2011 Bowl Schedule: Predictions Against the Spread for All 35 Bowl Games

We've heard Boise State's Chris Petersen voice his displeasure with the BCS and others debate the pros and cons of a rematch in the BCS National Championship.

Enough of that.

It's the system we have and it's time to embrace all 35 bowl games that will begin play on Dec. 17.

To make it a little more fun, let's take the Wynn Las Vegas line on each game and give an early prediction on what will happen against the spread.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Temple (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-4)

2 p.m. Dec. 17

Line: Temple -6

Temple had a solid season in Steve Addazio's first season. The Owls played Penn State tough before losing 14-10, and crushed Maryland 38-7. Still, Temple couldn't make the Mid-American Conference Championship Game.

Wyoming rebounded from a 3-9 season to get to eight wins, which was highlighted by a win over San Diego State. Freshman quarterback Brett Smith has thrown for nearly 2,500 yards and rushed for an additional 645 yards. 

Prediction: Wyoming 27, Temple 17

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Ohio (9-4) vs. Utah State (7-5)

5:30 p.m., Dec. 17

Line: Utah State -2

Ohio had the Mid-American Conference title game wrapped when everything fell apart. Now the Bobcats are looking to win their first ever bowl game after losing their previous five appearances. Frank Solich's team must establish a running game and let quarterback Tyler Tettleton control the tempo.

The pressure will be Ohio's defense. Utah State started the season by just missing that signature win at Auburn, but the Utes didn't let it get them down. Utah State likes to pour on the points.

Prediction: Ohio 32, Utah State 30

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

San Diego State (8-4) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)

9 p.m., Dec. 17

Line: San Diego State -4.5

Back-to-back eight-win seasons has put San Diego State in consecutive bowl games for the first time since the 1966-67 seasons. This year, though, it was under first-year coach Rocky Long. The Aztecs have relied more on the running skills of Ronnie Hillman (1,656 yards) than Ryan Lindley's passing this season.

Lafayette also has a first-year coach in Mark Hudspeth and the Ragin' Cajuns have improved from last year's 3-9 season. Quarterback Blaine Gautier delivered for Lafayette by throwing for 2,488 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Prediction: San Diego State 36, Louisiana-Lafayette 21

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl

Florida International (8-4) vs. Marshall (6-6)

8 p.m., Dec. 20

Line: FIU -5

FIU is enjoying its greatest season and a return to a bowl game. The Panthers are led by T.Y. Hilton, but he has been hampered by injury of late. However, he should be healthy enough to go against Marshall. FIU has notched victories over FAU, Central Florida and Louisville.

Marshall also knocked off Louisville this fall, and Doc Holliday's squad is young but talented. Freshman quarterback Rakeem Cato should get the start after a strong performance against East Carolina in the season finale. That win made Marshall bowl eligible.

Prediction: Marshall 27, FIU 24

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

TCU (10-2) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-4)

8 p.m., Dec. 21

Line: TCU -12.5

TCU was clinging to a hope that it might get a BCS bowl, but the Horned Frogs weren't rewarded despite winning the Mountain West Conference. Instead, quarterback Casey Pachall, linebacker Tank Carder and the rest of the TCU team have been asked to settle for the Poinsettia Bowl. Could be a major letdown.

Tech's rush defense will be pressed to stop TCU's tough rushing attack, so its offense will have to rise up if the Bulldogs are to pull of an upset. Tech won the Western Athletic Conference behind the strong quarterback play of Colby Cameron (1,403 yards and 11 touchdowns).

Prediction: TCU 42, Louisiana Tech 24

Maaco Bowl Las Vegas

Arizona State (6-6) vs. Boise State (11-1)

8 p.m., Dec. 22

Line: Boise State -13.5

The Maaco Bowl will be Dennis Erickson's last game as coach of Arizona State, and it might be his last in his career. After such a promising start to the season, the Sun Devils fell apart in the second half and basically handed UCLA a spot in the Pac-12 Championship. The dysfunctional ASU team will try to salvage a little of the season against Boise State.

