BCS Bowl Schedule 2011: Why You Should Watch Each BCS Bowl

BCS bowl schedule—there's something for everyone, and without a playoff system, it's the best we have for now. Here's your simple primer on who they are and where they play:

The Rose Bowl

Where:  Pasadena, Calif.

When:   Jan. 1,  5 p.m. ESPN

Who:     No. 3 TCU (12-0) vs. No. 4 Wisconsin (11-1)

Here's TCU's chance to prove itself worthy. So much debate about the Horned Frogs getting a shot at the national championship. Here's their chance to butt heads with a mighty force from the Big Ten: Wisconsin.

This will be the first game up in the BCS lineup on New Year's Day, so why not get your year started with what should be a great game?

Huge bragging rights, as well. Of course, the Big East hierarchy will have their eyes on this one. TCU joins the Big East for the 2012 season, and expects to make an immediate impact on that conference.

Can a Horned Frog bother a Badger?  Probably not in the animal kingdom, but in the Rose Bowl, who knows? 

The Fiesta Bowl

Where:   Glendale, Ariz.

When:    Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. ESPN

Who:      No. 25 Connecticut (8-4) vs. No. 9 Oklahoma (11-2)

This is the true David vs. Goliath matchup of the bowl season. UConn won the Big East bid with its last second 19-16 victory over South Florida, and with its non-stellar record, it has brought up a raging debate about the Big East's automatic bid.

Oklahoma will be a huge favorite and has the most to lose. UConn has nothing to lose.

If you like Cinderella stories, you have to check this one out and root for the Huskies and coach Randy Edsall. They're a great story, and this is their first-ever BCS appearance. UConn needs to try and at least keep it close and show that the Big East is deserving of its AQ spot.

The Orange Bowl

Where:    Miami, Fla.

When:     Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ESPN

Who:       No. 5 Stanford (11-1) vs. No. 12 Virginia Tech (11-2)

The Orange Bowl is always a "must see." Why? The halftime show of course. It's always the best and the longest.

There's a lot of talk swirling around Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh and his possible return to Michigan if that job becomes open. Is it a distraction for Stanford? He's shown the you can build a winner at a school with high academic standards. His team will no doubt be a big favorite to win.

Virginia Tech had an impressive win in the ACC title game over the Christian Ponder-less FSU Seminoles. A win here would make everyone forget the early-season thumping by Boise State.

The Sugar Bowl

Where:   New Orleans, La.

When:    Jan. 4, 8:30 p.m. ESPN

Who:     No. 6 Ohio State (11-1) vs. No. 8 Arkansas (10-2)

Huge invasion of Bourbon Street by two fan bases that travel well.

This is a great matchup between teams from the power conferences, and there's always that ongoing SEC vs. Big Ten debate.

Another chapter will be written in this game.

The BCS Title Game

Where:  Glendale, Ariz.

When:   Jan. 10, 8:30 p.m.  ESPN

Who:    No. 1 Auburn (13-0) vs. No. 2 Oregon (12-0)

Does anyone really need a reason to watch this game? They may need to bring in a basketball scoreboard for this one.

Quite simply, you have two fast-attacking, high-scoring powerhouses, irresistible forces on offense. Something's got to give.

Complain about needing a playoff system all you want, but this is a great title game with the two best teams duking it out for the national championship.

But is it really fair for Glendale, Ariz. to get a double-dip with two BCS games?  Talk about stimulus money.

There you have it. Five BCS games, one national champion and a lot of time for debate.

Carry on.