Bowl Projections: Predicting Matchups and Scores Heading into Week 14

College football fans, we are seriously on the verge of the bowl season kicking off. With some excellent conference championship games this week, the bowls can surely change for the more exciting before Dec. 17.

The SEC may have ruled the land with LSU and Alabama in addition to having five total schools ranked in the BCS Top 15, but the other five BCS and five non-BCS conferences have some great teams as well.

All this being said, here are bowl projections and predictions for the 2011 college football season.

New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Western Michigan

The Sun Belt champion Arkansas State Red Wolves versus the Western Michigan Broncos of the rising Mid-American Conference (better than given credit for).

In Week 1 the Broncos gave Michigan all it could handle and almost upset the Illini in Illinois. They average more than 35 points per game and love to air out.

As for the Red Wolves, they have a stout defense to go with a passing offense, but have not faced nearly the competition like Western Michigan.

Western Michigan 23, Arkansas State 21

New Mexico Bowl: San Diego State vs. Illinois

With no other Pac-12 team available, the Illinois Fighting Illini fill in as the BCS school to face the San Diego State Aztecs.

The Illini become the Aztecs' second Big Ten opponent this season (Michigan), except this time around San Diego State gets the best of its BCS conference opponent.

Aztec RB Ronnie Hillman is the main attraction and the Illini have no answer as they're confidence is basically shot. They've lost six straight after beginning 6-0, so until they regain some swagger, the Illinois Illini remains in the slump.

San Diego State 28, Illinois 21

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Toledo

The WAC champions against a Toledo Rockets team that has losses Boise State, Ohio State, Northern Illinois and Syracuse.

So in other words, both have impressive resumes. However, Toledo's body of work is more impressive and the team has a great offense that knows how be be very effective on the ground. 

The Bulldogs are more balanced, but they haven't been really challenged yet in that sense either.

Toledo 37, Louisiana Tech 30

Beef O'Brady's Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Temple

The Pitt Panthers versus the Temple Owls is an intriguing matchup because Temple ranks No. 3 in allowing just 13.8 points per game. It also ranks No. 7 in rushing yards per game and No. 6 in total rushing yards on the season.

Needless to say, Temple is one of the better MAC schools, whereas Pitt is an average Big East team. Now, the Panthers do have a rather balanced offense, but they score only 25.2 points per game while allowing 22.6 points per game.

If Pitt wants to win it must also win the field-position battle because Temple is a sound non-BCS school.

Temple 34, Pittsburgh 23

Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs. Nevada

Former WAC rivals clash in the Poinsettia Bowl after the Broncos bested the Wolfpack earlier in 2011. QB Kellen Moore is still putting up great numbers while Nevada prefers the ground game.

Unfortunately, it won't be able to slow Boise State, so unless it controls the clock, Nevada has no chance to pull off the upset.

Boise State 38, Nevada 14

Las Vegas Bowl: TCU vs. California

The champion of the Mountain West Conference, TCU, takes on California from the Pac-12. Next season this would be a solid matchup between two BCS schools, but nonetheless exciting in 2011.

The Horned Frogs have a potent offense and a ground game that averages 212.4 rushing yards per contest. As for the Golden Bears, they have a balanced offense but a defense that's average at best.

Not to mention TCU beat Boise State in Boise.

TCU, 31, California 27

Hawaii Bowl: Utah State vs. Marshall

Finally we can watch the Hawaii Bowl without having to watch Hawaii. Anyway, with Utah State playing Marshall, the Aggies have the slight confidence advantage.

Marshall did upset Southern Miss, but so did UAB, and it came within one TD of Houston. Utah State, however, lost to the Auburn Tigers of the SEC on the road 42-38.

If you almost beat an SEC school on the road being from the WAC, that's impressive. Marshall, however, does have a decent passing game but it won't be enough to contain Utah State's No. 6-ranked rush offense.

Utah State 44, Marshall 26

Independence Bowl: Wyoming vs. North Carolina State

Believe it or not, but the Wyoming Cowboys have one damn good football team. All their losses have been to some great teams and the Cowboys' rushing attack is their specialty.

North Carolina State, on the other hand, has a solid passing game and has got the momentum rolling in. And perhaps winning over Clemson was the deal-breaker because it now has much more confidence than Wyoming.

North Carolina State 27, Wyoming 17

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Northwestern

If you're not interested in watching the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, think again: Northern Illinois has a QB in Chandler Harnish who should be a Heisman contender.

On the year Harnish has accounted for 33 TDs, more than 4,000 total yards and has only thrown four picks. Northwestern will have no shot at containing him.

Northern Illinois 24, Northwestern 23

Belk Bowl: Rutgers vs. North Carolina

The biggest concern between Rutgers and North Carolina is the Scarlet Knights' one-dimensional offense. UNC has a rather solid defense paired with a balanced offense, but Rutgers' defense is one of the best in the country.

