2011 Bowl Projections: 70 College Football Teams, 70 Picks

It's the most wonderful time of the year as we are less than a week away from the college football bowls officially being announced.

Who will play in the five annual BCS Bowls, and how about those lovely New Year's Day bowls? 

Of course the NFL is taking over on New Year's this season, so technically the games will be played on Monday, Jan. 2.

Nonetheless, there are 35 bowls, and I reveal my projected 70 teams on where they will be landing come the holiday season.

Note: The records I post are projected records if their season is not over.

San Diego State Aztecs (8-4)

The Aztecs have a backfield led by star quarterback Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman (fourth in nation for rushing). They have a solid Mountain West defense as well, led by linebacker Miles Burris.

Drama’s Projection: New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 17, 2 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Temple Owls (8-4)

Bernard Pierce is another stud back, and if the Owls matchup with the Aztecs it would be an underrated game on account of two workhorse backs.

Drama’s Projection: New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 17, 2 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Utah State Aggies (7-5)

The Aggies have been legit offensively (24th) mainly because they had a freshman signal-caller who was getting the job done (Chuckie Keeton).

However, Keeton suffered a neck injury against Hawaii and has not played in the past three games, so Adam Kennedy has since filled in admirably. Throw in a bruiser at tailback in Robert Turbin (10th in the nation for rushing), and Utah State will make it tough on whoever they play in the postseason.

Drama’s Projection: Famous Idaho Bowl (Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Toledo Rockets (8-5)

Wide receiver Eric Page is a must-see during the bowl season, but this Rockets defense has been extremely inconsistent.

Drama’s Projection: Famous Idaho Bowl (Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6)

The Illini are expected to be the 10th team representing the Big Ten in the postseason, but there are only eight slots available.

The Illini would likely be choosing between the BBVA Compass (Jan. 7) and Idaho Bowl. It would make more sense for them to play right away so they can begin their offseason in search of a new head coach.

Drama’s Projection: New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 17, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (8-4)

They have, in principle, already agreed to play in the New Orleans Bowl, but this would be their first bowl in the past 41 years! It would be the program's third bowl game of all time, so they have to be excited since they will be playing in their own backyard.

Drama’s Projection: New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 17, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Marshall Thundering Herd (6-6)

Just taking a look at Aaron Dobson’s filthy one-handed grab makes you want to watch this game.

Well, at least for me it does.

Plus, Marshall has won six of their last bowl games, which is an interesting stat.

Drama's Projection: Beef O'Brady's Bowl (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6)

Ray Graham was a tough loss for Todd Graham, but Wisconsin transfer Zach Brown has filled in admirably.

Plus, the defense is among the best in the Big East (41st in total yards allowed).

Drama’s Projection: Beef O'Brady's Bowl (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

TCU Horned Frogs (10-2)

TCU has won the Mountain West, but just because the No. 1 slot goes to the Maaco Bowl does not mean it is written in stone that the No. 2 slot will go to the No. 2 team in the conference.

The bowl representatives can still take whoever they want, and they may be forced to take the Horned Frogs if the Broncos get chosen first.

Drama’s Projection: Poinsettia Bowl (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-4)

The WAC champions have already have been accepted to the Poinsettia Bowl, and Lennon Creer has proven to be the real deal since transferring from Tennessee.

Drama’s Projection: Poinsettia Bowl (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Boise State Broncos (11-1)

I have my eraser ready to go if the Houston Cougars lose, but assuming they win Saturday means the Broncos will be stuck with the ol' Vegas Bowl.

They were stuck with this same bowl last year due to a late-season loss that also involved a missed kick, but the defense has had its fair share of lapses we normally do not see.

Injuries have been an albatross with Doug Martin, Thomas Byrd and Billy Winn missing some time, but they remain a Top 10 squad with hopes of crashing the BCS party if the Cougars fall to Southern Miss.

Drama’s Projection: Maaco Bowl (Dec. 22, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Arizona State Sun Devils (6-6)

Dennis Erickson is a goner after the bowl game, but ASU still finished .500—as disappointing as their season was.

