BCS Bowl Games 2012: Which Underclassmen Could Be Playing Their Final Game?

There are five BCS bowls. 10 teams are needed to fill these slates. On these elite teams are elite college football players.

Some of these players are underclassmen with less than three years of college experience, and some are seniors set to graduate after this semester.

Others are college players not graduating, but still eligible for April's NFL Draft. Some of these players will choose to forgo their remaining college eligibility and enter the pool of NFL Draft entrants.

Here are seven underclassmen who could be playing their final college game.

Dre Kirkpatrick

Dre Kirkpatrick is a physical specimen at cornerback. Based on this alone, NFL scouts will look at Kirkpatrick as a potential first-round pick in April.

Kirkpatrick stands 6'3'' and has the body to match. He has 25 tackles this season and zero interceptions.

Regardless of his production defensively, Kirkpatrick has the strength needed to body up with stronger receivers at the next level.

In the BCS National Championship, Kirkpatrick will probably cover LSU's Rueben Randle. His size and strength will be put to the test.

Kirkpatrick is only a junior, but I expect him to pounce on the chance to go to the next level after this season.

Dwayne Allen

Dwayne Allen might be the best receiving tight end in college football. He will have a chance to prove that against West Virginia in the Orange Bowl.

Allen has 48 catches for 577 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He is one of Tajh Boyd's favorite targets because of his size and sure hands in traffic.

Only a junior, Allen stands 6'4'' and has the speed and athleticism to stretch the field vertically in the NFL. Pass-catching tight ends are trending up in the NFL, and Allen will ride that momentum in April.

He may not go in the first round, but Allen will make an NFL team very happy. Every quarterback loves to have a reliable option at tight end and Allen has a chance to be a very good option.

LaMichael James

LaMichael James is among the most dynamic players in the nation. He will have one last chance to showcase his speed against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

James has 222 carries for 1,646 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. He is only a junior, but his career numbers are through the roof. His stock will never be higher, and I expect James to jump after this season.

He may never amount to much at the next level. Think Darren Sproles with less versatility and toughness.

James is very dangerous in space, but he will not have the Oregon scheme to protect him at the next level.

Look for James to get looks as a change-of-pace back and a kick returner in the NFL. Either way, Oregon fans won't be quick to forget this back's blinding speed and highlight-reel runs anytime soon.

Morris Claiborne

Morris Claiborne will probably be the first defensive back off the board in April's NFL Draft.

Claiborne has 46 tackles this season and six interceptions. He is a proven playmaker. His ability to make plays after his picks takes him to the next level.

He is 6'1", which will give him the ability to body up in the NFL. He has an uncanny ability to find the ball, and that instinct is a rare trait.

Claiborne is arguably the best player on the best team in the nation.

After the 2010 season, Patrick Peterson departed LSU and Claiborne filled his shoes. Claiborne will jump after this season, and Tyrann Mathieu will not miss a beat in Baton Rouge.

Justin Blackmon

Justin Blackmon puts up staggering numbers in Oklahoma State's pass-happy attack.

This season he has 113 catches for 1,336 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is Brandon Weeden's favorite target, a Biletnikoff Award winner and arguably the best receiver in the nation.

Blackmon's 6'1'' frame is supported by an NFL-ready body. He is sure-handed and attacks the ball in traffic.

He may lack top-end speed, but he understands how to elude defenders in the open field.

Blackmon is a specimen on the outside. He will make an impact for an NFL team from day one.

Although he just just a junior, his draft entry is all but decided.

Expect him to go within the first 10 picks in April.

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is Alabama's hammer on offense and may be the best ball-carrier in the entire country.

He has run over and around defenses all season to the tune of 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is also a reliable target out of the backfield.

Richardson is a can't-miss NFL prospect. His stock will never be higher, and he will jump at the chance to go pro after this season. Especially considering the injury risks carried by running backs.

Whoever lands Richardson will be very happy on draft day. Until then, Tide fans need to enjoy Richardson's collegiate finale.

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck is as hyped as it gets when it comes to NFL Draft prospects.

Luck was expected to be the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Instead, he returned to Stanford and is a lock to go No. 1 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

He has all the tools. His numbers showcase just that. Luck has tossed for over 3,000 yards, 37 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

Luck had a few rocky games this season, but don't let that get you down on the Stanford signal-caller. He is as good as advertised, and will prove that at the next level.

He may have to sit behind Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. In fact, he will have too. Either way, Luck will be worth the wait when he finally gets the opportunity to run an NFL offense.