BCS Bowls Burst on the Scene Among a Full Slate of Monday Matchups

There are six big bowl games being played on Monday, January 2, 2012. Here are some previews and predictions. Games are listed in order in which they will take place chronologically.

TicketCity Bowl - #19 Houston (12-1) vs. #22 Penn State (9-3) - 12:00 PM EST, ESPNU

This bowl game isn't where either of these teams hoped they would end up. As a result, motivation might be a struggle for both teams. The Houston Cougars were 12-0 entering the Conference USA Championship Game. All they needed was to win the game, and they would get the berth to a BCS bowl. However, Southern Miss pulled the upset, so the Cougars have to settle for this bowl. Normally, a nine win season for a Big Ten team would earn them one of the conference's more desired bowl games. Unfortunately for Penn State, many bowl committees passed them up because of the scandal that devastated the program. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the Nittany Lions, they did. The team has ruled out starting quarterback Matt McGloin, with a concussion from a fight with a teammate in their locker room. Houston is of course known by their record-setting quarterback Case Keenum. He will have a tough matchup against a Penn State defense that ranks #5 in the nation against the pass. Prediction: Houston 27 Penn State 16

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl - Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6) - 1:00 PM EST, ESPN2

In most seasons, this matchup would most likely be a regular season headliner or BCS bowl, but this year isn't a typical year for either team as both finished a disappointing 6-6. Ohio State lost their last three games of the season. In fact, the Buckeyes finished with a losing record in Big Ten play for the first time since 1999. Florida lost six of their last eight. The storyline of this game is that it pits coach Urban Meyer's former team against his future team. While he will have no actual role in the game, most of the talk surrounding the game will be about him, rather than the mediocre football being played on the field. Prediction: Florida 27 Ohio State 24

Outback Bowl - #17 Michigan State (10-3) vs. #16 Georgia (10-3) - 1:00 PM EST, ABC

Both of these teams look to bounce back from disappointing losses in their respective conference championship games. Michigan State lost a hard fought battle against Wisconsin 42-39. Georgia, which entered their game with #1 LSU on a ten game winning streak, saw their streak snapped as they were manhandled by a far superior Tigers team, 42-10. The quarterback matchup should be a good one. The Spartans' Kirk Cousins finished his senior season strong, throwing 13 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions during a five game span. The Bulldogs' sophomore quarterback, Aaron Murray, had a strong season as well, but struggled against LSU's stringent defense to end the season. While both of these offenses are capable of putting points on the scoreboard, I expect this game to be a lower scoring one because of the dominance of both of these defenses. Both finished in the top five in of the FBS in total defense. Prediction: Georgia 20 Michigan State 10

Capital One Bowl - #20 Nebraska (9-3) vs. #9 South Carolina (10-2) - 1:00 PM EST, ESPN

South Carolina is one win away from its winningest season in school history. In order to achieve that, they are going to have to overcome a few things. One would be their own history in bowl games, having lost their last three. They are also going to have to slow down Nebraska's challenging offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead. The Huskers' offense won't have an easy task themselves either as they match up against a Gamecocks defense that ranks #4 in the FBS in total defense and is led by first-team All-American defensive end Melvin Ingram. Nebraska has to be a little disappointed on not making it to a BCS bowl in their first year in the Big Ten, but overall it was a solid year for the team. They would love to cap it off with a bowl win. Prediction: South Carolina 20 Nebraska 17

Rose Bowl - #10 Wisconsin (11-2) vs. #5 Oregon (11-2) - 5:00 PM EST, ESPN

Both these teams are familiar to BCS games in recent years, but both are looking for their first win. Wisconsin was in the Rose Bowl last year, but lost to an undefeated TCU team. Oregon is making their third straight BCS bowl game appearance. The Ducks lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl two years ago and to Auburn in the BCS title game last season. This year's matchup might result in the highest scoring Rose Bowl ever. Both offenses rank in the top five in total offense in the nation and neither have scored less than 27 points in a game all season. Both offenses feature standout quarterbacks and running backs. Wisconsin's quarterback Russell Wilson is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, completing 72.5% of his passes while throwing 31 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The Badgers' running back Montee Bell finished the season as a Heisman finalist with a total of 1759 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. Oregon's quarterback Darron Thomas finished with 2493 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns. The Ducks' explosive running back LaMichael James averaged 7.4 yards per carry, while rushing for 1646 yards and 17 touchdowns. This one seems set to be a shootout. Prediction: Wisconsin 38 Oregon 35

Tostitos Bowl - #4 Stanford (11-1) vs. #3 Oklahoma State (11-1) - 8:30 PM EST, ESPN

