Early bowl projections for 2008-2009

The following is a (very) early projection of what the 2008-2009 college bowl lineup will look like assuming all the current bowl games and conference tie-ins remain the same. Things can and will change by the time summer rolls around, so please take these predictions with a grain of salt.

Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. TCU

New Orleans Bowl: Florida Atlantic vs. UTEP

PapaJohns.com Bowl: Rutgers vs. Central Florida

New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. Louisiana Tech

Las Vegas Bowl: Air Force vs. Arizona State

Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa

Motor City Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Indiana

Holiday Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Cal

Champ Sports Bowl: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

Emerald Bowl: UCLA vs. North Carolina

Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Houston

Meineke Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Florida State

Liberty Bowl: East Carolina vs. South Carolina

Alamo Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Nebraska

Independence Bowl: Kansas State vs. Mississippi

Armed Forces Bowl: Oregon State vs. Utah

Sun Bowl: Washington vs. Pittsburgh

Humanitarian Bowl: Boise State vs. Maryland

Music City Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Boston College vs. Alabama

Insight Bowl: Colorado vs. Iowa

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Auburn

Cotton Bowl: Texas vs. Tennessee

Capital One Bowl: LSU vs. Penn State

Gator Bowl: Kansas vs. Virginia

Rose Bowl: USC vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl: West Virginia vs. Florida

Fiesta Bowl: Missouri vs. Illinois

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Brigham Young

International Bowl: South Florida vs. Bowling Green

GMAC Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Southern Miss

BCS National Championship: Georgia vs. Oklahoma

Emerald Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

8:30 EST, San Francisco, Cal., ESPN

Prediction: Oregon vs. Boston College

Pac-10 no. 5 vs. ACC no. 7

Analysis:

The original Bowl Projection opinion was that Boston College wouldn't even make it to a bowl game this year. Boy were we wrong. And I'm not sure why we were so negative on B.C. They handled last year's ACC champion in Wake Forest in week one. And Matt Ryan looks good at quarterback. Jeff Jagodzinski is doing a nice job so far. Do you think that Tom O'Brien is second guessing his move to NC State?

Oregon handled Houston in the season opener. Week two will be an even better barometer or how well the season will go for the Ducks. Will Michigan bounce back after getting beat by Appalachian State? Or can Oregon hand the Wolverines the second straight home loss to open the season. One would think that if Appalachian State can do it, so could Oregon.

Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

8 p.m. EST, Shreveport, La., ESPN

Predicition: Oklahoma State vs. Tennessee

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

Tennessee lost to a good Cal team, and there's no loss of respect in that. But the fact is that any one loss puts you further and further down the bowl pecking order. Unless Tennessee rules the roost in SEC East play, it will be tough for them to get to a better bowl. Teams like Kentucky are going to be better than anyone thinks. The loss of the Vols' receiving talent from a year ago has really hurt Erik Ainge.

Oklahoma State also lost their season opener. It just also happened to be against an SEC team in Georgia. The Cowboys look to have better luck in Big XII play. It might have been a different story had they been able to get Georgia at home too. Bobby Reid figures to have better days in Stillwater.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

1 p.m. EST, Charlotte, N.C., ESPN

Prediction: South Florida vs. Maryland

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

Neither of our bowl participants did much of note during the first week of the season. They both beat Championship subdivision opponents, which is more than Michigan can say, though. South Florida beat Elon handily. Quarterback Matt Groethe and the defense will lead the way for more prominent wins as the season continues. Maryland, meanwhile, beat Villanova in another yawner. A win is a win and Ralph Friedgen will need every one to get the Terrapins bowling in the postseason.

Armed Forces Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

12:30 p.m. EST, Fort Worth, Tex., ESPN

Prediction: BYU vs. Arizona State

Moutain West vs. Pac-10

Analysis:

Arizona State had an impressive win over San Jose State in their season opener. The Spartans have not traditionally been a powerhouse by any means, but they did win a bowl game last year. And the fact that the Sun Devils dismantled them bodes well for the season.

BYU's win over Arizona will earn them another shot at a Pac10 team in the postseason. The Cougars had to replace a lot of talent from a season ago including quarterback John Beck, but they looked more than capable in their season opening win.

Texas Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

8 p.m. EST, Houston, Tex., NFL Network

Prediction: Houston vs. Kansas

Conference USA vs. Big XII

Analysis:

Kansas had a really nice win over a decent Central Michigan team on Saturday. The may have only been a MAC opponent, but the Chippewas are a team that won a bowl game a year ago and have both a nice quarterback and running back. Cornerback Aqib Talib is the team's MVP and player to watch.

Houston may have lost their season opener, but they played a tough Oregon team on the road. The loss was expected. As long as they can stay atop the Conference USA standings, they should remain bowl eligible.

PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

1 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., ESPN2

Prediction: Cincinnati vs. Tulsa

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The battle is going to come down to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for the berth in this game, and based upon week one's play, Cincinnati it is. So far so good in Brian Kelly's first year in running the Bearcats. The balance on offense was good to see. They seems to be able to run and pass equally well.

