BCS Bowl Predictions: Why SEC Will Be Exposed as Overrated

Year after year, the SEC has proven itself to be the best conference in the country.

This year, it seemed like that might continue. The regular season ended, however, and I don't think the SEC should be crowned the best conference quite yet.

Assuming Alabama and LSU play for the national championship, the conference will have a 1-1 bowl record. More importantly, it will wrap up the title.

One look at the other bowls, though, shows that the conference isn't a shoo-in for the best bowl record. In fact, in a game-by-game comparison, the SEC looks like it finishes with below .500 in bowl games.

For this article, I am using ESPN's bowl predictions.

Cotton: Arkansas vs. Kansas State

Arkansas was embarrassed by LSU in the last game of the season, and that could have a lingering impact. Kansas State knows how to win and—even though it might be outmatched—this is a tough-minded team.

The game will be closer than people think. At the end of the day, the Razorbacks are simply too talented to lose this game.

Outback: Georgia vs. Michigan State

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses in their conference title games. However, the Spartans actually looked pretty good, whereas the Bulldogs looked pretty bad.

Michigan State should end up making this a two- or three-score game.

Capital One: South Carolina vs. Nebraska

The Gamecocks have been pretty solid all year long. The Huskers, on the other hand, have looked both really good and really, really bad. Depending on what Nebraska team shows up, this game could go either way.

Bo Pelini will have a month to get his team ready, and I think they will grind this game out against South Carolina.

Gator: Florida vs. Ohio State

Florida had a good start to the year, but conference play brought the Gators crashing back down to earth. They're still a solid football team, but they don't really have a quality win to prove it. Ohio State has been up and down, but the Buckeyes are a better team than their record indicates.

Despite what each team's record says, the Gators know how to win big games, which is why they will win this one.

Liberty: Vanderbilt vs. Cincinnati

Vanderbilt is not a good football team. It's as simple as that.

Cincinnati is an athletic, aggressive team. With time to prepare, they will be able to use their athleticism to the fullest of their ability.

Chick-Fil-A: Auburn vs. Virginia Tech

Obviously, Auburn is not the same team as it was last year. Still, the Tigers are a solid team with a good coaching staff. With that said, Virginia Tech has only lost to Clemson this year.

With a little special teams help, I expect the Hokies to steal this victory.

Music City: Mississippi State vs. Virginia

Virginia has a pretty solid resume. The Cavaliers have beaten some good teams (Georgia Tech and Florida State, to name two), and they haven't lost to a bad team. With that said, they aren't going to score against Mississippi State's stout defense. It simply won't happen.

Predicted SEC Record: 4-5.

Sounds overrated, doesn't it?