College Football Bowl Projections: Auburn and Oregon Hear Wisconsin's Footsteps
Welcome to the 13th installment of the Bleacher Report Bowl Projection Series.
Readers will find a projection of participants in all 35 postseason college bowl games along with a summary and analysis for each event.
The Bleacher Report Bowl Projection Series is a combination of the readers' suggestions and the writer's opinion.
The method of how teams are chosen for specific bowl games will be detailed along with the conference tie-ins and selection order for each postseason event. The choices presented in this series are updated on a weekly basis. The projection forecast contains the results of past games as well as upcoming contests.
The order of bowl presentation in this article reflects the amount of money paid to schools for playing in the event. This will prevent any false emphasis on a contest due simply to what day the game is played.
Reader participation is strongly encouraged. Please feel free to leave comments regarding your impression of the matchups as well as your own bowl projections.
Information concerning conference affiliations to specific bowl games is part of each breakdown. In order to project a specific team for a bowl game, simply follow the conference tie-ins for the postseason contest.
Join us now for the latest journey into the Bleacher Report Bowl Projection Series.
The 10 Bowl Games Paying $750,000 or Less To Participants
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We begin the process by turning to the 10 lowest-paying bowls.
Because some conferences will not produce enough teams to be available for selection, several tie-ins may need to be filled with qualifying schools from other leagues.
An example would be the Kraft Bowl, in which the Pac-10 appears unlikely to produce a candidate to face the powerful Nevada Wolfpack.
If this dilemma comes about, word may be sent to the Mid-American Conference. Toledo qualifies for a postseason invitation but it could be squeezed out of the selection process.
The Rockets could then arrive to take the place of the depleted Pac-10 entry.
The Armed Forces Bowl is slated to have a Mountain West Conference representative against a Conference-USA squad. Army can qualify as a replacement team for the C-USA and accepted a bid to play in this bowl game.
SMU may step in as a replacement for the MWC. The bowl game will be played at SMU due to renovations to the usual Fort Worth site.
The New Orleans Bowl features the Sun Belt champion against a Conference-USA representative. The Florida International Panthers appear to be in the best position to capture the Sun Belt title.
In the C-USA pecking order, the Hawaii Bowl has a high priority and could choose powerful Tulsa as an opponent for hometown Hawaii.
The C-USA opening in the Crescent City game could be filled by Texas El Paso, which has already qualified with six wins.
Bowl Name Date Venue Payout Conf. Tie-Ins Projected Matchup
No. 35: New Orleans Dec. 18 New Orleans $325,000 Sun Belt, CUSA Fla. Int'l vs. UTEP
No. 34: Texas Dec. 29 Houston $612,500 Big Ten, Big 12 Illinois vs. Texas Tech
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 Army* vs. SMU
No. 31: Hawaii Dec. 24 Honolulu $750,000 CUSA, WAC Tulsa 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. Toledo**
No. 28: GoDaddy.Com Jan. 6 Mobile $750,000 MAC, Sun Belt Miami (O) vs. Troy
No. 27: Humanitarian Dec. 18 Boise $750,000 WAC, MAC Boise St.. vs. Ohio U.
No. 26: Little Caesars Dec. 26 Detroit $750,000 MAC, Big Ten N. Ill. vs. Louisville***
The selection process is unclear concerning the Kraft Bowl, in which Nevada of the WAC is anxious to travel over to San Francisco to face a Pac-10 foe.
It seems unreasonable to expect Nevada to go to the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho. They would run into an angry group of locals bent on destruction of the Wolfpack due to the upset loss Boise State suffered at the hands of Nevada.
This is the first year of the WAC tie-in, which had previously belonged to the ACC.
Without an eligible Pac-10 opponent to face the Wolfpack, Toledo of the Mid-American Conference could be summoned as the replacement selection.
The Poinsettia appears set with San Diego State and Navy.
The New Mexico Bowl has the opportunity to match Fresno State against BYU in the opening event of the postseason.