For Tulsa, even though it wasn't against the strongest of opponents, a win on the road is always a good thing. Paul Smith showed why he is deserving of first team All-Conference USA. If Tulsa misses Steve Kragthorpe, they haven't shown it yet.

Motor City Bowl

Dec. 26, 2007

7:30 p.m., Detroit, Mich., ESPN

Prediction: Indiana vs. Kent State

Big 10 no. 7 vs. MAC

Analysis:

We're sticking with Indiana in the Motor City slot. Iowa will provide stiff competition, but we just think the stars are aligned for the Hoosiers. Iowa didn't exactly sparkle against Northern Illinois. And Indiana will be playing all season long for the memory of Terry Hoeppner.

Kent State showed their meddle by winning a road game in a Big XII stadium. Iowa State might not exactly be a quality opponent, but Bret Meyer and Todd Blythe are quality players. The Golden Flashes will go to their first bowl game for the first time since 1972, which will be sweet for them seeing as they should have gone to one last year.

International Bowl

Jan. 5, 2008

12 p.m. EST, Toronto, Canada, ESPN 2

Prediction: Notre Dame vs. Toledo

Big East/Notre Dame vs. MAC

Analysis:

If Saturday's performance is any indication, Notre Dame will be lucky to finish with a .500 record this season. And if they do, they better hope no team from the Big East finishes with a winning record. Bowl rules dictate that teams with a winning record are given preference. A team like Pittsburgh could leapfrog the Fighting Irish here.

Central Michigan was the original pick for this game, but they didn't show any fight versus Kansas. Toledo didn't exactly excel against Purdue either, but they showed more than the Chippewas. The Rockets are hoping the Toledo of old starts showing through and it should.

New Orleans Bowl

Dec. 21, 2007

8 p.m. EST, New Orleans, La., ESPN 2

Prediction: Troy vs. UCF

Sun Belt no. 1 vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

With their win over BCS conference foe North Carolina State on Saturday, UCF is rewarded with an elevation in the bowl pecking order. They get to face the Sun Belt champion in the Crescent City. On a side note, is this what Tom O'Brien signed up for at NC State?

Troy might have lost their season opener at Arkansas, but they played admirably. Omar Haugabrook should be able orchestrate Troy to a conference championship. A key game will be against Florida Atlantic in the last game of the regular season. Atlantic showed their might with a win over a 2006 bowl eligible team in Middle Tennessee State in their season opener.

Poinsettia Bowl

Dec. 20, 2007

9 p.m. EST, San Diego, Calif., ESPN

Prediction: Navy vs. Utah

Navy/at large vs. Mountain West

Analysis:

With BYU's win against a Pac10 team and Utah's loss against a Pac10 team, BYU leapfrogs Utah to compete in the Armed Forces Bowl against another Pac10 opponent. Utah still gets a bowl game, but they'll have to face Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Navy's handling of Temple shows they should finish with a winning record this season. Should they have lost, a winning season might have been in question. Adam Ballard won't let this team down.

Hawaii Bowl

Dec. 23, 2007

8 p.m. EST, Honolulu, Hawaii, ESPN

Prediction: Fresno State vs. SMU

WAC vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

Going to back to Hawaii once is nice. Fresno State won't exactly want to travel to the Islands twice in the same season, but they won't have a choice. If the Bulldogs and New Mexico State both end their seasons with winning records, the New Mexico Bowl will tab the Aggies as their team. The Bulldogs are bound for Hawaii.

SMU gets back to their first bowl game since 1984 and will be happy to go to Hawaii, or anywhere for that matter.

New Mexico Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

4:30 p.m. EST, Albuquerque, N.M., ESPN

Prediction: New Mexico State vs. Wyoming

Mountain West vs. WAC

Analysis:

As long as New Mexico State finishes with a winning record, they figure to get the bid to the New Mexico Bowl from the WAC in what will amount to somewhat of a home game. With Chase Holbrook running the show as long as the Aggies show any bit of defense, they should have a winning season.

If New Mexico can't beat UTEP, they don't figure to be much of a factor in the Mountain West race. On the other hand, Wyoming really showed their teeth on Saturday in a win over a BCS conference in Virginia. Karsten Sween could be the best quarterback in the Mountain West.

PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Pittsburgh vs. SMU

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The fallout from the Gator Bowl continues with Pittsburgh entering into the bowl equation. The Panthers weren't in our original projections, but are now in due to the unusual on again/off again arrangement between the Big East and Big XII with the Gator Bowl. And while that may be good news for Pittsburgh, it also means Colorado has dropped out of bowl projections completely. Sorry Buffs fans.

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt holds onto his job by guiding Pitt to a bowl game for the first time in his three years as coach. And things are looking up. After getting to a lower tier bowl in 2007, an even better bowl may come in 2008. The Pat Bostick to Oderick Turner connection should only get better as time goes on. Not to be overlooked, Pitt has one of the best special teams units in the conference if not the nation.

