5 Most Important Non-BCS Bowls

Bowl season is nearly upon us, but people seem to just be talking about the BCS National Championship. Plus, if they aren’t talking about Alabama and LSU then they are likely talking about the Rose or Fiesta Bowl.

The non-BCS bowls have just as much importance, since most of the teams that are playing in a BCS Bowl this season failed to play in one last year (Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma State, Clemson, WV, Michigan).

Many of the following matchups involve teams that could be ranked in the top 10 next pre-season. These bowl games often impact National Signing Day.

Outback Bowl

Michigan State was obliterated in more ways than one last year to Alabama. Some are questioning (Ed Cunningham) if they will show up this season.

Sparty needs this game almost more than any other Big 10 program this postseason. The SEC haters need the Big 10 to kick its teeth in. It starts with these type of bowl games.

MSU gave up a boatload of yards to the Badgers. Georgia is arguably on both defense and special teams.

The Bulldogs' running game has been the only weak link with the health and status of Isaiah Crowell and Richard Samuel IV.

Kirk Cousins will be playing in his final game. He clearly needs B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin to play their best games of the season, if they want to keep up with a Georgia offense that shouldn’t have too many issues putting up points.

Early Lean: Dawgs by 4

Gator Bowl

This game is vital because the Buckeyes could carry some momentum into the 2011-2012 season, that will surely be hyped with Urban Meyer already in town.

A few prime time recruits have changed their minds; including Tommy Schutt of Glenbard West (IL). It is acquisitions like this that can quickly turn the Buckeyes defense into one of the elites of college football.

The Gators are nearly on the complete opposite side of the spectrum despite having the identical record. Florida has an exceptional defense up front, but that may be thrown out the door when trying to tackle and harass Braxton Miller.

Miller has been scorching hot. It will be up to John Brantley to answer with a few productive plays of his own. If Ohio State can find a way to win this game, then don't be shocked to see this squad be ranked in the pre-season. They could end up playing in a BCS Bowl this time next season.

Early Lean: Buckeyes by 2

Holiday Bowl

Texas is loaded with a top notch recruiting class for next season, but that hasn’t done squat for the offense this season. Case McCoy tried to give a spark for the Longhorns, but they turned it over at will against Baylor in their 24-point beatdown.

Everybody is talking about Texas’ defense as if it is good as it gets. Cal actually features just as strong of a defense up front.

The Bears were 37th against the run and 26th in total defense. Their offense has been much better on a consistent basis, at least towards the end of the season.

Zach Maynard has turned it over just once over the past four games. His half-brother Keenan Allen could come up big in this one. However, the Longhorns 11th rated defense better play lights out against Isi Sofele, who is the 20th leading rusher in America.

If Texas were to lose this game in the state of California, perhaps Jeff Tedford would get off the hot seat. Mack Brown's program would still be a few years away from appearing in a BCS Bowl.

Early Lean: Bears by 1

Champs Sports Bowl

Notre Dame and Florida State have not met since 2003, where Florida State won 37-0 over a freshman named Brady Quinn.

Both programs have had their ups and downs since, but both of these teams are exactly where they were a season ago. We could argue Notre Dame digressed a tad, and the same can be said for FSU. Injuries took a toll, but that is no excuse for losing three games in a row back in October.

Notre Dame had four losses as well, but two of them were to top five AP teams (Stanford, USC).

Sophomore Andrew Hendrix should get the start. He will be going up against the toughest defense that the Irish will have seen all year. This game could come down to field position. Special teams is something the Noles have executed very well this season.

Though FSU went 10-3 last season, they were still too young to turn into the national title contenders some thought they would become. Consecutive bowl wins and consecutive top three recruiting classes would be the start of something special.

Early Lean: Noles by 4

Cotton Bowl

This is your ultimate non-BCS matchup to watch since many college football fans think Oklahoma State is better and more deserving than Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s best victory was at home over the Razorbacks. Whereas the Cowboys best win, arguably was a home win over the Wildcats.

Arkansas comes in as favorites because their high-octane offense led by quarterback Tyler Wilson. Pig Sooey has a bevy of home-run hitters with none bigger than Joe Adams (special teams) and Jarius Wright.

Collin Klein leads a Kansas State offense that grinds out yards by picking up just enough in the process. The defense was a bit under the radar this season, but they will be tested similar to the way they were against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Not only were they tested in those two games, but the Sooners smashed them in Manhattan. Then the Cowboys hung over 500 yards of offense also.

If Kansas State were to win this game, then they could be considered the favorites to win the Big 12 if Landry Jones were to declare for the draft. However, the Razorbacks could use the momentum to be considered a national championship contender for next season with Knile Davis likely producing similar to the way he did in 2010.

Early Lean: Razorbacks by 10