Bowl Predictions 2012: Landing Spots for Non-Power Conference Contenders

Several high-profile teams suffered losses in Week 12, which is music to the ears of non-power conference squads hoping to improve their bowl stock. There are three such teams ranked in this week's USA Today poll and their possible bowl destinations.

No. 7 Houston Cougars

Houston and its top-ranked offense are still in BCS contention after a blowout win over SMU. It will be very interesting to see where the official rankings place them after a chaotic week of games that watched four elite schools fall.

The Cougars face a tricky test against Tulsa next weekend as they attempt to wrap up the Conference USA West Division. They've managed the pressure well so far, but a road game against the Golden Hurricane represents their stiffest test yet. For now, it looks like Houston is BCS bound.

Projected Bowl: Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

No. 8 Boise State Broncos

Boise State must be kicking itself (no pun intended) for losing to TCU after watching this week's mess. The Broncos could have probably slid into the No. 2 spot if it wasn't for Dan Goodale's kick sailing wide as time expired last Saturday.

One loss doesn't diminish everything Boise has accomplished this season, including a win over Georgia, but it could have been so much more. Even though their BCS dreams won't be realized, they should still get a shot at a power conference school.

Projected Bowl: Maaco Bowl

No. 18 TCU Horned Frogs

TCU remained unbeaten in Mountain West play with a win over Colorado State. They continue to slowly rise up the rankings, but it's probably too little, too late to be considered a legitimate threat to steal an at-large bid.

The three-headed monster of Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley don't get much credit nationally, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more productive trio in the nation. It's been a banner year at TCU and it's probably going to get better.

Projected Bowl: Advocare Independence Bowl