The Broncos have to be disappointed to not be playing in a BCS bowl, so head coach Chris Petersen will have to rally the troops once again. Shouldn't be too tough against Arizona State. This will be the final college game of Kellen Moore's great career at Boise, and you know he wants to go out big.

Prediction: Boise State 38, Arizona State 20

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Nevada (7-5) vs. Southern Mississippi (11-2)

8 p.m., Dec. 24

Line: Southern Miss -5.5

Nevada will be bowling for a seventh consecutive year, and if you can't get into a big-time bowl you might as well get a vacation to Hawaii. The Wolf Pack have one of the nation's most prolific offenses (522.8 yards per game), and the running game is Nevada's strength as it enters the game averaging 251.8 yards per game.

Southern Mississippi is fresh off an upset victory over previously unbeaten Houston in the Conference USA Championship Game. Quarterback Austin Davis is a dangerous player and he will give Nevada's defense fits all game.

Prediction: Southern Mississippi 30, Nevada 14

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

Missouri (7-5) vs. North Carolina (7-5)

5 p.m., Dec. 26

Line: Missouri -3.5

Dual-threat quarterback James Franklin has had an up-and-down season, but if he can lead the Tigers to a bowl win it will help him and the team a lot as it prepares to join the SEC. Missouri is going to try to run the ball and wear down North Carolina.

North Carolina has a more balanced offensive attack, but Missouri has seen some talented offenses this fall so the Tigers won't be caught off guard. North Carolina's best chance at a win is to get quarterback Bryn Renner comfortable in the pocket and pick apart the Tigers' secondary.

Prediction: Missouri 26, North Carolina 17

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6)

4:30 p.m., Dec. 27

Line: Western Michigan -1

Western Michigan's Alex Carder will put a lot of pressure on Purdue's defense. He has thrown for 3,251 yards with 28 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Western Michigan's defense is a huge weakness, though, as this group has been giving up around 28 points a game.

Purdue will likely be without its top runner (Ralph Bolden) because of an injury, so the offense will have to pick up the slack. The Boilermakers must avoid feeling sorry for themselves for getting stuck in Detroit in December.

Prediction: Purdue 28, Western Michigan 17

Belk Bowl

Louisville (7-5) vs. North Carolina State (7-5)

8 p.m., Dec. 27

Line: Even

It took freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater a few games to settle in for Louisville, but he has become a real threat during the final four games of the season. The Cardinals' running game is sluggish, but might be able to do enough against North Carolina State.

The Wolfpack have been strong in the defensive backfield with 24 interceptions this year, so you know they are looking forward to playing a freshman QB. Tom O'Brien's team is once again a tough one to get a read on since the season has been so up and down.

Prediction: Louisville 24, North Carolina State 20

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman

Toledo (8-4) vs. Air Force (7-5)

4:30 p.m., Dec. 28

Line: Even

Three of Toledo's four losses (Ohio State, Boise State and Northern Illinois) all came to bowl participants. The Rockets have a potent running game led by Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams. Let's not forget speedy receiver/return man Eric Page. Toledo's defense has been strong all season as well.

Air Force will try to control the tempo of the game with its ball-control offense. Quarterback Tim Jefferson, Jr. has thrown for nearly 1,500 yards, while running back Asher Clark has more than 1,000 on the ground.

Prediction: Toledo 38, Air Force 28

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

California (7-5) vs. Texas (7-5)

8 p.m., Dec. 28

Line: Texas -3

Cal is an average Pac-12 team that opened the season with three wins and closed the year by winning three of four. Quarterback Zach Maynard has oodles of talent, but he needs to play with more consistency for the Bears to really be a legitimate contender.

Texas improved on last year's 5-7 campaign, but the Longhorns were expecting more than 7-5. Mack Brown chose to go with Case McCoy at quarterback and the youngster has experienced some troubles along the way.

Prediction: Cal 20, Texas 14

Champs Sports Bowl

Florida State (8-4) vs. Notre Dame (8-4)

5:30 p.m., Dec. 29

Line: FSU -2.5

Florida State has had some big games with the Irish in the past, but I'm not sure this one will qualify. FSU's defensive line is one of the best, and it will make running the ball tough. The Seminoles didn't have the season anyone expected, but a nine-win season and a victory over Notre Dame would help.

