2011 Bowl Predictions: Which Non-BCS Bowl Games Will Be Most Intriguing?

There are still a couple weeks left to shake up the potential bowl matchups, but there are some interesting possibilities after Week 13. Here are three of the most intriguing potential clashes outside of the big five BCS games.

Gator Bowl – Florida vs. Ohio State

Urban Meyer's former team against his rumored new team? That would certainly score huge ratings. Both powerhouses finished the regular season with identical 6-6 records and will be looking to end on a positive note with a bowl win.

Even though Florida's offense has a lot of playmakers, they weren't consistent enough to make the Gators a factor in the always tough SEC. On the flip side, Ohio State picked up couple really nice victories over Illinois and Wisconsin, but couldn't sustain that level of play.

"What if" Prediction: Ohio State by six

Insight Bowl – Penn State vs. Kansas State

Any bowl with Penn State is obviously going to get a lot of publicity after everything the school has gone through. The Nittany Lions stayed in BCS contention until the final week when a blowout loss to Wisconsin ended their hopes.

The BCS computers love Kansas State. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the voters don't share that admiration, so they'll probably get left out of a major bowl. Collin Klein is one of the nation's most underrated players with 36 total touchdowns and should get at least some Heisman hype.

"What if" Prediction: Kansas State by 13

Champs Sports Bowl – Notre Dame vs. Florida State

Notre Dame didn't put up much of a fight against Stanford, falling behind 21-0 in the first half. Despite an 8-4 record, the Fighting Irish couldn't live up to the high expectations in South Bend because of turnovers woes. They're still one of the biggest pulls in college football, though.

Most fans probably forget that Florida State was ranked No. 5 in the nation before suffering three straight losses. Just liked Notre Dame, the Seminoles are a talented team which never found a rhythm. Both fan bases would be excited for a marquee matchup like this, even in a smaller bowl.

"What if" Prediction: Florida State by three