2011 College Football Predictions: Who Will Play in the BCS Bowls

Contrary to popular belief, there WILL be football this fall. That is a guarantee.

As the NFL prepares for—possibly—an extended lockout, college football will begin to take center stage in the coming months.

While the professionals engage in courtroom football, the amateurs prepare for what is expected to be another exciting season. 

Although many teams have conference and national championship aspirations, only a select few can reach those heights. 

Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Wisconsin

Stanford is a trendy pick to win the all-new Pac-12 in its first year of existence, being that they have the best quarterback in the country on their roster. 

However, although I'm predicting them to make the Rose Bowl, they are not my Pac-12 Champion.

Wisconsin will look to rebound from last year's Rose Bowl loss to TCU. 

Even though one of the team leaders in John Clay is gone, the Badgers still have the offensive firepower and the defensive prowess to win the Big 10. 

Prediction: Stanford 27 - Wisconsin 23

Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. TCU

TCU head man Gary Patterson was a hot name in coaching circles this offseason, but he decided to stay on with the Horned Frogs. 

That move will pay off as TCU heads to the Sugar Bowl in its last season before joining the Big East.

LSU returns 18 starters, 10 on offense and eight on defense. 

That consistency, along with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe, will propel the Tigers to a Sugar Bowl birth as well.

Prediction: TCU 31 - LSU 20

Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. West Virginia

The Florida State Seminoles are on the rise under second year head coach Jimbo Fisher, and the prediction here is that they will take the ACC crown this season.

Led by exciting quarterback E.J. Manuel, you can expect the Noles to be making hotel reservations sure to displease fans of the rival Miami Hurricanes.

Look to West Virginia to come out of the Big East this season before TCU starts to take over next year.

A new quarterback, running back and head coach are in town, but the Mountaineers will get it done and earn a trip to Miami.

Prediction: Florida State 30 - West Virginia 13

Fiesta Bowl: Alabama vs. Oklahoma State

Nick Saban always has Alabama ready to play, and dominate, on the defensive side of the football.

The Crimson Tide will roll yet again this season and earn themselves a birth to the Fiesta Bowl.

For the second time in three seasons, Oklahoma State is armed with arguably the most talented wide receiver in college football (Dez Bryant then, Justin Blackmon now). 

If the defense can keep up with the offense, expect the Cowboys to come away with a BCS trip as well.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 20 - Alabama 14

BCS National Championship: Oklahoma vs. Oregon

The Oklahoma Sooners are considered by many to be the most talented team in the nation.

As usual, they will pile up the points this year, and I expect them to walk all over most of the Big 12 on their way to the National Championship Game.

Oregon will be back for the second straight year.

Darron Thomas, LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are still in Eugene, and coach Chip Kelly and his high powered attack will rack up points quicker than anyone in college football.

Prediction - Oregon 37 - Oklahoma 34