Notre Dame's offensive line has been stout most of the season and it should be an interesting battle with FSU's defensive line. The Irish will want to get the ball in Michael Floyd's hands as much as possible and let him work some magic from there.

Prediction: Florida State 32, Notre Dame 24

Valero Alamo Bowl

Washington (7-5) vs. Baylor (9-3)

8 p.m., Dec. 29

Line: Baylor -10

Washington comes into this game with the lower-profile quarterback, but Keith Price is a nice player. He just needs to cut back on the turnovers. The Huskies defense ranks 94th in the nation, which isn't a good thing going against Baylor's offense.

Baylor's 2011 season has been defined by Robert Griffin III. He caught everyone's attention in the season opener against TCU and hasn't let us down since. He might even sneak away from New York this weekend with the Heisman.

Prediction: Baylor 48, Washington 21

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

BYU (9-3) vs. Tulsa (8-4)

Noon, Dec. 30

Line: BYU -1.5

BYU doesn't want to get into a shootout with Tulsa, but the Cougars have some talent on offense. It starts with quarterback Riley Nelson (1,467 passing yards), and continues with running back JJ Di Luigi (546 rushing yards) and receiver Cody Hoffman (821 receiving yards).

Tulsa is coming off a crushing loss to Houston, but G.J. Kinne is a big-time playmaker. He has 25 touchdowns and threw for just fewer than 3,000 yards.

Prediction: Tulsa 31, BYU 27

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Rutgers (8-4) vs. Iowa State (6-6)

5:20 p.m., Dec. 30

Line: Rutgers -2.5

It's basically a home game for Rutgers, but playing in Yankee Stadium will also mean the Scarlet Knights won't escape the cold for the holidays. Rutgers should get the ball to Mohamed Sanu as often as possible and in as many ways as possible.

Iowa State has been unpredictable this season. The Cyclones opened the season 3-0, which included an overtime win against rival Iowa. Iowa State also owns big wins against Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Still, the Cyclones finished 6-6. Which team will we get in New York?

Prediction: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 20

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)

6:40 p.m., Dec. 30

Line: Mississippi State -7

Dan Mullen's third season at Mississippi State didn't stick to the script. It seemed whenever the Bulldogs played a ranked opponent they couldn't find a way to get a win. A huge 31-3 victory over rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl is what allowed Mississippi State to become bowl eligible.

Wake Forest's sophomore quarterback Tanner Price (2,803 yards, 20 touchdowns) is a future ACC star, while junior wide receiver Chris Givens (1,276 yards, nine touchdowns) is also a special talent. Jim Grobe's team opened strong, but lost five of its last seven games. One of those losses was a 41-7 trouncing at the hands of Vanderbilt.

Prediction: Mississippi State 42, Wake Forest 14

Insight Bowl

Iowa (7-5) vs. Oklahoma (9-3)

10 p.m., Dec. 30

Line: Oklahoma -16

Iowa may be a huge underdog, but Kirk Ferentz will have the Hawkeyes ready to play. Quarterback James Vandenberg (2,806 yards, 23 touchdowns) and tailback Marcus Coker (1,384 rushing yards) are actually a formidable pair to contend with.

When Travis Lewis decided to come back for another season at Oklahoma, his plan was to get a shot at that elusive BCS National Championship ring. So, how do the Sooners get up for Iowa and the Insight Bowl? Not sure, but OU probably gets by on talent alone.

Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Iowa 20

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Northwestern (6-6)

Noon, Dec. 31

Line: Texas A&M -11

How Texas A&M responds to the firing of Mike Sherman will go a long way in how well the Aggies play in this game. A&M may also be without running Cyrus Gray again. The Aggies will have Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball all over the place, though.

Northwestern's preseason expectations were not as high as A&M, but Pat Fitzgerald's team expected to be better than .500. It didn't help that quarterback Dan Persa started the season by recovering from an injury suffered in 2010. A win here would be a boost for Northwestern going into the offseason.

