New Year's Day: Power Ranking Wisconsin-TCU and the Six Jan. 1 Bowl Games
New Year's Day is synonymously connected to college football, and this year's headline game is between the TCU Horned Frogs and Wisconsin Badgers. Although the Badgers-Horned Frogs game may draw the most interest from an outsiders perspective, will it be the best?
There are a number of quality games on the schedule with some big-time programs in play. Seeing how there are four games that overlap one another, I've decided to rank the games on a number of factors.
With that being said, here's your guide to the New Year's Day football games.
No. 6 Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
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Why you should watch: Northwestern hasn't won a bowl game since 1949, and for a casual fan, they make a good underdog story. The Wildcats are without Dan Persa and will rely on freshman quarterback Evan Watkins to carry the offense. On the other side, Texas Tech has an explosive spread offense that can put up points in a hurry.
Chances of game being close: With Persa out, this game has a chance to get out of hand near the end of the game. Hopefully, Northwestern can put up a fight against the Red Raiders, but it will be tough without their leader.
Level of national interest: Two 7-5 teams in a meaningless bowl game isn't exactly going to excite many on a national scale, but there will be many keeping an eye to see if Northwestern can win its first bowl came since '49.
Channel: ESPNU
No. 5 Florida vs. Penn St.
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Why you should watch: This will be Urban Meyer's last game roaming the sidelines for the Gators, and it comes against the legendary Joe Paterno. The coaching matchup is very intriguing in this one on a number of levels. Outside of the two coaches, this game features two prestigious schools in the midst of a down year. Despite the struggles for both teams, it's always fun when two big-time programs get together.
Chances of game being close: The Gators look like the better team on paper—but not by much. John Brantley is erratic and inconsistent while Penn St. QB Matt McGloin has come into his own recently. If Florida keeps the ball on the ground, they should win, although the Nittany Lions will keep it close.
Level of national interest: Because it's Meyer's last game at Florida, there definitely will be a lot of people interested in this one. It also doesn't hurt that two well-known programs are facing off. The Outback Bowl isn't exactly must-see TV on a yearly basis, but in this case, it's pretty close as the Gators hope to send off Meyer with a win.
Channel: ABC
No. 4 Oklahoma vs. Connecticut
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Why you should watch: The Big East didn't deserve to send a team to a BCS bowl this year, but that's not how the system works. Regardless of how big of a mismatch this is, it is in the end a BCS bowl. Oklahoma is 0-5 in its last five BCS bowl games, and it's worth checking out to see if the Huskies can pull off the upset.
Chances of game being close: Well, simply put, not very good. The Sooners are a superior team to the Huskies in every aspect of the game. As long as Oklahoma protects the football, this one should be over by the fourth quarter.
Level of national interest: Seeing as it is a BCS bowl game, the level of national interest will be peaked. But out of all the BSC bowl games, this one certainly is at the bottom.
Channel: ESPN
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No. 3 Michigan vs. Mississippi St.
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Why you should watch: Two reasons you should watch this game: Denard Robinson and the Michigan defense. Robinson is an absolute joy to watch when he's healthy, and with the long layoff, he should be fresh. The Michigan defense on the other hand is so bad that Mississippi St. should be able to march up and down the field leading to a high-scoring contest.
Chances of game being close: The Bulldogs have the better team as a whole, but the x-factor is Robinson. It will be on him to keep the Wolverines within reach, although it could be tough unless the Wolverines' defense steps up.
Level of national interest: Robinson is a fun player to watch, and for that, many will want to see him for the final time before next season. This also could be Rich Rodriguez's last game as the Michigan coach, especially if the Wolverines turn in a poor performance.
Channel: ESPN2
No. 2 Alabama vs. Michigan St.
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Why you should watch: The defending champs will look to go out on a high note against the Spartans. Michigan St. has only lost one game this season while the Crimson Tide have fallen three times. Regardless of those three losses, Alabama is still a very good football team. This will shape up to be one of the better games of the bowl season.
Chances of game being close: Mark Dantonio once coached on Nick Saban's staff for five years and will get a chance to take down his mentor. Seeing how both will be familiar with each other, you can expect a close, hard fought battle between the two teams.
Level of national interest: The Capital One Bowl isn't exactly what Alabama was hoping for at the beginning of the season, but neither was Michigan St. Regardless of what bowl they are playing in this game as I already stated has a chance to be one of the best of the bowl season. There will be plenty of people tuning in to see the defending champs one last time.
Channel: ESPN
No. 1 Wisconsin vs. TCU
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Why you should watch: This is TCU's chance to prove that they belong with the big boys and to complete an undefeated season. A win over Wisconsin would move the Horned Frogs most likely into the No. 2 slot in the polls to finish the season. The Badgers present a difficult challenge though with their powerful run game. With Boise St. falling, it's up to TCU to carry the torch for the non-BSC schools.
Chances of game being close: No doubt, this one is going to go down to the wire. The vaunted TCU defense will have to stop the Badgers' rushing attack to win this one. With the long layoff and the pressure of playing in a big game, it's hard to see either team running away with this one.
Level of national interest: Out of all the games on New Year's Day, this is the one everyone will do their best to watch. This is the game that you put your New Year's Day plans on hold so that you can see who comes away victorious. There's no question that this is the biggest game of the day.
Channel: ESPN
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