The Humanitarian should extend an invitation to hometown Boise State of the WAC. The Broncos could benefit from the support of their loyal fans in this time of despair. The MAC selection may go to coach Frank Solich and his Ohio Bobcats.
The Little Caesar's Bowl invites the MAC champion, and that should be Northern Illinois. The Big Ten appears to have no qualified candidate so the Big East could be asked to supply Louisville as a replacement team.
The Texas Bowl seems to have an excellent contest with Illinois and Texas Tech.
GoDaddy.com (old GMAC bowl) needs Troy to continue to win in order to qualify as the Sun Belt entry, simply from the fan-attendance angle.
Miami of Ohio of the Mid-American Conference seems to be the likely opponent for Troy.
No. 25: The BBVA Compass Bowl
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Date: January 8, 2011
Place: Birmingham, Alabama
Payout: $900,000
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 8 vs. Big East No. 7
Formerly known as the Birmingham Bowl.
Projected Matchup: Kentucky vs. Pittsburgh
The BBVA Compass Bowl now has the security of a being a sponsored event.
Last week we called for a Tennessee upset of Kentucky. The Volunteers responded and, as a result, the Wildcats will now head to Birmingham as the SEC representative.
Pittsburgh, slowly sinking in the Big East standings, can create a big-name atmosphere with appeal outside of the Southeast.
No. 24: The Beef O'Brady Bowl
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Date: December 21, 2010
Place: St. Petersburg, Florida
Payout: $1 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Big East No. 6 vs. Conference USA No. 4
Note: Formerly known as the St. Petersburg Bowl.
Projected Matchup: South Florida vs. Southern Mississippi
(Southern Mississippi accepted a bid to play in this bowl game on 12/2/10)
Coach Skip Holtz has his Bulls performing extremely well in the Big East Conference. South Florida is quite capable of knocking off Big East front-runner UConn in the season finale.
Conference-selection preference may be arranged to allow the Bulls to stay near home for the postseason.
Southern Mississippi is well known for providing solid competition against even the most formidable opponents.
This contest would be an entertaining test of line strength, speed and coaching ability.
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No. 23: The Military Bowl
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Date: December 29, 2010
Place: Washington, D.C.
Payout: $1 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 8 vs. CUSA No. 6
Note: Formerly known as the Eagle Bank Bowl.
Projected Matchup: Boston College vs. East Carolina
(East Carolina accepted a bid to play in this bowl game on 12/2/10)
The opportunity for ACC officials to provide the lone-wolf Eagles of Boston College a chance to stay closer to home during the bowl season should not be ignored.
The East Carolina Pirates are masters of the upset special and have a sizable traveling fan base.
No. 22: The Meineke Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: Charlotte, North Carolina
Payout: $1 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Big East No. 3 vs. ACC No. 5
Projected Matchup: Connecticut vs. UNC
With the arrival of the dynamic new Pinstripe Bowl in New York City, and the possibility of USF staying in St. Petersburg, the field narrows concerning available Big East participants for the Meineke Bowl.
The UConn Huskies are in an envious position in the Big East title chase. However, a loss to Coach Skip Holtz and his South Florida Bulls this weekend would change the conference pecking order.
Charlotte has long coveted the Clemson Tigers and would put together any deal necessary to land them.
If Clemson and N.C. State are not available, UNC should be delighted to accept another invitation to their beloved Meineke Bowl.
No. 21 The MAACO Bowl
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Date: December 22, 2010
Place: Las Vegas, Nevada
Payout: $1 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Mountain West No. 1 vs. Pac-10 No. 5
Projected Matchup: Utah vs. Georgia Tech*
Utah recovered from the TCU and Notre Dame nightmares to finish the season strong and qualify for the top bowl destination available to the Mountain West—the MAACO Bowl.
The Pac-10 position seems likely to be unfilled, partially due to USC's probation and partially due to an injury-riddled season for West Coast schools.
Because of the unusually-high stature of the Las Vegas event in the scope of the Mountain West Conference, a distress signal should be sent out for a respected program that has missed out on a bowl invitation in its own conference.
