BCS Bowl Games: Bold Predictions for All BCS Matchups

The guess work is over, the matchups are set. We know who's playing where, and though we may not agree with the system or every matchup, this is what we have.

Here are the bowl matchups, and my predictions for each BCS Bowl game:

Rose Bowl:

Wisconsin vs. Oregon

The Ducks have too much team speed for the Badgers. Big Ten teams are used to hearing that as the main reason for being sold short, but it is true. It is especially the case on the defensive side of the ball.

The Badgers do have a dynamic force in the backfield with Montee Ball, but the overall athleticism of the Oregon Ducks on offense is a challenge the Badgers' defense can not handle.

The Ducks' offense generated 46 points per game, the Badgers haven't faced an offense like that all year.

Oregon 34, Wisconsin 24

Sugar Bowl:

Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

An interesting matchup, Baylor should have a been there instead of Virginia Tech, but none the less the Hokies are here, fresh off of their flat performance in the ACC Championship game. 

Michigan's defense will be the difference here. Clemson's up and down defense was able to shut down the Hokies offense not once, but twice.

Hokies RB David Wilson is one of the 10 best players in the nation, but the Wolverines are too solid on defense for the Hokies. Denard Robinson will have an excellent performance.

Michigan 40, Virginia Tech 17

Fiesta Bowl:

Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

This is probably the most exciting game on the BCS bowl docket. Two of the most highly regarded QBs in the nation, with two great offenses. The Cardinal's offense is a bit more balanced, but not quite as explosive as the Cowboys.

This game will come down to turnovers and whose defense will make the first stand. If Oklahoma State dominates this game, expect the critics of the BCS system to get even louder. Brandon Weeden will outgun Andrew Luck.

Oklahoma State 39, Stanford 20

Orange Bowl:

Clemson vs. West Virginia

The Tigers rebounded from a horrible skid at the end of the regular season to knock off Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. When the Tigers are right, they are one of the eight most dangerous teams in the nation.

West Virginia has also been a bit up and down this season. Defensively they have faltered against far less talented offenses than the one the Tigers will bring into the Orange Bowl. When Tajh Boyd is right, he helps his team on both sides of the ball. He must stay poised and making solid decisions.

Clemson will end on a high note.

Clemson 37, West Virginia 28

BCS Title Game:

LSU vs. Alabama

Some fans were clamoring for Oklahoma State, but these were the two best teams in the country. These two dominant defenses will clash again, turnovers and special teams will determine the victor again.

This time, expect Tyrann Mathieu's impact in the return game to have an impact, as well as Bama's questionable kicking game. LSU's defense will force AJ McCarron into critical turnovers.

LSU sweeps the season series and claims the crystal football.

LSU 20 Alabama 10