2011 Bowl Predictions: Which Teams to Expect in Every Matchup
The 2011 college football season is just about over, but there's still a good indication of who is going bowling in late December or early January.
Bowl season is what teams prep for all year, and while some had no trouble reaching six wins, others barely squeaked by.
It's been a whirlwind season filled with huge upsets, epic comebacks and crazy finishes, and we shouldn't expect anything less than chaos during postseason play.
As fans, we hope for a playoff one day, but we'll settle for the 35 bowl games.
With that said, here are my predictions of where teams will play and who will win.
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
1 of 35Who: San Diego State versus Western Michigan
When: Dec. 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Watch: ESPN
The Aztecs still have one game remaining on their schedule, but at 7-4 they're already bowl-eligible.
The Broncos finished the year at 7-5 having won the final two games of the year.
With Ryan Lindley at quarterback and Ronnie Hillman at running back, San Diego State will be hard to beat. The Aztecs' offense is too good to be denied by the Broncos' subpar defense.
Prediction: Aztecs 33, Broncos 24
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
2 of 35Who: Toledo versus Utah State
When: Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Watch: ESPN
The Aggies will take on the Rockets from the MAC, who finished the season 8-4.
Utah State still has one game left on the year, but at 6-4 they're bowl-eligible. It's a been a wild year for them, but the Aggies are feeling good with a four-game win streak.
Since the Rockets have been tested more this season, I give them the edge in this game.
The Aggies might have a bit of a crowd advantage, but the Rockets' offense excels at putting points on the board and they'll be tough to stop.
Prediction: Rockets 40, Aggies 35
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
3 of 35Who: Illinois versus Louisiana-Lafayette
When: Dec. 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Watch: ESPN
The Fighting Illini's season has been a complete disappointment. They started the season 6-0 but have since lost six games in a row.
The result was head coach Ron Zook getting fired, but at least the players will make it to a bowl game.
The Ragin' Cajuns finished 8-4 but lost their final two games of the season. Despite Illinois' recent troubles, I still like them to get their bowl win.
Nathan Scheelhaase will connect with top receiver A.J. Jenkins to spoil the Ragin' Cajuns good season.
Prediction: Fighting Illini 28, Ragin' Cajuns 21
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Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg
4 of 35Who: Pittsburgh versus Marshall
When: Dec. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Watch: ESPN
The Panthers had a chance to win the Big East, but a loss to West Virginia ruined their chances. They have one game remaining on the schedule in order to get bowl eligible, but they won't have much trouble against Syracuse.
The Thundering Herd finished at 6-6, and they'll find it rather hard to handle the Pittsburgh ground game in the Beef O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Thundering Herd 17
S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
5 of 35Who: Boise State versus Louisiana Tech
When: Dec. 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
Watch: ESPN
The Broncos were one win away from making a case for the title game, but a missed field goal prevented them from being in contention.
Instead, they'll settle for a lesser bowl and move on.
The Bulldogs will put up a good fight, but they don't stand much of a chance against a very talented Boise State team.
Prediction: Broncos 38, Bulldogs 24
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl
6 of 35Who: TCU versus Arizona State
When: Dec. 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Watch: ESPN
The Horned Frogs started the season off rough, but they managed to finish strong.
The Sun Devils, on the other hand, had the Pac-12 South in their hands, but a late season collapse put them out of the race.
This could be a very exciting game, as TCU has a prolific offense and Arizona State has a strong defense.
In the end, I give the edge to the better offense here because the Sun Devils have been on a steady slump.
Prediction: Horned Frogs 30, Sun Devils 27
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
7 of 35Who: SMU versus Nevada
When: Dec. 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI
Watch: ESPN
Neither team had quite the season they wanted, but they'll be playing in a bowl and that's all that matters at this point.
The Mustangs will chew the clock and work Zach Line and the ground and pound to wear down the Wolfpack to win a close one.
Prediction: Mustangs 27, Wolfpack 20
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl
8 of 35Who: North Carolina versus Wyoming
When: Dec. 26 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
Watch: ESPN2
The Tar Heels had their ups and downs this season, failing to beat the powerhouses of the ACC.
It was a rough start to the year after losing head coach Butch Davis just before the season, but finishing 7-5 and playing in a bowl game is something to be happy about.
The Cowboys have one game remaining, but they're already bowl-eligible at 7-4. They scared Boise State for a half, but the talent on offense just isn't there.
North Carolina's stout defense will prevail in Shreveport.
Prediction: Tar Heels 24, Cowboys 14
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
9 of 35Who: Northwestern versus Ohio
When: Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Watch: ESPN
The Bobcats have had an impressive season thus far and have a shot at winning the MAC.