Last year's Orange Bowl participant, Georgia Tech of the ACC, is just what this postseason event needs.
This contest will provide a curious battle between the vaunted avalanche rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets and the high-flying offense of the Utes.
If this match can be made, it would provide the enormous entertainment value the city of Las Vegas is known to covet.
No. 20: The Independence Bowl
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Date: December 27, 2010
Place: Shreveport, Louisiana
Payout: $1.1 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Mountain West No. 3 vs. ACC No. 7
Projected Matchup: Air Force vs. Clemson
We now enter the world of bowl games paying over $1 million to the teams involved. The increased reward builds excitement and interest among the public.
Air Force has performed well this season and it has a national following.
The Clemson fan base travels well to bowl locations and will support the Tigers' football team.
Since the ACC and Mountain West have a new contract with the Independence Bowl, they each want to present well-known and exciting teams.
Independence officials attended the Clemson-South Carolina game on Saturday and came away impressed.
This seems to be a good offering for the Shreveport gala event.
No. 19: The Ticket City Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Dallas, Texas
Payout: $1.2 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 7 vs. Big 12 No. 8
Note: Formerly known as the Dallas Football Classic.
Projected Matchup: Northwestern vs. Baylor
In this inaugural bowl game, played at the site of the Cotton Bowl Stadium, local fans would welcome these two schools as the projected contestants.
The Baylor Bears have produced a comeback season and Northwestern is a consistently rugged opponent.
These two teams would make for an interesting contest on New Year's Day in the first-ever Ticket City Bowl.
No. 18: The Music City Bowl
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Date: December 30, 2010
Place: Nashville, Tennessee
Payout: $1.6 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 7 vs. ACC No. 6
Projected Matchup: Tennessee vs. N.C. State
The Volunteers won their way into the bowl-selection process by turning a moribund season into a comparative success.
It is difficult to imagine a bowl game in Nashville not inviting Tennessee.
N.C. State of the Atlantic Coast Conference provides a regional opponent with a dynamic quarterback and exciting offense.
If the Meineke Bowl passes on the Wolfpack in order to take UNC once again, expect State to land in Nashville. If the Wolfpack ends up in Charlotte, look for UNC to head off for the Music City Bowl.
No. 17: The Liberty Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: Memphis, Tennessee
Payout: $1.7 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Conference USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 8
Projected Matchup: Central Florida vs. Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs have an opportunity to secure a position in the legendary Liberty Bowl opposite the Conference-USA champion.
This would be a familiar matchup for coach George O'Leary of the Knights, who spent many years at Georgia Tech.
The Knights will have to meet the challenge of winning the C-USA championship game in order to secure the Liberty Bowl invitation.
Georgia has performed inconsistently over the past three seasons. If Georgia's offense is on, the Bulldogs will provide quite an obstacle for the C-USA champions.
No. 16: The Sun Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: El Paso, Texas
Payout: $1.9 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 4 vs. Pac-10 No. 4
Projected Matchup: Miami vs. Arizona State
The new contract between the ACC and the Sun Bowl will present a stage for continued football excitement in the city of the Sun Carnival.
For over 75 years, the venerable old Sun Bowl has been providing unforgettable entertainment.
The Pac-10 is having a difficult time fielding squads that are eligible for the postseason. There simply aren't enough teams with six wins at this juncture.
If the Sun Devils can pull the upset of Arizona this week, they will reach the qualification of six wins. With small college victories, the Devils will need a pass from the NCAA to go bowling.
According to information from the NCAA, the requirements for bowl participation may be dropped to 5-7 instead of 6-6 this season for selected bowl games.
That would be the anti-MAC rule as the Mid American has several qualified teams but big money is on the line and El Paso and other bowl locations are not about to trust their economic future to Western Michigan and the gang from Kalamazoo.
Likewise, the Temple Owls do not generate enthusiasm throughout the southwest as a visiting MAC entry..
Anyway, we'll see how it plays out this week.
A matchup between Arizona State and Miami would provide a high-scoring contest with a backdrop of intrigue.
