2011 Bowl Games: 5 Best Non-BCS Games to Watch

The Cotton Bowl is going to be extra exciting this year because the Arkansas Razorbacks will likely be in the game. 

Arkansas has only two losses this year, and it was to the top two teams in the country in LSU and Alabama. 

This team is a lot better than people give them credit for and probably deserves to be in a BCS bowl, but they’ll have to settle for the Cotton Bowl. 

On the other side of the field will likely be the Kansas State Wildcats, a team that has surprised everyone in 2011. 

Do they have one more upset left in the tank? I’ll certainly be watching to find out.

5. Chick-fil-A Bowl: December 31

This game is projected to have Virginia Tech and Auburn squaring off. 

This is a big chance for the Hokies to build a little bit of respect for the ACC if they can beat a good SEC team. 

But, coming off a huge loss to Clemson in the ACC title game, we’ll have to see if Frank Beamer’s squad can get pumped up for this game. 

If it’s close late in the game, Auburn has a knack for dramatic come-from-behind victories.

4. Champs Sports Bowl: December 29

Notre Dame and Florida State are projected to be playing in this bowl game.

I know these teams didn’t live up to expectations this year, but it’s still an interesting matchup between two teams that had nightmare regular seasons. 

Florida State was supposed to be in BCS contention, but they fell off the face of the earth towards the middle of the season. 

It’ll be interesting to see which of these teams can win and build momentum for next season.

3. Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: January 2

This game is projected to be between Ohio State and Florida. Could you imagine if Urban Meyer was still an ESPN analyst and was assigned to cover this game?

Not only is this a matchup between Meyer’s future team and former team, it’s also a rematch of the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. 

Neither team is as good as they were back then, but you know Ohio State would love to get a little bit of redemption against the Gators.

2. Outback Bowl: January 2

This game will likely feature the Georgia Bulldogs and the Michigan State Spartans.

Both of these teams have very balanced offenses and stout defenses. Their similar style of play should provide an interesting game.

If the game comes down to which quarterback can make the biggest plays, I like Georgia’s Aaron Murray slightly more than I like Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins.

1. Cotton Bowl: January 6

The Cotton Bowl is going to be extra exciting this year because the Arkansas Razorbacks will likely be in the game. 

Arkansas has only two losses this year, and they were to the top two teams in the country in LSU and Alabama. 

This team is a lot better than people give them credit for and probably deserves to be in a BCS bowl, but they’ll have to settle for the Cotton Bowl. 

On the other side of the field will likely be the Kansas State Wildcats, a team that has surprised everyone in 2011. 

Do they have one more upset left in the tank? I’ll certainly be watching to find out.