Prediction: Texas A&M 35, Northwestern 21

Hyundai Sun Bowl

Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Utah (7-5)

2 p.m., Dec. 31

Line: Georgia Tech -3.5

Georgia Tech opened the season with six straight wins and it looked like the Yellow Jackets were in line for an ACC crown. Then everything fell apart and they went 2-4 down the stretch. The offense can still control the game with Paul Johnson's triple-option.

Utah's first season in the Pac-12 was a huge letdown as the Utes didn't get their first league win until Oct. 29 and finished 4-5 in conference play. Running back John White IV has rushed for 1,404 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 45, Utah 32

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)

3:30 p.m., Dec. 31

Line: Vanderbilt -2

Cincinnati earned a share of the Big East Championship in Butch Jones' second year with the Bearcats. If quarterback Zach Collaros had not gone down with a season-ending injury it's feasible to think Cincinnati would be in the Orange Bowl right now. Don't overlook Munchie Legaux at quarterback, though. Also, Isaiah Pead is a beast running the ball.

Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers has been a real positive in James Franklin's first season. Running back Zac Stacy remains one of Vandy's best offensive weapons with 13 touchdowns and 1,136 rushing yards. The Commodores enter this game with a lot of confidence.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 24, Cincinnati 21

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Illinois (6-6) vs. UCLA (6-7)

3:30 p.m., Dec. 31

Line: Illinois -1.5

Both head coaches have been fired and one team has a record that is less than .500. Wow, what a great game this one should turn out to be.

If Ron Zook and Rick Neuheisel never coach again, let's hope this game is at least three overtimes.

Prediction: UCLA 27, Illinois 21

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5)

7:30 p.m., Dec. 31

Line: Even

Virginia relies heavily on its defense to win games. That wasn't the case against Virginia Tech, but that game also exposed the Cavaliers offense a bit. Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco is just a sophomore and his game is a bit erratic at this point.

Auburn's offense and overall success is directly related to how productive Michael Dyer is during a game. He has rushed for 1,242 yards on 242 carries and 10 touchdowns. Auburn should use the extra practice time to work on its offensive line play.

Prediction: Auburn 21, Virginia 17

TicketCity Bowl

Houston (12-1) vs. Penn State (9-3)

Noon, Jan. 2

Line: Houston -9

Does anyone want to guess at how excited Houston is to be playing in the TicketCity Bowl? The Cougars have to figure out a way to get over the loss to Southern Mississippi and the blown BCS bowl game that would have come with a 13-0 season. It's hard to imagine that Case Keenum will have back-to-back bad games.

No program has dealt with as much off-the-field adversity as Penn State, so now it gets to go to a bowl game and have a bunch of new reporters ask questions about the whole Jerry Sandusky-Joe Paterno saga. Have fun, guys.

Prediction: Houston 28, Penn State 18

Outback Bowl

Michigan State (10-3) vs. Georgia (10-3)

Noon, Jan. 2

Line: Georgia -2

The Spartans are coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, and Michigan State would have loved nothing more than ending its Rose Bowl drought. But quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Spartans have a lot to prove against a good SEC team.

Georgia hasn't really defeated a high-end team this fall, but a 10-win season was exactly what Mark Richt needed. The Bulldogs have a a solid defense and anything is possible with Aaron Murray at quarterback.

Prediction: Michigan State 20, Georgia 17

Capital One Bowl

Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)

1 p.m., Jan. 2

Line: Nebraska -1

Both of these teams began the season with conference championships in their sights. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier navigated the Stephen Garcia saga and the injury to running back Marcus Lattimore. It was probably one of the best coaching jobs of his career.

Bo Pelini's performance was rather pedestrian. Nebraska returned a ton of talent but is fortunate to be 9-3. The Cornhuskers could have easily lost to Ohio State, and Taylor Martinez has yet to develop into a threat passing. Look at it another way, and Nebraska held its own during the Cornhuskers' first season in the Big Ten.

