl will be the only game on the television and sponsors should expect some of the highest ratings in the postseason.
If Missouri loses to Nebraska, the Cotton Bowl seems the apparent destination for the Tigers. Naturally, if they win that contest, the Fiesta is the logical possibility for Mizzou.
The maroon Bulldogs from Starkville are demonstrating what can be accomplished when the right coach is in place.
Mississippi State is surprising team after team this season and should be rewarded with a great bowl game invitation.
No.6: The Capital One Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Orlando, Florida
Payout: $4,250,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2
Projected Matchup: LSU vs. Iowa
Two schools who could have easily met for the BCS title.
In the upper-stratosphere of non-BCS games, this one is as good as it gets.
The Tigers can still get here even if they lose to Alabama. If the Bayou Bengals defeat the Crimson Tide expect Alabama in this position and LSU in the BCS bowl mix.
Iowa should upset Michigan State this week and secure the coveted No.2 Big Ten bowl position in the old "Citrus Bowl."
Expect nothing less than a thriller if these two tangle.
No.5: The Fiesta Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Glendale, Arizona
Payout: $17,000,000
Conference Tie-In: Big 12 No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large Selection
Projected Matchup: Nebraska vs. Utah
The reasoning here is for the Cornhuskers to take out Missouri and win the Big 12 championship.
Provided Utah defeats Air Force, TCU, and Notre Dame, an unbeaten Utes squad would be a most attractive selection for the Fiesta.
If TCU defeats Utah, several possibilities exist for the Horned Frogs, including playing in the BCS title game.
Playing only a hunch, let's go with Nebraska vs. Utah in the Fiesta Bowl.
No.4: The Orange Bowl
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Date: January 3, 2011
Place: Miami, Florida
Payout: $17,000,000
Conference Tie-In: ACC No. 1 vs. At-Large BCS Selection
Projected Matchup: Virginia Tech vs. Ohio State
In a close battle for the ACC crown, the rejuvenated VPI Gobblers appear to have the momentum to win the title.
No disrespect to James Madison, but the Hokies were on a major disconsolate downer the week after losing a tight contest to mighty Boise State.
The VT of the past six weeks is the best team in the ACC.
The Orange Bowl will pick ahead of the Fiesta Bowl and choose a one-loss Ohio State team as the at-large BCS opponent for the ACC Champs.
Should be a good one.
No.3: The Sugar Bowl
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Date: January 4, 2011
Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Payout: $17,000,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
Projected Matchup: Alabama vs. Pittsburgh
This is where the plot thickens.
If the Sugar Bowl loses its "tie-in" conference champion to the BCS title game, they can choose a qualifying at-large team as a replacement.
If that is the case in 2010, a two loss Crimson Tide team would be scooped up as the first selection of the Sugar Bowl, given that Alabama beats LSU.
If the Bayou Bengals defeat the Tide, the projected SEC teams in Sugar and Capital One would switch.
Pittsburgh looks to be the strongest Big East team. The conference champion of the Big East qualifies for a BCS invitation.
Given the set of circumstances at present, Alabama vs. Pittsburgh appears to be a good possibility for the Sugar Bowl.
No.2: The Rose Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Pasadena, California
Payout: $17,000,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Pac-10 No. 1 vs. Big Ten No. 1
Projected Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Oregon
The Badgers from Madison perform their duties with textbook execution. For that reason, Wisconsin gets the nod to finish as the regular season champion of the Big Ten.
Oregon could ride into November as an undefeated squad worthy of consideration for the BCS title game. But the Ducks have a difficult schedule the rest of the season.
It appears there is enough competition to keep the Ducks in the Rose Bowl instead of Glendale.
No.1: The BCS Title Game
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The Date: January 10, 2011
The Place: Glendale, Arizona
Payout: $17,000,000
Conference Tie-Ins: None. No. 1 against No. 2 in the final regular season BCS Poll.
Projected Matchup: Boise State vs. Auburn
These two teams could end the season undefeated and ranked No. 1 and 2 in the final poll.
If that is the case, they will play for the BCS title regardless of what anyone else accomplishes during the 2010 season.
Boise State continues to defeat everyone it plays.
It is only a matter of time before other unbeaten teams around them in the BCS poll begin losing, which should put the Broncos in one of the top two positions in the final regular season poll.
Auburn has a most difficult path ahead of it. If they survive unscathed, the Tigers are a lock for No.1 in the country—for this week at least.
The Cool Down Lap: The Readers Take Over
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Many thanks to Oregon supporter David Hedlind and Wisconsin guru Carl Stine for taking the time to provide winners in specific bowl games.
Thanks also to Brandon Hamblen and Dan Boone for giving us a complete breakdown of the bowl scenarios.
And, a heartfelt "thank you" to Bronco Dad, Tim Croley, and the many others who provided information concerning the Bleacher Report Bowl Projection series.
A tally of the "Big Six" bowl games is in order. From the past week we find the consensus of readers who left comments as follows:
BCS National Championship: Oregon vs. Michigan State
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. TCU
Orange Bowl: Miami vs. Auburn
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
Capital Bowl: Arkansas vs. Iowa
Cotton Bowl: Missouri vs. LSU
Sports fans, the bowl situation changes weekly. Just look at the results from last week when Missouri toppled Oklahoma, LSU lost to Auburn, West Virginia fell to Syracuse and Iowa lost to Wisconsin.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