And although defenses win championships, scoring is also a must. North Carolina played a tougher schedule and is more prepared. That said, the game is by no means a blowout.

North Carolina 20, Rutgers 17

Military Bowl: Miami (FL) v.s SMU

Going 6-6 this past season may be not up to standard amongst the Hurricane faithful, but Miami played a solid schedule throughout. Unlike SMU from the Conference USA, the Mustangs played a much weaker schedule.

However, they also won the games they were suppose to win. The question is whether SMU can move the ball against a tough Miami defense that allows only 20 points per game. In turn, the Canes have a rather balanced offense to keep SMU honest.

Miami 30, SMU 19

Holiday Bowl: Missouri vs. Washington

The Washington Huskies were just an unfortunate bunch this season as they had to play both Oregon and Stanford, being that they're apart of the Pac-12 North.

As for Missouri, it played a tough schedule as well, featuring both Oklahoma schools, Baylor and Kansas State. And even with RB Chris Polk from the Huskies being the game's main attraction, one concern is that Washington allows more 33 points per game.

Mizzou's defense will prove strong enough to keep the Huskies at bay.

Missouri 41, Washington 31

Champ Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Cincinnati

The Big East runner-up in Cincinnati earns the trip to the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State in 2011. The Bearcats, who may be underrated because of being in the Big East, have a dynamic and explosive offense that can make some noise.

However, the Seminoles defense is one of the best in the country as it is tied for fourth in allowing just 15.2 points per game, while the offense scores just enough to win. Cincinnati's defense won't be enough to out-play Florida State's dark side.

Florida State 28, Cincinnati 16

Alamo Bowl: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame

A defense like Kansas State's going against what seems to be an ever-changing offense in Notre Dame would make for an interesting game.

Both are virtually equal in special teams, and although Kansas State has the better defense, the Irish have a WR in Michael Floyd, who's arguably the nation's top receiver.

Notre Dame 23, Kansas State 17

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Tulsa vs. BYU

Whether college football junkies want to recognize it or not, but the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is one legit football team. Sure, they're unranked at 8-4, but the four losses were to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Boise State and Houston (all ranked in the BCS Top 10).

As for BYU, it's only beaten one bowl eligible team in Utah State. Tulsa has a great ground game that will dominate, as well as an effective passing attack to keep BYU's respectable defense off-balance.

Tulsa 30, BYU 21

Pinstripe Bowl: Louisville vs. Texas A&M

Although Louisville is bowl eligible, it has weak losses to non-BCS teams such as Marshall and Florida International.

That obviously discredits the Big East, and Texas A&M will roll. The Aggies have a dynamic offense and almost upset Oklahoma State and Arkansas.

Texas A&M 37, Louisville 13

Music City Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt

When the Commodores play the Yellow Jackets, Vandy will have never seen such a run-oriented offense like Georgia Tech.

And although Vandy is also a more rush-heavy offense, it's not nearly as effective or unique as Tech's.

Georgia Tech 28, Vanderbilt 17

Insight Bowl: Penn State vs. Baylor

Had it not been for such a weak and under-performing offense, Penn State may have been able to compete for the Big Ten title. However, the Nittany Lions do have a good defense that ranks eighth in the nation in allowing just 15.7 points per game.

However, Baylor's offense is arguably the best in the Big 12 and definitely one of the best in the country. Bears run away and QB Robert Griffin III becomes even a higher draft pick.

Baylor 34, Penn State 21

Texas Bowl: Iowa vs. Texas

The Hawkeyes playing the Longhorns in what's virtually a home game for Texas would be fun to watch. Iowa has always been a sneaky dangerous team and can throw the ball a lot better than most think.

Texas has played more consistent on defense as of recent, though its offense has been on the fritz at the same time.

Compared to their dismal 2010 season, being bowl eligible this year is good for the Longhorns, but Iowa steals the show.

Iowa 21, Texas 17

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Arizona State vs. Ohio State

With Army not being bowl eligible along with just a select few schools from the WAC, Arizona State and Ohio State isn't a bad matchup for this bowl.

The Sun Devils literally have one player to watch—Vontaze Burfict—who should get drafted by the Cleveland Browns. So, be sure to watch, Buckeye fans.

That said, Ohio State is clearly the better team (on both sides) and has played very well despite all its offseason issues.

Ohio State 35, Arizona State 31

Sun Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Utah

Saving the season for Wake Forest is its solid pass offense that averages more than 250 yards per game, while Utah is finding out what playing in a BCS conference feels like.

However, give credit to the Utes as they've never played a week-to-week BCS schedule before and yet here they are, in a bowl game.

And thanks to a defense the Demon Deacons have never faced, Utah wins another barn-burner.

Utah 17, Wake Forest 14

Liberty Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Florida International

On paper this looks like a game that Southern Miss should run away with, but Florida International only allows 19 points per game.