Prediction: South Carolina 27, Nebraska 17

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6)

1 p.m., Jan. 2

Line: Florida -1.5

This is why bowl games can be so much fun. Neither Ohio State nor Florida had the type of season either program is used to, but now that the Buckeyes have hired former Gators coach Urban Meyer to rebuild their brand...well, this game has one huge storyline to follow.

Prediction: Ohio State 29, Florida 20

Rose Bowl

Wisconsin (11-2) vs. Oregon (11-2)

5 p.m., Jan. 2

Line: Oregon -5.5

If Wisconsin couldn't handle TCU in last year's Rose Bowl, what would make anyone think the Badgers can handle Oregon's explosive offense?

However, the Ducks have dropped their last two BCS appearances, and it seems when an opposing coach has an extended period to get ready for Chip Kelly's offense Oregon's attack is less effective.

Prediction: Oregon 48, Wisconsin 31

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Stanford (11-1) vs. Oklahoma State (11-1)

8:30 p.m., Jan. 2

Line: Oklahoma State -3.5

Here's the best BCS game that doesn't involve LSU and Alabama.

Both teams could make a case for playing in the championship game, but this isn't a bad consolation prize.

The key for Oklahoma State is not being too sensitive about the BCS National Championship snub, because Stanford won't be.

Prediction: Stanford 38, Oklahoma State 32

AllState Sugar Bowl

Michigan (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)

8:30 p.m., Jan. 3

Line: Even

Remember, Rich Rodriguez kept saying he just needed one more season to see the fruits of his labor pay off. Looks like Brady Hoke was the real winner. Give him credit for hiring defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who shored up the Wolverines defense.

Really, Virginia Tech? Didn't the Hokies lose to Clemson twice and get hosed in the ACC Championship Game? I guess the nation wants to watch Beamer Ball.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Virginia Tech 28

Discover Orange Bowl

West Virginia (9-3) vs. Clemson (10-3)

8:30 p.m., Jan. 4

Line: Clemson -3

On paper, this may seem like the dog of the BCS. However, watching these two offenses go at it has the potential for an exciting game.

Don't forget that Tajh Boyd committed to WVU only to renege when it was clear former coach Bill Stewart wasn't going to run the same explosive offense Boyd was hoping to play.

Let's just say it has worked out OK for both parties.

Prediction: Clemson 28, West Virginia 24

AT&T Cotton Bowl

Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2)

8 p.m., Jan. 6

Line: Arkansas -8.5

This is why the Cotton Bowl should be another BCS bowl.

With Kansas State and Arkansas you get two championship-caliber teams who are probably a player or two short of winning their conference.

Plus, it should be fun to watch Bobby Petrino's offense and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein.

Prediction: Arkansas 31, Kansas State 17

BBVA Compass Bowl

SMU (7-5) vs. Pittsburgh (6-6)

1 p.m., Jan. 7

Line: Pittsburgh -7

This is proof there are too many bowl games.

Both of these teams limped down the stretch, and the fact that Tino Sunseri can say he led a team to a bowl game is embarrassing.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, SMU 21

GoDaddy.com Bowl

Arkansas State (10-2) vs. Northern Illinois (10-3)

9 p.m., Jan. 8

Line: Arkansas State -1

Arkansas State will be without one-year-wonder coach Hugh Freeze, who has left for the Ole Miss job. But Freeze did some nice work.

Northern Illinois is fresh off its first Mid-American Conference Championship, so adding a bowl win and 11 victories would be SWEET!

Prediction: Northern Illinois 27, Arkansas State 21

Allstate BCS National Championship

Alabama (11-1) vs. LSU (13-0)

8:30 p.m., Jan. 9

Line: LSU -1

Now to the Big Rematch.

If you're an SEC fan, this is heaven. Most every other fan does not like this matchup. Personally, I think these are the two best teams in the nation.

However, LSU already proved it is better, and Les Miles has worked magic with this extremely athletic and talented team.

Alabama's talent is just as good and Nick Saban is a great coach as well. I actually wouldn't be shocked if this game went into overtime again.

Prediction: LSU 17, Alabama 15