2011 Bowl Predictions: Breaking Down This Year's Most Intriguing Matchups

The 2011 college football bowl schedule was released last night, and there are more than a few good matchups. A number of interesting teams are set to do battle starting in less than two weeks, with money, pride and bragging rights on the line.

While certain teams like Boise State, TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma really got screwed and drew lackluster opponents; there are still plenty of excellent bowls to go around this year.

Let’s take a look at some games that project to be the most exciting

Champ Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Notre Dame

This game features two teams that are past their glory days and started the season very overrated. They both finished 8-4 this year and disappointed their fans once again. Poor performances crushed their preseason BCS dreams.

Much of the focus on Dec. 29 is going to be on the history of these two schools and the epic games they used to play. It should still be a solid game to watch, as the Seminoles’ beastly defense attempts to contain the balanced Fighting Irish offense.

Prediction: Florida State over Notre Dame

TicketCity Bowl: Houston vs. Penn State

Despite the lack of prestige in the name, this bowl is actually going to be one of the more exciting ones we see this season.

Houston was a game away from locking up a BCS berth, but faltered under pressure to Southern Miss.

Penn State went 9-3 this season and lost two big games at the end of the year after the Jerry Sandusky scandal rocked the program and they lost coach Joe Paterno.

Apparently, Nittany Lions players are upset and feel the scandal had something to do with this selection, but they are facing a team that many felt was a top eight program in the nation until their most recent loss.

It’s going to be a much better game than they think, and if they keep underestimating the Cougars, they will lose badly.

Prediction: Houston over Penn State

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Michigan State and Georgia are both runners-up in their respective power conferences after losing in the title game. This is basically their consolation prize, and it will be an exciting game in Tampa.

These are two top five defenses going at it, and it should be a physical, tough and challenging contest for both sides.

It’s also got two teams that are much better than those appearing in the BCS Orange Bowl, which makes it must-see football.

Prediction: Georgia over Michigan State

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

These are two teams that both felt they got snubbed by the selection committee, voters, computers and everyone else who has any say at all on who makes the national championship game.

It’s going to as high-scoring as they get, as two of the top offenses attack each other and both teams play with a chip on their shoulder.

Prediction: Oklahoma State over Stanford

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

These are easily the two best two-loss teams in the nation, and both were hoping to head to the national title before disappointing losses derailed their dreams.

The Rose Bowl isn’t a bad consolation prize, and it is one of the most respected bowls with a ton of history behind it. You know both programs will try like hell to win it, so look for a hard-fought battle between Big Ten power and Pac-12 speed.

Unfortunately, that is part of the problem in getting a playoff system implanted.

If these teams are content with vying for a Rose Bowl and being snubbed of a national championship, it hurts a unified front against having awful rematches for a same-conference national title.

Prediction: Wisconsin over Oregon

BCS Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama

Didn’t we already see these two teams play this season?

Oh, right…we did, and LSU won.

Obviously, that didn’t convince the morons who vote and the ridiculously sketchy computer systems in place that feel we need to watch these two teams go at it again in an SEC-only national championship.

Just look how disgusting this is.

Oh well, it should still be another good one if you like absolutely no offense in a football game.

It’s a damn shame, too, because Oklahoma State would have challenged LSU and probably won with their amazing passing game. 

Prediction: LSU over Alabama