The Sun Devils are a tad more talented than the record indicates, but they were plagued with injuries the entire offseason, and the defense has been gashed nearly every game.

Drama’s Projection: Maaco Bowl (Dec. 22, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5)

Chris Ault could not win consecutive WAC titles, but another bowl trip is not too shabby. They were blown out exactly two seasons ago to June Jones and SMU in this same bowl, so will lightning strike twice?

Drama’s Projection: Hawaii Bowl (Dec. 24, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

SMU Mustangs (7-5)

June Jones still has a solid offense, though they have struggled a bit. This season they are only ranked 53rd in the nation while averaging 396 yards per game.

Drama’s Projection: Hawaii Bowl (Dec. 24, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Wyoming Cowboys (8-4)

The offense ranks 50th in the nation while putting up 397 yards per game, but it is the defense that has prevented the team from reaching greater heights (434 YPG, 100th).

Drama’s Projection: Independence Bowl (Dec. 26, 5 p.m. ET; ESPN 2)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-5)

Wake has struggled miserably to put up any type of offensive numbers, and the team has suffered, losing four of the past five games.

Drama’s Projection: Independence Bowl (Dec. 26, 5 p.m. ET; ESPN 2)

Purdue Boilermakers (6-6)

Purdue had a solid season despite suffering some costly preseason injuries in the backfield. This is not exactly a dream bowl, but these players would prefer nothing better than to end their collegiate careers with a victory over a solid MAC squad.

Drama’s Projection: Little Caesars Bowl (Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Ohio Bobcats (8-5)

The Bobcats could be playing somewhere else if they can knock off Northern Illinois, but they are underdogs, so mark me down for chalk.

Drama’s Projection: Little Caesars Bowl (Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Louisville Cardinals (7-5)

Charlie Strong has done a terrific job of putting this team into contention for a Big East crown.

Unless the Bearcats lose, West Virginia will win the conference and earn the right to play in a BCS bowl (assuming they beat USF Friday and Cincinnati wins). The key to their success has been the wonderful true freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and a solid defense that ranks 22nd in the nation.

Drama’s Projection: Belk Bowl (Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-5)

Mike Glennon caught fire at the perfect time of the season, as he has revived Tom O'Brien’s squad. Another victory could be a springboard to next season's success as a possible ACC dark-horse.

Drama’s Projection: Belk Bowl (Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

North Carolina Tar Heels (7-5)

Led by a few future NFL impact players, the offense has been fairly mediocre, ranking 57th in scoring offense (28.3 PPG), 52nd in total offense (396 YPG), 70th in rushing offense (147 YPG) and 43rd in passing offense (249 YPG).

Drama’s Projection: Military Bowl (Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Air Force Falcons (7-5)

Tim Jefferson and Asher Clark had good seasons, but nothing spectacular. They are solid ball players who I had higher expectations for this season, so look for them to come out with a ton of energy in this game.

Drama’s Projection: Military Bowl (Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Cal Golden Bears (7-5)

Jeff Tedford would love to end the season on a great note since the Golden Bears have been playing well down the stretch. They gave Stanford all they could handle and took care of business on the road against Arizona State.

A bowl victory over a Texas or Baylor may give Tedford a chance to stay off the hot seat.

Drama’s Projection: Holiday Bowl (Dec. 28, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Texas Longhorns (7-5)

The Longhorns are coming off a huge win over the Aggies, which could be the final time the two teams play each other for a while (they need to play each other soon; Florida State/Florida and others do it).

However, Texas must still go up against Robert Griffin III, which will give the defense a good test of how much they have improved throughout the season. If they can pull off the upset, then an Insight Bowl is more likely. If not, the Longhorns will have to find a way to win their bowl game to avoid another disappointing season.

Drama’s Projection: Holiday Bowl (Dec. 28, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Clemson Tigers (9-4)

Clemson could be well on their way to a third straight loss, which would make the Chick-fil-A representatives think long and hard about who they would prefer.

If Virginia Tech takes care of business we can pretty much bank on the Seminoles landing in Atlanta for a second consecutive season, which would send the Tigers off to Orlando.