The Tostitos Bowl this year is all about teams trying to prove a point. Stanford wants to showcase quarterback Andrew Luck and let everyone know that they have a complete football team. Luck is being hailed as the greatest quarterback prospect since John Elway. Oklahoma State wants the NCAA and viewers to realize that the BCS is a screwed up system and that they should be playing in the national championship game. This game obviously features two prolific, high scoring offenses. The Cardinal offense revolves around Luck, who threw for 35 touchdown passes during the season, and tight end Coby Fleener, who is the most productive tight end in the nation. The Cowboys offense features quarterback Brandon Weeden, who threw for 34 touchdown passes, and wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who caught 113 passes for 1336 yards and 15 touchdowns. If you thought that wasn't enough offense, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle also ran for 1193 yards and 23 touchdowns. You thought the Rose Bowl was going to be high scoring, but this one might be even higher scoring. It might me a shootout between the bowls to see who can score the most combined points. Prediction: Oklahoma State 48 Stanford 31

College Football Week 14 Preview & Predictions

This is conference championship weekend. These games will help decide who plays in the BCS bowls. Here are my previews and predictions for my Top Five:

5. #24 Southern Miss @ #6 Houston - 12:00 PM EST, ABC

The University of Houston's football team has convincingly kept doing one thing all season. That is winning football games. The Cougars are looking for their thirteenth win and a perfect regular season. They get to play Southern Miss at home in the Conference USA Championship. After finishing a disappointing 5-7 last season, Houston is one win away from their first ever BCS bowl game bid and would become the first ever Conference USA team to play in the Bowl Championship Series. The Cougars' potent offense is led at quarterback by Heisman candidate Case Keenum. The Cougars' defense has also steadily improved throughout the season. The Southern Miss offense is led by quarterback Austin Davis and running back Jamal Woodyard. The Golden Eagles are going to need to get these two guys to play stellar games in order to have a shot at the upset win. Prediction: Houston 52 Southern Miss 31

4. #15 Wisconsin vs. #13 Michigan State - 8:17 PM EST, FOX

If the inaugural Big Ten Championship is anything like the first matchup of these two teams, this game is going to be stellar. On October 22, Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins completed a 44-yard Hail Mary pass to Keith Nichol as time expired. Both teams come into tomorrow's game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on a four-game winning streak. Michigan State's offense will center around Cousins once again. You should keep an eye on his favorite target, wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, as well. Wisconsin's dual-threat offense hasn't scored less than 28 points in any game this season. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been extremely efficient on the season, but two of his three interceptions on the season came against the Spartans earlier this season. Running back Montee Ball is playing like a beast. He had four rushing touchdowns against Penn State last week. We also can't forget about these two defenses. The Spartans and Badgers have two of the top six scoring defenses in the country. The winner of this game gets the automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Prediction: Wisconsin 31 Michigan State 20

3. #5 Virginia Tech vs. #20 Clemson - 8:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

Way back on October 1, Clemson did what few teams do to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. They beat them handily, 23-3. Since that game, these have been two completely different teams. Clemson was in the top ten in the polls with a record of 8-0. Then, they dropped three out of their last four and should have lost the one game they won. Conversely, Virginia Tech has been on a mission. Sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas has improved greatly since the loss. As for the Hokies defense and special teams, they just look like another great version of head coach Frank Beamer's staple crop. Virginia Tech is hungry for revenge. The winner of this game, played in Charlotte, goes to the Orange Bowl. Prediction: Virginia Tech 41 Clemson 6

2. #14 Georgia vs. #1 LSU - 4:00 PM EST, CBS

Many experts say this game is just one more hump for LSU to get over before going to the BCS National Championship game. However, I would caution the Tigers to not take this game lightly. The game is being played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. While this is not officially a home game for the University of Georgia, the Bulldogs well definitely feel comfortable playing there and should have the edge in the crowd. Additionally, the Dawgs come in on a ten game winning streak of their own. After being down 14-0, LSU went on to dismantle then #3 Arkansas 41-17 last week. Everyone talks about the Tigers outstanding defense, but it is also important to consider the improved play of quarterback Jordan Jefferson. For Georgia to have a chance to win this game, the Bulldogs need quarterback Aaron Murray to play effectively and efficiently. Prediction: LSU 31 Georgia 21

1. #10 Oklahoma @ #3 Oklahoma State - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Oklahoma State needs this win to win their first ever Big 12 Championship and try and prove that they deserve to play in the BCS National Championship Game. Their in-state rival and nemesis, the University of Oklahoma, stands in their way. The Sooners have won the last eight Bedlam matchups against the Cowboys. Oklahoma bounced back from their second loss of the season to Baylor with a win 26-6 over Iowa State. Iowa State is the team that ended Oklahoma State's perfect season 37-31 in 2OT. The Cowboys are coming off a bye last week. Oklahoma State is of course known by their potent offense, featuring their Heisman candidate quarterback Brandon Weeden and explosive wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has struggled the past two weeks, failing to throw a passing touchdown in both games. He had thrown at least one in 24 straight games before that. He is expected to get back one of his favorite targets, wide receiver Jaz Reynolds, from injury. The winner will most likely head to the Fiesta Bowl. Prediction: Oklahoma State 45 Oklahoma 41

