2011 Bowl Games: Virginia-Auburn and Other Great Non BCS Matchups

Auburn couldn't deal Alabama's BCS title-game hopes a death blow in the Iron Bowl, but they do have an intriguing draw in the Virginia Cavaliers at Chick Fil-A Bowl on New Year's Eve. 

Virginia has been one of the most surprising teams of the year. Their record of 8-4 was not expected. Sophomore QB Michael Rocco and the Cavaliers were blown out by the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-0 on the last game of the season, but this is a young, up-and-coming squad.

You never know which Auburn team you'll get this season, so while the Tigers are capable of blowing the Cavaliers out, it could very well be a nail-biter, especially if Auburn turns the ball over.

Arizona St. vs. Boise St., Maaco Bowl

The Big East-bound Broncos will take on the Sun Devils with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Broncos head coach Chris Petersen was not happy with being left out of the BCS Bowl picture and let that be known earlier in the week.

I expect the Broncos to come out firing on all cylinders to prove they have the Sun Devils outclassed. Arizona State will not go quietly. Led by future NFL draft first-round pick Vontaze Burfict, the Devils have the athletes on defense to slow the Broncos attack.

The question will be, can Brock Osweiler stay away from the interception. The Devils are on a free-fall, losing four games in a row. The Devils will have a strong game, but the Broncos will win a close one.

North Carolina vs. Missouri, Advocare Independence Bowl

This matchup features at least four future NFL standouts in my opinion. For Missouri, QB James Franklin and WR and TE Michael Egnew, while the Tar Heels defense is sprinkled with elite talent. Both Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss figure to have their name called early on draft day.

Missouri has been playing better—they ride a three-game win streak into the game. The Tigers defense is holding opponents to less than 15 points per game in the streak.

I do expect a huge effort from the Tar Heels defense with tons of scouts figuring to be in attendance. This should be an exciting contest.