Drama’s Projection: Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-4)

This would not be a bad landing spot for the Irish, though Orlando wants them to play against the Seminoles.

Still, Clemson is the likely opponent, and they have a few stars on offense and defense who would give the Irish all they can handle. It would also be interesting to see who the "experts" label as the favorites in this one. Michael Floyd is playing in his final collegiate game and so may be Manti Te'o (if he enters the NFL draft).

Drama’s Projection: Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Kansas State Wildcats (10-2)

The Wildcats will finish ahead of Oklahoma, but the Alamo Bowl is not for the third-ranked team in the Big 12, but rather the third option.

The Sooners would likely land ahead of them for the Cotton Bowl. Still, the job that Bill Snyder has done is nothing short of magnificent, and the same can be said for what Collin Klein has done at quarterback.

Drama’s Projection: Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Washington Huskies (7-5)

Keith Price has been hampered by injuries, so the workload for Chris Polk has only increased.

However, the defense has been atrocious, ranking 95th in total defensive yards allowed (426 YPG). 

The Huskies were able to upset Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl last season, but this team does not seem to have the talent or even energy defensively. 

Drama’s Projection: Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN)

BYU Cougars (9-3)

Even if BYU were to lose to Hawaii this will still be the ideal spot.

Bronco Mendenhall and his squad are getting back to dominating at the point of attack. They are balanced offensively, but they are an underrated defense, ranking 17th in total yards allowed.

Drama’s Projection: Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 30, noon ET; ESPN)

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (8-4)

Tulsa took its shots against Houston and came up way short, but this would not be a bad consolation prize.

Drama’s Projection: Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 30, noon ET; ESPN)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4)

The perfect bowl for Greg Schiano and his squad would be at Yankee Stadium with the fanbase not having far to travel. We know about Mohamed Sanu on offense, but the defense features a few underrated playmakers in Khaseem Greene and Steve Beauharnais. 

Drama’s Projection: Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 30, 3:20 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Missouri Tigers (7-5)

James Franklin has gone through some growing pains and the loss of star runner Henry Josey never helps, but this team has still struggled to find its star players in the passing game (Michael Egnew, Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson).

Drama’s Projection: Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 30, 3:20 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6)

The Bulldogs were expected to take it up a notch from last season since they trounced Michigan in the Gator Bowl and ended up in the Top 15.

Instead, they struggled offensively and lost a few close games early on that crushed their confidence. The offense took a step backwards, though Chris Relf regained his starting job at quarterback.

Drama’s Projection: Music City Bowl (Dec. 30, 6:40 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Virginia Cavaliers (8-4)

Mike London has done a tremendous job his second season in Charlottesville. To go from 4-8 to 8-4 is not easy, and he has relied on a young team that has come through.

Perry Jones and freshman Kevin Parks have been the horses offensively, but it is the defense that has carried the team as a whole (31st in total defense).

Drama’s Projection: Music City Bowl (Dec. 30, 6:40 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5)

The season did not go as planned obviously, but Kirk Ferentz has had a great track record, having won the past three bowls. If they can get Marcus Coker going similar to last season, Iowa may pull off consecutive upsets in the postseason.

Drama’s Projection: Insight Bowl (Dec. 30, 10 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Baylor Bears (9-3)

Robert Griffin III could give Baylor its most exciting season of all time.

Plus, the Bears have not won double-digit games since 1981, and this offense is arguably as explosive as any team in college football. The defense has improved, and the overall team chemistry belongs to the job that Art Briles has done.

Drama’s Projection: Insight Bowl (Dec. 30, 10 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Penn State Nittany Lions (9-3)

This may be the most intriguing story for the postseason since everybody will have their say on whether or not it is fair that the upper-echelon to mid-tier bowls took a pass on the Nittany Lions. Many bowls have already been rumored to pass on them, and with a few teams out there who have just as good of records and fanbases, don’t be shocked if Penn State falls all the way to this bowl slot.