Why should these two teams be given the opportunity to visit the Sun Bowl?
With its high selection order, the Sun Bowl has the opportunity to secure a Miami team that has lost its head coach and is mired in difficulty everywhere it turns in the Southeast.
The Hurricanes would do well to get out of the area and concentrate on playing a football game.
Since the ACC wishes to present a quality product for its first offering under the conference contract with the Sun Bowl, the nationally famous name of Miami seems in order.
Expect the drama and action each fan craves if the Hurricanes do face former head coach Dennis Erickson and his Sun Devils out in the west Texas town of El Paso.
During his tenure at Miami, coach Erickson won two national championships. That is just the type of success 'Canes fans long for today.
No. 15: The Pinstripe Bowl
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Date: December 30, 2010
Place: New York City, New York
Payout: $2 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Big East No. 4 vs. Big 12 No. 7
Projected Matchup: Syracuse vs. Kansas State
(Syracuse accepted a bid to play in this bowl game on 12/2/10)
In the inaugural Yankee Stadium bowl game, football fans could be treated to one of the most competitive games of the postseason if the Orange and Wildcats are invited.
The Pinstripe will be thrilled to offer one slot to Syracuse. Fans of the Orange should be able to give Yankee Stadium a home-game feel for a squad that has worked its way back into respectability.
The Big 12 can expect veteran coach Bill Snyder and K-State to provide solid competition and present a fine performance.
After all, the Wildcats are from Manhattan.
No. 14: The Champs Sports Bowl
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Date: December 28, 2010
Place: Orlando, Florida
Payout: $2,130,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Big East No. 2 vs. ACC No. 3
Projected Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Maryland
In virtually any other season, a 7-5 Notre Dame would have no intention of ending up with the No. 2 slot in the Big East bowl-selection procedure.
But this is not any other season.
The Irish squad will be considered preferable to any Big East team that does not win the conference title.
Although Notre Dame is an independent, it is eligible for the Big East bowl tie-ins as well as being the backup for the Big 12 in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The Terrapins demonstrated consistency and produced fan interest this season.
Orlando looks like just the place for Maryland, and Notre Dame as the opponent appears to be a given.
No. 13: The Holiday Bowl
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Date: December 30, 2010
Place: San Diego, California
Payout: $2.2 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Pac-10 No. 3 vs. Big 12 No. 5
Projected Matchup: Washington vs. Missouri
Missouri has the offense to compete with any opponent and is eager to demonstrate its all-around talent.
Washington is part of the Pac-10 dilemma, not enough qualified teams to fill the conference bowl obligations.
With a win over Washington State this week in the Apple Cup, the Huskies can reach the six-win level and make plans for San Diego.
With the interesting ties among coaching staffs at these two schools, the Holiday just might regain its reputation as the most exciting contest of the postseason.
No. 12: The Alamo Bowl
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Date: December 29, 2010
Place: San Antonio, Texas
Payout: $2,225,000
Conference Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 3 vs. Pac-10 No. 2
Projected Matchup: Oklahoma vs. Arizona
The new Alamo contract calls for the San Antonio event to have the No. 2 choice among Pac-10 teams.
With possible BCS invitations going to the top of the conference, the selection for the San Antonio event should be Arizona.
The Wildcats have suffered injuries to key players and have not been able to perform up to expectations during the second half of the season.
Oklahoma is a powerhouse with the talent to make it to the Fiesta Bowl as Big 12 champions.
If the Sooners fall to Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game, they will likely end up in the Alamo Bowl.
This confrontation would feature the unusual situation where the head coaches are brothers.
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. 4/5.
Projected Matchup: Florida vs. Penn State
The Gator Bowl has a new tie-in with the SEC and Big Ten.
The potential coaching confrontation of Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions and Urban Meyer's Gators will sell out the postseason event and attract national attention.
With a trip to the Gator Bowl, inconsistent Florida should be in comfortable surroundings.
Using the conference selection order as our guide, there is no reason this match cannot be made.