The Wildcats were plagued by injuries to start the year but had a few good wins to get to 6-6.
This will come down to the wire, but the clutch play by Wildcats quarterback Dan Persa will be the difference-maker in the end.
Prediction: Wildcats 28, Bobcats 24
Belk Bowl
10 of 35Who: Virginia versus Cincinnati
When: Dec. 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Watch: ESPN
This ACC-Big East showdown may not look all that intriguing, but both teams will come to play. The Cavaliers are angry after being demolished by arch-rivals Virginia Tech, and they'll look to take it out on Cincinnati.
The Bearcats had the chance to win the Big East, but losing to West Virginia was their downfall. They'll look to represent the Big East well, and they'll do just that because the Cavaliers struggle to put points on the board.
Prediction: Bearcats 31, Cavaliers 20
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman
11 of 35Who: Wake Forest versus Air Force
When: Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
Watch: ESPN
The Demon Deacons had a good start to the year but struggled in the second half of the season to finish 6-6.
The Falcons ended up at 7-5, having won the final two games of the season.
Air Force will take care of business on the ground to wear out Wake Forest and win a close one.
Prediction: Falcons 24, Demon Deacons 17
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
12 of 35Who: Baylor versus California
When: Dec. 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
Watch: ESPN
The Bears surprised a lot of teams this year, and most of the credit goes to senior quarterback Robert Griffin III. He's up for the Heisman trophy and has a very good chance of winning it.
They've had some tough losses this season, but they will prevail in postseason play to prove they're the better Bears team, as California won't be able to contain RGIII.
Prediction: Baylor Bears 38, California Golden Bears 27
Champs Sports Bowl
13 of 35Who: Florida State versus Notre Dame
When: Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Watch: ESPN
Two teams that used to be big-time powerhouses many years ago, Florida State and Notre Dame delivered disappointing seasons in 2011.
Still, they should give fans one heck of a game, as both teams match up very well.
Since both teams have a strong following, it's tough to say the Seminoles would have an edge. However, they'll still walk away victorious because of E.J Manuel's stellar performance and the fact the Fighting Irish continue to shoot themselves in the foot.
Prediction: Seminoles 34, Fighting Irish 28
Valero Alamo Bowl
14 of 35Who: Oklahoma versus Washington
When: Dec. 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Watch: ESPN
Its hard to imagine the Sooners not playing a bowl game in January, but after suffering their third loss to Oklahoma State this Saturday, they will miss out on a BCS bowl.
Washington won't stand much of a chance against Landry Jones and company. The high-powered Sooners' offense, paired with a stingy motivated defense, will crush the Huskies.
Prediction: Sooners 42, Huskies 28
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
15 of 35Who: BYU versus Tulsa
When: Dec. 30 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
Watch: ESPN
The Cougars took care of business this year against easy opponents, but they failed to beat their tough ones.
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane have put together a solid season, and the experience they gained against top-notch opponents will give them the edge in this bowl game.
Prediction: Golden Hurricane 35, Cougars 30
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
16 of 35Who: Texas A&M versus Rutgers
When: Dec. 30 at 3:20 p.m. ET
Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Watch: ESPN
A football game in Yankee Stadium will be epic, and while Rutgers fans will turn out well, they will witness a beating at the hands of Texas A&M.
The Aggies had high hopes for this year, but too many times this season they failed to close out games.
That won't happen in the bowl game, as the Aggies win big thanks to a standout performance from quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Prediction Aggies 40, Scarlet Knights 24
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
17 of 35Who: Mississippi State versus North Carolina State
When: Dec. 30 at 6:40 p.m. ET
Where: LP Field, Nashville, TN
Watch: ESPN
Dan Mullen could be out as head coach and preparing for his future at Penn State, but that is all still up in the air. Neither team performed as well as they had hoped this year, but they would still put together a good game.
I give the edge to the Wolfpack here, because their offense has proven it can handle adversity and beat quality teams.
Plus, I have a feeling Mullen will be out, which will hurt the Bulldogs greatly.
Prediction: Wolfpack 37, Bulldogs 27
Insight Bowl
18 of 35Who: Penn State versus Texas
When: Dec. 30 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ
Watch: ESPN
The Nittany Lions were very close to reaching the first ever Big Ten championship game, but the end of their season was a big struggle.
The Longhorns haven't had quite the year they hoped for, but it is a solid improvement from last season.
In this game, the intense Penn State defense will triumph to give the distraught school a much needed postseason victory.