Drama’s Projection: Texas Bowl (Dec. 31, noon ET; ESPN)

Texas A&M Aggies (6-6)

The Aggies are on their way to the SEC, but a losing season is not something that this preseason Top 10 squad had in mind. Ryan Tannehill has received a ton of hype this season, but he has been a turnover machine most of the time, and the loss of Christine Michael hurt the solid one-two punch that he gave to Cyrus Gray.

Drama’s Projection: Texas Bowl (Dec. 31, noon ET; ESPN)

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-4)

Georgia Tech had a few disappointing losses, but they also had their moments (Kansas, Clemson) and not all expected a winning season. Tevin Washington has totaled for 24 TDs and more than 2,300 yards, which is not bad for the first-year starting quarterback.

Drama’s Projection: Sun Bowl (Dec. 31, 2 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Utah Utes (7-5)

The Utes have been offensively atrocious, ranking 99th in passing offense (171 YPG), 81st in rushing offense (137 YPG), 110th in total offense (308 YPG) and 78th in scoring offense (24.5 PPG).      

Drama’s Projection: Sun Bowl (Dec. 31, 2 p.m. ET; ESPN)

UCLA Bruins (6-7)

The Bruins' petition was passed to get a bowl bid, even if they end up 6-7. I have never seen a team go 6-8 before to end the bowl season, and I prefer to not even think of such an ugly thought.  

Drama’s Projection: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Western Michigan Broncos (7-5)

Jordan White and Alex Carder are arguably the best QB-WR combo from a statistic standpoint, and they would give the Bruins all they could handle if they end up meeting.

Drama’s Projection: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Southern Miss Golden Eagles (10-3)

Larry Fedora is another one of those underrated coaches who has not received much credit, but his squad has been impressive this season outside of their recent bad loss to UAB.

Drama’s Projection: Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6)

Jordan Rodgers has given this team an extra spark offensively because of what he gives you in the running game, but Zac Stacy has been one of the more productive backs in the entire SEC.

This defense is my No. 1 rated group as far least talked about. They have a legit front four led by defensive end Tim Fugger, and the rest of the glue guys help out the 19th-rated total defense (324 YPG).

Drama’s Projection: Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Florida State Seminoles (8-4)

FSU put their offense in neutral and still dominated the Gators at The Swamp, but that is how the season was all year. A few close losses were tough for Jimbo Fisher and the rest of Noles nation, but another nine-win season could springboard them into next season with a top three recruiting class coming in.

While the offense has been disappointing, the defense is one of the better units not known in the SEC. They rank second against the run (81.8 YPG), sixth in total defense (274 YPG) and fourth in scoring defense (15 PPG).  They are also attempting to get their fourth straight victory against the SEC.

Drama’s Projection: Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Auburn Tigers (7-5)

Many expected the Tigers to come up short of a bowl game, but they battled all season to get here and will likely get a trip to Atlanta. This would be quite the bowl matchup since both teams have endured a roller coaster of a season.

Auburn has been an injury-riddled team with inconsistency at the quarterback position. The Tigers better open up the playbook up against the Noles since the they tee off on opponents who attempt to run the ball.

Drama’s Projection: Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Northwestern Wildcats (6-6)

The Wildcats are still attempting to win their first bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl!

Pat Fitzgerald has lost three straight bowl games, but is looking to change that with Dan Persa and all-everything playmaker Kain Colter.

Drama’s Projection: TicketCity Bowl (Jan. 2, noon ET; ESPNU) 

Iowa State Cyclones (6-6)

Coming off an upset to Oklahoma State, the Cyclones were handily defeated by Oklahoma.

However, they could give Kansas State a solid ballgame, but I have a loss there.

Still, Jared Barnett replacing Steele Jantz was expected to be a tough transition, and it has been everything but.

Drama’s Projection: TicketCity Bowl (Jan. 2, noon ET; ESPN U) 

Florida Gators (6-6)

If Florida and Ohio State match up, it may be the most hyped game ever involving a pair of .500 teams. These two teams have a ton of bright young stars, but clearly it will be tougher for the Gators to bounce back to national relevance.

The Gators have the defense to slow most teams down, but the offense has been so putrid at times that it doesn’t matter. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey will need to hit a few more home run balls than they have recently.