No. 10: The Chick-Fil-A Bowl
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Date: December 31, 2010
Place: Atlanta, Georgia
Payout: $3.25 Million to ACC, $2.4 Million to SEC
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No. 2 vs. SEC No. 5
Projected Matchup: Florida State vs. Mississippi State
In one of the most competitive matchups of each bowl season, the always-spectacular Chick-Fil-A prides itself on providing outstanding football entertainment.
The Seminoles have an opportunity to win the ACC championship this week. If they fail to do so, Atlanta is where Florida State will spend the holidays.
Mississippi State has played well all year and has an energized and loyal fan base.
No. 9: 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. Iowa
If South Carolina is unable to defeat Auburn in the SEC title game, then Tampa looks to be the destination for the Gamecocks.
Iowa had a variety of opportunities to move into the BCS conversation but has lost several games by small margins.
Following the selection order, the Outback should end up with these two teams.
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. 4 vs. Big 12 No. 4/5.
Projected Matchup: Michigan vs. Oklahoma State
There is big money to be made in the desert with the new bankroll ESPN provided the Insight Bowl.
Producing $3,325,000 in prize money makes the Insight the third-highest paying of all non-BCS contests.
Chasing the big bucks in the sand will be two exciting teams—Michigan and Oklahoma State.
Each school has a large fan base and attracts media interest.
For years an afterthought, the Insight Bowl now lets the money do the talking.
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: LSU vs. Texas A&M
The great Cotton Bowl will be played on the first Friday night of 2011 and is the only college football game played on that date.
Old rivals LSU and Texas A&M should provide the perfect selection for a rocking house party.
Why?
Because LSU is likely to be passed over for the Capital One Bowl and the Aggies are on a winning streak and can provide the fan support necessary to produce a sell out.
Yes, it is true Oklahoma represented the Big 12 South in the championship game. But a loss there could de-energize the Sooners followers.
LSU is simply the victim of perception. The Tigers are not perceived as the most-attractive non-BCS bowl team to some selection committees.
For the reasoning behind such ideas, one would apparently need to be in the meeting when the matter is discussed.
No. 6: The Capital One Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Orlando, Florida
Payout: $4.25 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2
Projected Matchup: Alabama vs. Michigan State
The Spartans are ranked lower than Wisconsin and Ohio State. With a three-way tie for first place in the Big Ten, Michigan State is left outside the BCS scenario.
The Big Ten will use the BCS rankings to determine the conference champion and Wisconsin is ranked highest in the league at this point in time.
Michigan State did not play Ohio State but defeated Wisconsin which beat Ohio State.
Michigan State may not end the regular season in the position the Spartans desire, but they still qualify for the highest-paying non-BCS bowl game.
Alabama has lost three games but provides the name recognition non-BCS Bowls desire.
The pieces are in place for this match to be made using the order of selection.
No. 5: The Fiesta Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Glendale, Arizona
Payout: $17 Million
Conference Tie-In: Big 12 No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large Selection
Projected Matchup: Nebraska vs. Stanford
Nebraska is preparing to leave the Big 12 behind, but not before capturing the conference title.
Stanford needs to stay in the top four of the BCS rankings in order to receive a guaranteed invitation to a BCS postseason event.
Expect to see these two high-powered offenses knocking heads in the Fiesta Bowl.
Why?
Nebraska has the conference tie-in. Stanford will be passed over by the Sugar and Orange Bowls due to distance and land at the doorstep of the Fiesta.
No. 4: The Orange Bowl
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Date: January 3, 2011
Place: Miami, Florida
Payout: $17 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: ACC No.1 vs. BCS At-Large Selection
Projected Matchup: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
If Virginia Tech wins the ACC, it will automatically receive an invitation to the Orange Bowl due to the conference tie-in.
The Orange will then be left with the option of taking the Big East champion or Stanford.
Stanford provides little in the way of national exposure or following. The fact that the Cardinal are a continent away does not work in their favor.
If South Florida upsets UConn and the Mountaineers win the Big East title, fans can expect a brawl for the ages in the Orange Bowl between Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
If this confrontation does come about, it will be the most bitterly fought of any postseason event.
