2011 Bowl Games: Ranking the 10 Best Non-BCS Bowls

The college football regular season is all wrapped up, it's about time we begin looking towards the bowl season. The bowl schedule was recently released and if you're anything like me, you're like a kid on Christmas morning just waiting for some juicy matchups.

Everybody knows the BCS bowl games are going to be great, as they host a majority of the top teams and conference champions. But there seem to be a lot of good non-BCS bowl games that not only have great teams but interesting storylines.

Here are the top 10 non-BCS bowls this season.

Arizona State vs. Boise State

This game has the potential to become very interesting if Arizona State's defense steps up to the plate and plays the way they're capable of. Regardless, the Sun Devils have the passing game to keep up with the Broncos scoring-wise to make this game worth watching.

At the very least, this game is worth a look because nearly the entire Boise State team is graduating this season. Head coach Chris Petersen may be on his way out as well if he gets the right coaching offer from another program.

Houston vs. Penn State

Penn State isn't exactly the most exciting team to watch as they struggle mightily to score points. They do play great defense though, and it will be a great matchup against the high-scoring offense of the Cougars. 

This will be quarterback Case Keenum's last game at Houston, and hopefully it goes over a lot better than the game against Southern Miss.

Cal vs. Texas

Everybody may be picking Texas to win this game, but don't sleep on the California Bears. They are one of the most balanced teams in the country and have the offensive pieces to score with anybody.

Both of these teams ended up missing the postseason last year and are looking to get back on track after sub-par seasons.

Baylor vs. Washington

OK, seriously, who doesn't like to watch Robert Griffin III play? The guy is one of those players you have to watch every opportunity you have.

Watching him play against a Washington team that is ranked 99th in points allowed will be even more of a joy to watch.

A ton of points and Griffin are good enough reasons to tune into this game. 

Virginia vs. Auburn

Mike London has done a fabulous job with Virginia this year and is great at getting the most out of his players. This Cavaliers team is a real feisty team that may struggle to score points, but have found ways to win games this year.

Auburn is a talented team that really lacks experience and that's the main reason for their downfall. 

Overall, you have two teams that are on the rise and should be able to provide a good showing.

Michigan State vs. Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs are once again playing a team that has a great defense in Michigan State. Hopefully, they fare better than they did against LSU.

The Bulldogs are one of those teams that have all of the talent, you're just waiting for them to play up to their potential. Michigan State and that defensive front will provide another big challenge for the top quarterback in the SEC.

Kansas State vs. Arkansas

Arkansas has been a consistent team all season long, but they forget how to play football when they play a good defense. Kansas State is one of the most surprise teams this season and somehow always finds ways to win.

This game could be high-scoring, but both offenses are different. The Wildcats love to run the ball and the Razorbacks get a majority of their points through the air.

Iowa vs. Oklahoma

Which Sooners team will show up? That's the main question.

Will they be the dominant team they were in the beginning of the year or will they continue to be that team that struggles against sub-par teams?

The Hawkeyes are capable of pulling off the upset as they are balanced and gave several ranked Big Ten teams a run for their money. They also beat Michigan.

Florida vs. Ohio State

This game has one of the best storylines of all the bowl games this year. With Urban Meyer recently taking the new coaching job at Ohio State, Florida fans and players may feel a certain type of way against him. They would like nothing better than to stick it to their former coach.

Not to mention, these are two great programs that are going through down seasons, but are talented and have the ability to provide a thrilling outcome.

Florida State vs. Notre Dame

Both of these programs had huge expectations heading into the year, but they both fell on their faces. That just helps create the best non-BCS bowl this season.

This matchup has two historic programs with loads of talent going at it. Both of these teams can get after it on both sides of the ball when the right team shows up.

The winner of this game will be able to take the momentum heading into next season.