Prediction: Nittany Lions 24, Longhorns 20
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
19 of 35Who: Iowa versus Missouri
When: Dec. 31 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Watch: ESPN
A rematch of last year's Insight Bowl, Iowa and Missouri will give fans another fantastic game. Both teams have new quarterbacks this year, which should make for an intriguing matchup.
It may not be as exciting as last year, but this game will still be a tough battle throughout.
Marcus Coker and the Hawkeyes' ground-and-pound will conquer the Tigers, as Iowa beats Missouri for the second straight postseason.
Prediction: Hawkeyes 28, Tigers 24
Hyundai Sun Bowl
20 of 35Who: Georgia Tech versus Utah
When: Dec. 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
Watch: CBS
The Yellow Jackets' speed will be too much for Utah to handle. Both teams are great at running ball, but Georgia Tech will chew the clock up more, which will hurt the Utes.
Paul Johnson and his team were off in the final game of the year, but with so much extra time to prepare, they'll get the job done against a subpar Utah squad.
Prediction: Yellow Jackets 30, Utes 24
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
21 of 35Who: Southern Miss. versus Vanderbilt
When: Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN
Watch: ABC
At the beginning of the year, nobody would have predicted that the Commodores would finish bowl-eligible and in fourth place of the SEC East. New head coach James Franklin has done a tremendous job, and he will keep Vanderbilt rolling in the bowl game.
This is the Commodores' first bowl appearance since 2008, and they will make the most of it with a sound victory over Southern Miss.
Prediction: Commodores 33, Golden Eagles 24
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
22 of 35Who: Temple versus UCLA
When: Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA
Watch: ESPN
Rick Neuheisel is no longer the head coach, and the Bruins better hope they land a great coach or the future of their program will continue to squander.
This matchup isn't all that intriguing, but the Pac-12 South champs won't be left out of a bowl game. The Owls will work the run game for all four quarters, which will limit UCLA's production.
The only positive of this game is that it's played at AT&T Park, where the San Francisco Giants play, so that will be interesting to see.
Prediction: Owls 31, Bruins 24
Chick-fil-A Bowl
23 of 35Who: Clemson versus Auburn
When: Dec. 31 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Watch: ESPN
A battle between two Tigers, this game will be even better than the one earlier in the year. Clemson pulled away late, but there was still plenty of excitement throughout.
Auburn hasn't had quite the season it hoped for, but a postseason win will heal all.
Clemson has a chance to reach the Orange Bowl, but their second half struggles will continue and Virginia Tech will beat them this weekend.
In the end, the Tigers will win. My apologies, I couldn't resist.
Clemson gets it together and gets a close victory, because Auburn's defense will be unable to make key stops and they'll also give up the big plays.
Prediction: Clemson Tigers 34, Auburn Tigers 31
TicketCity Bowl
24 of 35Who: Purdue versus Iowa State
When: Jan. 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Watch: ESPNU
Outside of the teams' fans, not many will care for this bowl game, and rightfully so.
While both teams have had some great upsets this year, neither one excites college football fans all that much.
Since it's the first game on the biggest bowl game day of the year, it will do okay. The fact that it's on ESPNU certainly doesn't help.
Purdue has the better defense, and they should be able to win this game, although Iowa State has proven it's a team that shouldn't be overlooked.
Prediction: Boilermakers 21, Cyclones 20
Outback Bowl
25 of 35Who: Nebraska versus South Carolina
When: Jan. 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Watch: ABC
Steve Spurrier versus Bo Pelini will be a fantastic game to watch. Both teams have great defenses, but you never really know which offense will show up.
The Gamecocks' defense is better, and they'll prevent Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead from having monster performances.
It's up to Connor Shaw to keep playing at a high level, and he'll do just enough to get the win thanks to a phenomenal effort from his defense.
Prediction: Gamecocks 28, Corn Huskers 21
Capital One Bowl
26 of 35Who: Georgia versus Michigan State
When: Jan 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Watch: ESPN
Both the Bulldogs and the Spartans are in the top five in total defense, which is what makes this matchup so enticing. They both have a shot at playing in a BCS bowl, but unfortunately they'll fall short in their conference games and settle for the Capital One Bowl.
In the end, the Bulldogs have the better offense, which will prove to be the difference-maker. Aaron Murray comes through in the clutch to win a close one for Georgia.
Prediction: Bulldogs 30, Spartans 27
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
27 of 35Who: Florida versus Ohio State
When: Jan 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Watch: ESPN 2
What a a game this would be. Florida fans were given many more reasons to despise Ohio State when the Buckeyes announced Urban Meyer as head coach earlier this week.
The story lines are great here, but on the field the play could potentially be very sloppy. Both teams have had substandard seasons, but a bowl victory will change all that.
