BCS Bowl Projections: Predicting BCS Bowls If There Were No Conference Limits

Each year there seems to be that one or two programs who have a legitimate gripe about getting left out of the BCS Bowl picture.

Last year, Michigan State complained and then went out and was ravaged by Alabama.

But what if the BCS didn't put limits on the number of teams from a conference that could play in the big bowl games?

First, the SEC would claim its teams deserve to play in every game.

More importantly, though, we'd get better games.

So how many teams would actually make it from the SEC? Sorry, five is too many.

One thing we can all agree on: the Big East and ACC only get one (and they may not deserve that).

Let's take a look at some potential BCS matchups without any conference limitations.

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Stanford

Under normal circumstances, fans of both Stanford and Wisconsin would be overjoyed to be playing in the Rose Bowl.

However, with both teams finishing the season undefeated, they will feel a bit slighted to not be playing in the BCS Championship.

The winner can gripe a little more.

Still, this is a great matchup of potential Heisman finalists Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson.

Wisconsin would have the motivation to try to erase last year's poor performance against TCU, while Stanford would make its first appearance in the game since 2000.

This matchup has the potential to produce a high-scoring affair, which should make for good TV.

Date: Jan. 2, 2012

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Notre Dame

Alabama might be the second-best team in the nation, but a loss to LSU will cost the Crimson Tide a shot at the title.

Notre Dame squeaks in after finishing 9-3, but you know how popular the Irish are so of course they found a way into the BCS mix.

Unfortunately for Notre Dame it drew Alabama, who has better athletes and better coaching.

So the Tide could potentially beat the Irish by 30 points.

However, we have seen this scenario before with the Tide and it didn't work out too well then.

Date: Jan. 3, 2012

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. West Virginia

While Clemson is garnering most of the hype in the ACC this season, Georgia Tech has been flying under the radar despite scoring points at a record pace.

There's a good chance those two will face off in the ACC Championship game and the winner gets a spot in the Orange Bowl.

The Yellow Jackets will draw Big East champ West Virginia, who is also scoring points at a much higher clip with Dana Holgorsen in charge.

So naturally, there's a good chance this becomes an offensive showcase. Will Tech's triple option be too much for WVU, or will the Mountaineers' quick-strike, spread control the game?

The Mountaineers will be carrying the Big East banner, and a victory will help the beleaguered conference.

Tech is also the lone ACC representative, so conference pride is on the line.

Date: Jan. 4, 2012

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Arkansas

Now we get our second entrant from the SEC in Arkansas.

The Razorbacks are back for a second consecutive season, but this time it's not the Sugar Bowl.

Oklahoma State enters the game after losing a tough battle with rival Oklahoma, but the Cowboys are pleased to get their first shot at a BCS Bowl game.

Oklahoma State's offense is one of the nation's most prolific units, while Arkansas' Bobby Petrino is one of the best offensive minds.

The Razorbacks have a great chance to prove SEC dominance. The Cowboys will need to avoid having the attitude, "We're just happy to be here."

Date: Jan. 5, 2012

BCS Championship: Oklahoma vs. LSU

If this holds true, then we get a rematch of the 2004 BCS Championship Game.

Another intriguing aspect of this game is LSU will become the first program to win three BCS Championships, or Oklahoma will become the third program to win two (Florida being the other).

LSU's stifling defense will more than likely make the Tigers a 5.0- to 6.5-point favorite, but don't overlook the explosiveness of Oklahoma's offense.

With Landry Jones throwing quick passes to his talented receivers, don't count out the Sooners so quickly.

If Oklahoma could pull off the mini-upset, then the Bob Stoops critics would be quieted.

Date: Jan. 9, 2012

If you are keeping track, here is the conference break-down:

SEC: 3

Big 12: 2

ACC: 1

Big East: 1

Big Ten: 1

Independent: 1

Pac-12: 1