Bowl Projections: Unlikely Contenders Sure to Snag BCS Bids

One of the greatest things about college football is when doubted teams come out of nowhere and surprise everybody.

These disrespected programs are called Cinderellas.

This season, there have been plenty of surprises, as usual, and some of them are even set up for a BCS bid.

Here are three unlikely contenders sure to make it to a BCS bowl (ranked on likelihood they would get there).

3. Michigan (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten)

The Michigan Wolverines had a very disappointing campaign last season, which eventually led to Rich Rodriguez's dismissal.

But the Wolverines, led by quarterback Denard Robinson and new head coach Brady Hoke, have stormed back in 2011, going 9-2 and coming off a 45-17 drubbing of then-No. 16 Nebraska.

This team has the quarterback and the defense to make things hard for opponents, and with LSU and Alabama headed to the title game, Michigan will be a nice choice for the Sugar Bowl.

2. Houston (11-0, 7-0 C-USA)

While the Houston Cougars won't be making the title game this season, despite their 11-0 record, they do have a good shot at the Sugar Bowl, where you would think they would be favored over the Big East champion.

Quarterback Case Keenum has put this team on his back and led them to win after win, even if it may have been against sub-par competition.

The Cougars deserve to make a BCS bowl game, and if they beat Tulsa next week, they're a lock.

1. West Virginia (7-2, 3-2 Big East)

The West Virginia Mountaineers entered the season with high hopes.

Then they lost to Syracuse and Louisville.

Now, the Big East is up in the air, with five teams bunched up as we head into the final two weeks of the season.

But, in the end, I see the Mountaineers beating Pittsburgh and South Florida and escaping with a come-from-behind division win.

West Virginia had a big win against Cincinnati in Week 12 and now they look ready to finish strong.

I expect them to be featured in the Orange Bowl with Virginia Tech.