College Football Week 12 Preview & Predictions

5. #16 Nebraska @ #18 Michigan - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN3

The Big Ten Legends Division is down to three contenders with one clear favorite. Both Nebraska and Michigan are 8-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play. They sit a game behind Michigan State who is 8-2 as well, but are 5-1 in conference play. The Spartans play Indiana at home (12:00 PM EST, Big Ten Network). If they win, Michigan is out. Therefore, Michigan needs a win over Nebraska and an Indiana win over Michigan State to stay alive in their pursuit of this year's Big Ten Championship. Nebraska needs either a win over Michigan or an Indiana win over Michigan State. To say there is a lot riding on the outcome of this game, is an understatement. This one should be fun. Prediction: Nebraska 20 Michigan 17

4. #17 Wisconsin @ Illinois - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN3

Now, it's time to watch what happens in the Big Ten's other division. In the Leaders Division, Wisconsin is in the same position as Michigan and Nebraska. Wisconsin (8-2, 4-2) sits one game behind Penn State (8-2, 5-1). After two heartbreaking losses, the Badgers responded by beating Purdue and Minnesota by a combined margin of 104-30. Illinois started the season 5-0, but upon examining their schedule, that was more or less just an illusion. The Illini have now lost four in a row. Head coach Ron Zook is back on the hot seat. How will his players respond for him? Prediction: Wisconsin 38 Illinois 13

3. #21 Penn State @ Ohio State - 3:30 PM EST, ABC Regional/ESPN/ESPN3

Penn State and Ohio State were once considered to be the epitome of what a football program should be. When these two teams played last year, the game featured the two winningest active coaches in Division I football. The NCAA is still in the midst of an investigation into Ohio State players trading memorabilia for cash and receiving discounted tattoos. Head coach Jim Tressel became history. Penn State is still shell shocked by the Jerry Sandusky scandal that has disgraced and torn apart a tight-knit community. Head coach Joe Paterno was fired and his legendary career is forever tarnished. Saturday there is football to be played. A game that is very important for both teams. Ohio State is bowl eligible, but might have to play a MAC school if they don't win one of their final two games. Penn State still sits in first place in the Big Ten Leaders Division. They control their own fate in their path to the Big Ten Championship Game. Penn State needs to do something they haven't done very much of in the past, win at the Horseshoe. They've only one once in Columbus since joining the Big Ten. This game should feature heavy running approaches and strong defenses. Prediction: Penn State 14 Ohio State 13

2. #5 Oklahoma @ #22 Baylor - 8:00 PM EST, ABC Regional/ESPN3

Without even playing last week, Oklahoma returned to the BCS National Championship picture. Two previously undefeated teams ahead of the Sooners, Stanford and Boise State, both lost. Now, the Sooners have two of their final three games against ranked opponents. If they win out, they definitely have a case for playing in the BCS National Championship Game. Their first game is against Baylor. The ranked Bears will be pumped for this showdown as they have a great chance to beat their rival Oklahoma for the first time ever. Last week, Baylor rallied and survived an overtime bout with Kansas 31-30. With Robert Griffin III at quarterback, the Bears should be able to score against the Sooners defense, but the question is whether or not their defense will be able to do enough to slow down Sooners quarterback Landry Jones. Prediction: Oklahoma 35 Baylor 31

1. SMU @ #11 Houston - 3:30 PM EST

Thanks in large part to Boise State's loss last week and College Gameday's first visit to campus, the spotlight is fully on Case Keenum and the Houston Cougars. Keenum is the NCAA all-time leader in total offense (18,434 yards), passing yards (17,537), and passing touchdowns (144). This Saturday he looks to add two more accomplishments to his resume. He needs seven completions to become the all-time leader in that category. If he passes for 300 yards or more, he will tie former Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang's record of 36 games. Additionally, if Houston wins out they will get the automatic bid to a BCS bowl game that Boise State vacated with their loss. SMU has lost three out of their last four, but won against a ranked TCU team earlier this year. Prediction: Houston 70 SMU 21

If you want to learn more about Houston, watch this video preview of their game this Saturday: http://www.cbs.com/sports/video/?pid=BQ83j5A3rSkGt81qEtipkZubz19w_4Uy&vs=Default&play=true