BCS Bowl Games 2012: Biggest Impact Players in Each Matchup

There is a four-out-of-five chance that the Heisman Trophy winner plays in a BCS bowl this year and a 40 percent chance that he plays in the 2012 BCS Championship Game.

However, the odds-on favorite to win the trophy this year is not going to be in a BCS bowl.

Every BCS team has a game-changer though, and here are the ones that will standout in each matchup.

Allstate BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Alabama

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

This battle comes down to two Heisman finalists, and Richardson slightly edges out Tryann Mathieu, a.k.a the Honey Badger, of LSU.

The Tide left at least 12 points on the field in their last meeting, and Richardson is going to let that happen this time around.

Regardless of whether or not the running back wins the Heisman Trophy, he is going to be the most impactful player in the national championship game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma

You would think that a game featuring Andrew Luck would easily constitute him as the most impactful player on the field, but not here.

Blackmon isn't one of the five Heisman finalists, but he's one of the biggest game-changers in the nation. The Pokes wide receiver is also one of the top prospects in the nation and will be starring on Sundays next year.

Stanford's defense is going to be a tough task, but the Pokes have a ton of firepower with Blackmon as the top weapon.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by VIZIO: Oregon vs. Wisconsin

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

This game also features a Heisman finalist, Badgers running back Montee Ball, but it is Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson who will make the biggest difference.

The senior signal-caller was ridiculously productive this year and rarely makes mistakes.

Oregon is going to be great test for this team, and a lot of points are going to scored. Although Ball tallied 38 touchdowns this season, it is going to be Wilson's arm (which threw 31 touchdowns this year) that could possibly propel them to victory.

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Michigan

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Michigan has a ridiculous impact player of their own in Denard Robinson, but it is Virginia Tech running back David Wilson that will change this game. The junior running back averaged 6.1 yards per carry this season and was the driving force for the Hokies offense. 

In the Sugar Bowl, he'll take on a very good Michigan defense that only gives up 17 points per game.

Tech's QB Logan Thomas takes away some of Wilson's touchdowns, but it will be the all-purpose back who makes the biggest impact on this game.

Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. West Virginia

Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

The Tigers earned a berth in a BCS bowl with a surprising win over Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship.

Clemson was off to a great start this season before finally being grounded by Georgia Tech. They then lost two of their next three games, and there was one common theme: turnovers.

Five of Boyd's 10 interceptions this season came in the Tigers' three losses, and if he makes those mistakes against West Virginia, it will cost them. Geno Smith and the West Virginia offense will score points, and Boyd is going to need to limit mistakes.