Bowl Predictions 2012: Where Would a 10-2 Michigan Wolverines Team Go?

Self-proclaimed “Michigan man” Brady Hoke has led a resurgence during his first year in Ann Arbor, and at 9-2, the Wolverines are poised to play in a January bowl game.

Michigan won’t be invited to the Rose Bowl, but there are still plenty of attractive destinations that would love to host the Wolverines and their dedicated fanbase.

Here are five bowl game possibilities for the Maize and Blue—provided they beat arch rival Ohio State next week to finish the season. 

BCS Berth

A BCS berth for the Wolverines certainly isn't likely, but it's not impossible either.

The loser of the Big Ten Championship game is going to have at least three losses, making it nearly impossible for the team to receive an at-large bid.

AQ conferences are afforded a maximum of two bids each season, and with a lot of help and even more luck, Michigan could feasibly sneak in. 

Capital One Bowl

It's a long shot, but the Wolverines could end up in the Capital One Bowl.

If the loser of the Big Ten title game somehow ends up with an at-large BCS berth, the conference's best non-BCS game is going to need a team to take the place of the Big Ten runner-up.

At 10-2, Michigan would be that team. 

Outback Bowl

This is the most likely destination for the Maize and Blue.

Reserved for the No. 3 team in the Big Ten, Michigan will likely be spending New Year's Day in Tampa, with the loser of the Big Ten title game heading to Orlando for the Capital One Bowl. 

Gator Bowl

Bowl tie-ins aren't always a sure thing, and if the Outback Bowl decides it wants a newcomer like Nebraska, the Wolverines could find themselves back in the Gator Bowl. 

Michigan fans might not be thrilled about returning to Jacksonville for the second year in a row, but it would give the Wolverines a chance to redeem themselves after getting steamrolled 52-14 by Mississippi State in last season's game. 

Insight Bowl

It's almost as much of a long shot as the BCS, but if Michigan somehow slips far enough down the bowl pecking order, it could play in the Insight Bowl. 

Arizona sure is nice in December, but the Michigan faithful don't want to be relegated to pre-New Year's bowl status, and they likely won't be.