In addition, the Golden Panthers have lost to only legit bowl teams whereas Southern Miss has choked twice against weak schools such as Marshall and UAB.

Florida International 23, Southern Miss 20 (OT)

Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Virginia vs. Florida

The Florida Gators have had a tough season in dealing with injuries and a difficult schedule. As for Virginia, the Cavaliers are having arguably their best season this century.

The Cavaliers have a great defense that can shut down any solid offense whereas the Gators struggled to score against even average defenses.

Virginia 20, Florida 16

TicketCity Bowl: Purdue vs. Iowa State

Since no the Conference USA doesn't have enough eligible teams, Iowa State, which finished No. 8 in the Big 12, gets the slot. The Cyclones may have upset Oklahoma State, but that was one in a million.

On the other sideline will be the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue appears to be turning its program around as it has wins over Ohio State and Illinois within the Big Ten.

Purdue 24, Iowa State 17

Capital One Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Arkansas

The Badgers fell once again to Michigan State but have a chance to save their season against Arkansas. The Razorbacks may be a team that finished 10-2, but they have no major wins and were demolished by Alabama and LSU.

As for Sconnie, the Badgers have a dynamic offense and a strong enough D to slow down the Hogs and Tyler Wilson.

Wisconsin 30, Arkansas 23

Gator Bowl: Nebraska vs. Auburn

The Cornhuskers have yet to prove their worth against solid, ranked teams. Sure, they beat Michigan State, but they also fell hard to Michigan and Wisconsin, not to mention the disappointing loss to Northwestern.

As for Auburn, it was simply subject to being in the SEC West and had arguably the nation's most difficult schedule. Nonetheless, both teams need a win here but Nebraska's defense is the difference.

Nebraska 24, Auburn 21

Outback Bowl: Michigan vs. Georgia

The Wolverines under first-year head coach Brady Hoke have their program back on the rise, whereas Mark Richt at Georgia had a solid response season after a disappointing 2010.

Michigan's defense still has issues and the Dawgs know how to play defense and move the ball well.

Georgia 42, Michigan 28

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma vs. South Carolina

Quite an interesting matchup here between South Carolina and Oklahoma. The Sooners can move the ball well offensively, but the Gamecocks defense has stepped up big time in the second half of the season.

The Sooners also have trouble defensively and South Carolina is beginning to get back on track with QB Connor Shaw.

South Carolina 27, Oklahoma, 26

BBVA Compass Bowl: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Mississippi State

With only four Big East schools currently bowl eligible despite the conference having five bowl tie-ins, that leaves the Compass Bowl to a team like Louisiana-Lafayette.

That said, Mississippi State gets the win as it has a much better defense and a more dynamic offense.

Mississippi State 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 14

GoDaddy.com Bowl: Ohio vs. Western Kentucky

Under head coach Frank Solich the Ohio Bobcats have been one of the more consistent MAC teams as of recent. This season Ohio pits a solid and balanced offense against a weak Western Kentucky defense.

In addition, the Bobcats defense will suffocate the Hilltoppers offense that only averages 23 points per game.

Ohio 30, Western Kentucky 13

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Oregon

Sparty wins their first outright Big Ten title in quite some time whereas Oregon wins its third straight conference title.

Only problem for Michigan State, however, is that the Ducks are by far its best opponent this season and have an offense that's way too fast for its defense.

Oregon 38, Michigan State 23

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

Thanks to finally getting over the Oklahoma-hump in the Bedlam Series, the Oklahoma State Cowboys win their first Big 12 title and BCS bid.

Opposing them are the Stanford Cardinal with another BCS at-large bid to go with QB Andrew Luck. In the end, Stanford's defense holds up just enough as Luck proves to be the difference-maker that he is.

Stanford 28, Oklahoma State 24

Sugar Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Houston

Despite losing to Clemson, the Hokies remain eligible for a BCS at-large bid. Their opponent? The 13-0 Houston Cougars, who have the nation's most prolific offense.

The Hokies are by far the best opponent Houston has faced, but still not enough to slow it down. QB Case Keenum proves he was a worthy Heisman candidate.

Houston 30, Virginia Tech 27

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. West Virginia

Clemson already won once in Blacksburg, so it bests the Hokies once again while the Mountaineers basically win the Big East by default.

Here, West Virginia has never faced an offense like Clemson and the Tigers do have the ability to play defense, as evidence by their 23-3 win over Va. Tech earlier in the year.

Clemson 34, West Virginia 20

BCS Title Game: LSU vs. Alabama

As if there's any debate to who's playing for the national title, it's Alabama and LSU.

Their 9-6 OT game that went in the favor of the Bayou Bengals was just a prequel to this game. The defenses are the dominant side and both teams are virtually exact replicas of one another.

Another game that defensive-minded people love, LSU gets the edge as its defense totally shuts down Trent Richardson.

LSU 12, Alabama 10

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.