Drama’s Projection: Gator Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN 2) 

Ohio State Buckeyes (6-6)

Urban Meyer will get a ton of talk about this game, especially if it is between his former and future team. Braxton Miller has really picked it up down the stretch, and the hope is that defensively they will remain sound despite the struggles against a solid Michigan team.

Drama’s Projection: Gator Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN 2) 

Michigan State Spartans (10-3)

The front four has been fabulous when it has mattered, and they must be able to slow down Montee Ball if they think they can keep it close against the Badgers. If not, they will likely lose out on another BCS Bowl while getting dropped to the Outback Bowl in favor of Nebraska.

Drama’s Projection: Outback Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ABC) 

South Carolina Gamecocks (10-2)

Losing your star running back and quarterback is usually a recipe for disaster, but Connor Shaw has basically taken both roles by himself. The defense has been lights out down the stretch, and they are one of five teams in the SEC to post double-digit wins.

Drama’s Projection: Outback Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ABC) 

Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3)

Rex Burkhead and Taylor Martinez have carried this team offensively, but they cannot stretch the field with their wide receivers against good defenses.

Speaking of defenses, the Huskers have been down a few notches compared to previous seasons. That is not good if they will be going up against a solid SEC squad.

Drama’s Projection: Capital One Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)

Tyler Wilson and these Razorbacks have been great offensively against every team in the SEC outside of the two monsters. They may not be a Top Five team per se, but the offense still has solid weapons.

The defense has improved from the beginning of the season, but they have been prone to giving up large chunk of yards against the run. It will be imperative that they shore that up in time for their bowl game.

Drama’s Projection: Capital One Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Oklahoma Sooners (9-3)

Landry Jones has not been the same since Ryan Broyles got hurt, but Jones needs to play better at the same time. The defense can still play ball when it is clicking on all cylinders, and it starts by not allowing the deep ball.

Drama’s Projection: Cotton Bowl (Jan. 6, 8 p.m. ET; FOX) 

Georgia Bulldogs (10-3)

The 'Dawgs could shock the world by upsetting LSU in their own backyard, but this has arguably been a Top 10 team for the past few months. Some say Georgia's schedule is soft, but Aaron Murray has thrown for more touchdowns in the month of November than any QB not named Matt Barkley.

The defense has been tremendous, and they will present major issues to whoever they play in a bowl game.

Drama’s Projection: Cotton Bowl (Jan. 6, 8 p.m. ET; FOX) 

Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3)

The Cats' victory would get West Virginia in the BCS, but they can still achieve a double-digit season under Butch Jones. That would be a tough task since they lose Zach Collaros for a few weeks.

Isaiah Pead has been a stud in the backfield, and he should finish off his career on a high note.

Drama’s Projection: BBVA Compass Bowl (Jan. 7, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Florida International Panthers (8-4)

Wesley Carroll and T.Y. Hilton remain as the only consistent passing combo on the team, but it has shockingly been the defense that has impressed. They rank 21st against the run (120 YPG) and 32nd in total defense (347 YPG).

Drama’s Projection: BBVA Compass Bowl (Jan. 7, 1 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Northern Illinois Huskies (10-3)

Chandler Harnish has been the Tim Tebow circa late 2000s in terms of production only of course, but Harnish is the entire offense for the Huskies.

The only problem is the MAC has not found a way to stop him, and it will be interesting to see if Arkansas State's so-called 18th-rated total defense could slow him down.

Drama’s Projection: GoDaddy.com Bowl (Jan. 8, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Arkansas State Red Wolves (10-2)

Ryan Aplin is the Chandler Harnish for his own team, though Arkansas State is a dominant passing team. They do not necessarily struggle to run, but rather they have so many playmakers that Aplin has given the ball to.

The Huskies' defense is only 91st in total defense, which means the Wolves could be looking at the program's first-ever bowl victory (0-2-1).

Drama’s Projection: GoDaddy.com Bowl (Jan. 8, 9 p.m. ET; ESPN) 

Wisconsin Badgers (11-2)

The Badgers better be ready for Sparty to have any chance at reaching Pasadena.

However, the way Montee Ball and Russell Wilson are playing right now they may win by double-digits.

