BCS Bowl Games: Predicting MVPs for Each Matchup

The matchups are oftentimes disappointing, but the worst part about the BCS bowls is that we have to wait so long to watch them.

That's just how it is. Until the five BCS bowls get here, all we can do is sit here and discuss them ad nauseum and from all angles.

Today is as good a day as any to discuss which players are going to shine when the BCS bowls come around. A lucky few will get MVP awards for their efforts, and I think I know who they are.

Let's discuss.

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Offensive: LaMichael James

Stopping LaMichael James is going to be a priority for the Badgers, but that's going to be easier said than done. James is arguably the most dangerous player in the country when he has the football in his clutches, and the Badgers are only going to be able to do so much to stop him.

A typical game for James involves around 200 yards rushing and a handful of touchdowns. He won't have that much success, but he'll be good enough to lead the Ducks to a win and to claim MVP honors. 

Defensive: Dion Jordan

Going with a bit of a darkhorse candidate here. Neither Wisconsin nor Oregon is going to put on a defensive display in this game, so it's going to come down to which defense can make game-changing plays.

I'm focusing on Jordan here because he has an ability to get behind the line of scrimmage and cause trouble for opposing offenses. In this case, Jordan will have to get after Russell Wilson and Montee Ball. If he makes just one big play, he's going to be rewarded for it.

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Stanford

Offensive: Andrew Luck

I fully expect the Fiesta Bowl to live up to its billing as a battle between two great quarterbacks. Because I cannot bring myself to doubt Andrew Luck, I have him outlasting Brandon Weeden and leading the Cardinal to a win.

I have no doubt that the Cardinal will look to establish the run, but they're going to have to turn Luck loose if they want to keep up with the Pokes. I don't think that's going to be an issue, as the Cowboys are not a great defensive team. Luck should be able to put up his usual numbers, and those numbers will ultimately earn him Fiesta Bowl MVP honors.

Defensive: Michael Thomas

Luck is going to take home MVP honors, but I expect Weeden to be very good in his own right. The thing with Weeden, though, is that he will turn the ball over. In a game like this, one interception could mean the death of the Pokes. I have a feeling Michael Thomas is going to come up with that interception, perhaps sealing a win for the Cardinal.

Sugar Bowl: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

I have to go with Denard Robinson here. It can be downright painful to watch him throw the football, but Robinson can definitely make plays with his legs. The Hokies are a decent defensive team, but that doesn't mean they're going to be ready for Robinson. He can do things no other quarterback in the country can do, and he's going to make Virginia Tech's stay at the Sugar Bowl a living hell.

Michigan's much-improved defense will take care of the rest, and the Wolverines will exit New Orleans with a signature win.

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. West Virginia

I thought about going with Tajh Boyd here, but I'm going to go with Sammy Watkins instead. The freshman has been a sensation for the Tigers this season, and plenty of people are going to take note during the Orange Bowl. I foresee the Tigers putting on a show, and Watkins is going to be the star.

BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Alabama

Offensive: Michael Ford

Predictions don't get much tougher than this one. If LSU vs. Alabama II is anything like the Game of the Century, not much offense is going to be played. The game will stay between the 20s, and points are going to be hard to come by.

This being said, Michael Ford actually had a pretty decent game against the Crimson Tide last time out. He rushed for 72 yards on 11 carries, which is not too shabby considering he was going up against the country's top rush defense.

If Ford makes it 2-for-2, I think the Tigers are going to win this game.

Defensive: Tyrann Mathieu

Honestly, how could I not pick the Honey Badger?

It's been a while since we've seen a defensive player as disruptive as Tyrann Mathieu, which I guess is why he's a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He didn't get to make much of a difference in the first game against Alabama, and that makes me think he's saving his best for last.

I'm going to call it right now: Honey Badger is finding the end zone in the title game. I don't know how or when he's going to get there, but it's going to happen.

Thanks to his efforts, LSU will win the game.