This will be the Gators' second trip to Jacksonville, and while the first one wasn't so kind, the second go-around will be much better.
The Buckeyes' offense is subpar at best, as Braxton Miller isn't a very good passer.
Florida will handle business in Jacksonville and walk away with the win thanks to some big plays on special teams.
Prediction: Gators 24, Buckeyes 17
AT&T Cotton Bowl
28 of 35Who: Arkansas versus Kansas State
When: Jan 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Watch: FOX
Two high-powered offenses going head-to-head will be very fun to watch. Expect a lot of scoring in this matchup, as both teams are okay on defense but thrive on offense.
The Razorbacks will come out on top thanks to a dominant performance by Tyler Wilson, and Arkansas' defense will make the big stops when it matters most.
Prediction: Razorbacks 44, Wildcats 38
BBVA Compass Bowl
29 of 35Who: Louisville versus Florida International
When: Jan 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: Legion Field, Birmingham, AL
Watch: ESPN
These two teams met earlier in the year, and FIU surprisingly won. Both teams have had their ups and downs this year, and neither one is all that great at putting points on the board.
Expect an unenthusiastic game filled with sloppy plays and multiple turnovers.
This time around, though, the Cardinals will be better prepared and they'll get the win.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Golden Panthers 20
GoDaddy.com Bowl
30 of 35Who: Northern Illinois versus Arkansas State
When: Jan. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL
Watch: ESPN
Both teams have one game remaining, but they'll make quick work of their opponents and focus on postseason play.
Expect a high-scoring game, as both offenses excel at putting points on the board.
In the end, the Huskies will pull out the victory thanks to dual threat quarterback Chandler Harnish, who leads the team with 2,692 passing yards, 1,351 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns.
Prediction: Huskies 38, Red Wolves 35
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio
31 of 35Who: Oregon versus Wisconsin
When: Jan 2 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Watch: ESPN
Speed meets power in "The Granddaddy of Them All," which is sure to be an epic showdown.
The Badgers failed to find success out west last year, but they're a better team this season.
Expect a hard-fought game throughout, with a few breakaway plays here and there.
Russell Wilson will be the difference-maker, as Wisconsin squeaks out a close one.
Prediction: Badgers 35, Ducks 31
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
32 of 35Who: Oklahoma State versus Houston
When: Jan 2 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Watch: ESPN
Two of the most dominant offenses going head-to-head would make for an outstanding bowl game. The Cowboys' loss to Iowa State put their national title hopes in disarray, but they'll make a BCS bowl after they beat their arch-rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners.
Brandon Weeden versus Case Keenum will be quite the showdown, and it's tough to say who has the better game.
With Justin Blackmon on his side, Weeden will end up the winner even if Keenum out-performs him.
The Cougars haven't been tested this season, which will ultimately be their downfall in the Fiesta Bowl.
Prediction: Cowboys 48, Cougars 38
Allstate Sugar Bowl
33 of 35Who: Michigan versus Stanford
When: Jan 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Watch: ESPN
The Wolverines are going to sneak into a BCS bowl thanks to an at-large bid. A few losses this Saturday will put them in the top 14, and they will meet Stanford in a very interesting matchup.
Andrew Luck and company haven't had many challenges this season, but if the Wolverines keep playing solid defense, they have a chance to win.
Denard Robinson is a dynamic player, who is very difficult to stop.
Still, though, Luck will get the job done late in the game when his team needs him the most.
Prediction: Cardinal 35, Wolverines 28
Discover Orange Bowl
34 of 35Who: Virginia Tech versus West Virginia
When: Jan. 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
Watch: ESPN
The Hokies will get revenge over Clemson in the ACC title game to reach the Orange Bowl for the second straight year.
West Virginia will narrowly win the Big East, and Geno Smith will put up a good fight against the Hokies.
However, Logan Thomas and David Wilson will be too much for the Mountaineers' defense to handle, and Virginia Tech gets the win.
Prediction: Hokies 38, Mountaineers 28
Allstate BCS National Championship Game
35 of 35Who: LSU versus Alabama
When: Jan. 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Watch: ESPN
Who else did you think it'd be? These are the top two teams in the country, and barring any craziness this coming Saturday, they will meet again with the title on the line.
The rematch will be better than first time, so no worries on that one. Both teams are tremendous on defense, but the offenses will come alive on the big stage.
I picked Alabama in the first matchup, and I'm sticking with them for the second.
Trent Richardson is the difference-maker, and the Crimson Tide will spoil the Tigers' perfect season.
Prediction: Crimson Tide 27, Tigers 24
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