The Big Ten needs the Badgers since they have the firepower to give the Ducks all they can handle. They will also look to show the nation that last year's loss to TCU was a fluke.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Rose Bowl (Jan. 2, 5 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Oregon Ducks (11-2)

I will admit that this could be the sexiest matchup of any bowl game outside of the title game. Montee Ball and LaMichael James are two of the most explosive, productive and electric backs in the entire country.

Darron Thomas and Russell Wilson can create and move the chains via the air or ground, and they both have a ton of options to throw it to: Nick Toon, Jared Abbrederis, DeAnthony Thomas, David Paulsen, Colt Lyerla and Lavasier Tuinei, among many others in the passing game.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Rose Bowl (Jan. 2, 5 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Stanford Cardinal (11-1)

It will be interesting to see if Andrew Luck wins the Heisman, but that should not have too much of an impact, if any.

Luck relies on a strong running game, but will spread the wealth using Coby Fleener, Griff Whalen, Zach Ertz, Levine Toilolo, Ryan Hewitt and Ty Montgomery in the passing game. Two of the most productive and consistent offenses will be a late New Year’s treat.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1)

Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will always be the first names mentioned, but Joseph Randle is the ultimate glue guy who makes such an impact on this offense.

Along with Jeremy Smith in the backfield, Randle has the ability to catch it out in the flat and stretch the defense if and when he lines up out wide.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Michigan Wolverines (10-2)

Fred Flintstone, I mean Brady Hoke, should win the Big Ten Coach of the Year, and it should not even be that close. He has put Michigan back into relevancy as a solid BCS Top 14 team, and Denard Robinson has finally had a ground game not involving himself.

Fitzgerald Toussaint has given this offense the punch it has lacked. Defensively, we might need to give the Frank Broyles Award (top assistant) to Greg Mattison since his defense is 16th in the nation.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Sugar Bowl (Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Houston Cougars (13-0)

Hopefully the nation does not jinx Case Keenum and the Cougars this weekend, because they will have their hands full with a solid Southern Miss squad.

Assuming they sneak by at home the Cougars would be reaching uncharted waters. Never have they played in a BCS bowl, and Kevin Sumlin's offense has been vital all year long (52 PPG). Leading the nation and scoring at least 25 points in every single game is not the easiest to accomplish.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Sugar Bowl (Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1)

The underrated defense speaks volumes for Bud Foster and Frank Beamer because they are extremely young (just two seniors out of the top 10 tacklers). David Wilson is running like a man possessed, but Logan Thomas is really maturing as a runner and as a passer. VT can become an elite in the near future and if he gets better, look out!

Drama’s Projection: BCS Orange Bowl (Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)

Geno Smith headlines a very talented passing attack that has a solid supporting cast featuring Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey. The rushing offense has been nonexistent, so as Smith goes, so often does the team.

Drama’s Projection: BCS Orange Bowl (Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)

Nearly identical to LSU, the Tide's defensive players are ferocious, and they will hit you in the mouth for a full four quarters. Trent Richardson should be on his way to a Heisman pose, but many look at a possible rematch as a reason why the BCS does not work.

Not only is that a joke but it works out perfectly since Alabama has to play in the Tigers' backyard this time around. Who cares if they get an extra week to rest because, quite frankly, most of the time the teams with more time off often shows up flat.

If Alabama is the so-called better team, then they will find a way to knock off a team that already beat them in their own backyard.

So, will the roles be reversed the second time around?

Drama’s Projection: BCS National Championship Game (Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)

LSU Tigers (13-0)

This defense has been relentless for the entire season, and many will argue that the Bayou Bengals are just two wins away from the most accomplished resume in BCS history.

They have already beaten three Top 10 teams, and the Crimson Tide will be ready to ball in what will be a game that features two of the most talented teams in BCS history.

Tyrann Mathieu and Mo Claiborne are superstars, but so are all of the defensive linemen. There are no weaknesses on this team, and you better pray you can bust a long play, because the defense is as good as we have ever seen—including Alabama’s.

Drama’s Projection: BCS National Championship Game (Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)