No. 3: The Sugar Bowl
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Date: January 4, 2011
Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Payout: $17 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: SEC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large Selection
Projected Matchup: Arkansas vs. Ohio State
This is where the battle for a BCS invitation can get unpredictable, as it could involve two at-large teams.
Arkansas should be the choice as an at-large entry for the Sugar Bowl, provided Auburn is selected for the BCS title game. The Sugar will take the Razorbacks to replace their SEC tie-in champion.
The picking order will allow for the Sugar Bowl to make an at-large selection from qualified teams.
That choice looks to be the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes and the Razorbacks would provide a great deal of excitement and entertainment for fans and viewers alike.
But there is a scenario, as it unlikely as it seems, that could change the predicted course of action.
If South Carolina defeats Auburn in the SEC title game, then the Gamecocks would be the SEC champions and receive an automatic invitation from the Sugar Bowl.
According to information presented by BCS-ranking experts, one loss would not drop Auburn below No. 2 in the polls and the Tigers would still go to the championship contest.
However, Arkansas would drop down to a non-BCS bowl game and compete with Alabama and LSU for the Capital One and Cotton Bowl invitation.
Stranger things have happened, especially when the old ball coach is involved.
No. 2: The Rose Bowl
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Date: January 1, 2011
Place: Pasadena, California
Payout: $17 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 1 vs. Pac-10 No. 1* (see explanation below)
Projected Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Texas Christian University
If the Oregon Ducks are plucked for the BCS title contest, there is the opportunity to make history in the Rose Bowl.
A new rule concerning the Rose Bowl allows the Pasadena committee to select a high-ranking team from a non-BCS conference provided it meets certain poll criteria.
The rule will come into play this season, as TCU meets the Rose Bowl requirements.
Texas Christian is moving to correct any future problems concerning bowl opportunities by joining the Big East Conference in the near future.
With Wisconsin being the highest-ranked Big Ten squad, the Badgers are the front-runner for the Big Ten invitation.
There is no denying the allure of an undefeated season to voters in the polls, but should not a common sense approach be applied when deciding which is the best team in the country right now?
Is there anyone that has pulverized contenders in the manner Wisconsin has carried out its business?
Judging by the results of the past season, the Badgers are deserving of a chance to win the BCS title on the field.
Until changes are made to the system of determining who participates in the national championship game, we will continue to cultivate the concept that winning all the games is more important than who was defeated.
No. 1: The BCS Championship Game
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Date: January 10, 2011
Place: Glendale, Arizona
Payout: $17 Million
Conference Tie-Ins: None, BCS Final Regular Season Poll No. 1 vs.No. 2
Projected Matchup: Auburn vs. Oregon
With these two squads currently sitting in the top two positions in the BCS poll, they should be projected as the teams that will be invited to play for the national title until circumstances dictate otherwise.
Those are the rules we currently operate under.
The Cool Down Lap: The Readers Take Over
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Many thanks to Carl Stine, Tim Croley, Dan Boone, Brandon Hamblen, Kevin McGrady, Jake Nazar, Luke McConnell,CJ Bas, Casey Robbins, Richard Steffens, Bronco Dad, 78Lion, Robert Means, RR D, Russ Rodriguez, Jacob Meister, Jeb Bagley, DP, Damon Smitherman, Zodiac Gardner and so many others for taking the time to provide insight into specific bowl games for our Bleacher Report series.
Because of input from the readers, the Bleacher Report Bowl Projection Series has become a source of information and entertainment with all the credit going to those who provide thoughtful analysis.
The regional advice provided by readers is what has made this weekly series so consistent in projecting where the teams will receive bowl invitations.
As we do each week, a tally of the "Big Seven" bowl games is in order. The comments of readers from last week's article reveals a consensus of the following:
BCS National Championship Game: Oregon vs. Auburn
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl: Boise State vs. LSU
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Stanford
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. UConn
Capital One Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan State
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs. Nebraska
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