Texas Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

Prediction: Houston vs. Oklahoma State

Conference USA vs. Big XII

Analysis:

Our fallout from the Gator Bowl continues with Oklahoma State dropping from the Indepedence Bowl to the Texas Bowl. And the worst news of all, sorry Colorado fans, some team had to drop out totally and the Buffs are now not predicted to go bowling. We still predict Colorado to be bowl eligible, but the number of bowls affiliated with the Big XII just isn't enough to accomodate the Buffs.

Oklahoma State would probably rather play an SEC opponent in the Indepedence Bowl, but playing Houston in its home town could be just as tough. The Cowboys' top player is wide receiver Adarius Bowman and he'll look to take advantage of the Cougar secondary. Houston might be one of the top teams in Conference USA, but playing an Oklahoma State team that deserves to play in a better bowl could be a bit much.

Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

Prediction: Auburn vs. Texas Tech

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

The fallout of the Gator Bowl snafu continues with Texas Tech being demoted from the Sun Bowl in favor of a Big East team to the Independence Bowl instead. Our prediction of Auburn stays the same, this time playing the Red Raiders instead of the original projection of Oklahoma State. The prediction here is that Texas Tech will have a better record than Oklahoma State and the Cowboys will likewise be demoted.

Texas Tech gets bumped from the slightly more historic Sun Bowl, but they still get a good opponent in Auburn, an SEC powerhouse. The Auburn defense will definitely have to prepare for the Tech passing onslaught. With a year of seasoning under his belt, Graham Harrell should improve in his second year in the system.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: Rutgers vs. Miami

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

The fallout from the Gator Bowl continues as we alter our predictions. Due to our elevation of South Florida to the Sun Bowl, a good Rutgers team also jumps up to the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Miami will remain the opponent from the ACC.

Although the South Florida vs. Miami matchup had certain geographical implications, the new opponent for Miami is even better. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano had been rumored to be the new head coach for Miami before Schiano decided to stick with the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is coming off two consecutive bowl appearances, the best in team history. And his teams are becoming more competitive. Ray Rice will look to do some damage against the Hurricanes, who themselves are looking forward to a better season with less off the field issues than in 2006.

Sun Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Oregon vs. South Florida

Pac-10 no. 3 vs. Big XII/Big East/Notre Dame

Analysis:

A closer look at the bowl affiliation has the Gator Bowl selecting a Big XII team only twice in a two year period. According to Big XII official website, "In the two years in which the Gator does not select a Big 12 team, the Sun Bowl will."

We believe only one Big XII team will make it to a BCS game this season. In turn, we still think there will still be several very good Big XII teams that are bowl eligible, and the Gator Bowl will elect to nab a very good Oklahoma team for its New Year's Day slot. Therefore, we have to amend our earlier prediction that the Sun Bowl would pit Oregon and Texas Tech.

Oregon will still be the Pac-10 representative, but the Sun Bowl will have to go with a Big East team instead. Our prediction is South Florida, which is not a bad alternative. South Florida will have a punishing defense while sophomore quarterback Matt Groethe looks to have a better year in 2007.

Stay tuned as the Gator Bowl fallout will affect our predictions in about five other bowls.

GMAC Bowl

Jan. 6, 2008

Prediction: Central Florida vs. Ohio

Conference USA no. 2 vs. MAC

Analysis:

The only team better than UCF in Conference USA might be Southern Mississippi. After a bowless year in 2006, UCF will be bowl eligible once again if they don't manage to make it to the conference title game. The strength of the team lies in the tandem of cornerbacks, Joe Burnett and Johnell Neal. Opposing offenses will want to stick the the run game with those cornerbacks roaming the secondary.

Frank Solich has Ohio exactly where he wants them, near the top of the MAC standings. It won't be easy for the Bobcats to become bowl eligible for a second year in a row with only 11 returning starters from last year's team. One of those 11 just so happens to be one of the best running backs in the conference in Kalvin McRae. Behind McRae, Ohio can do special things despite an inexperienced squad.

New Mexico Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: New Mexico vs. New Mexico State

Mountain West vs. WAC

Analysis:

The dream matchup for the New Mexico Bowl committe will become a reality in what will result in a packed stadium. Just like 2006, if the Lobos are bowl eligible, they will be selected for the game. It will be tough just to become eligible once again, though, like last year when New Mexico barely made it with a .500 record. A very veteran squad returns in Albuquerque, which certainly makes things easier for coach Rocky Long. Running back Rodney Ferguson will be one of the main reason the Lobos return for their second consecutive New Mexico Bowl.

New Mexico State finally gets back to a bowl game for the first time since 1960, and the college football landscape will take notice of coach Hal Mumme's pass happy offense. If it wasn't for Hawaii's Colt Brennan getting a lot of attention from WAC observers, quarterback Chase Holbrook would be a lot more well known. Last year's stats speak for themselves, 4619 yards passing, 70% completion percentage, 34 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Holbrook should be able to match those numbers in 2007 as he returns his top seven pass receivers from a year ago. Of course, the key to winning will lie with the defense and whether they will be able to prevent opposing offenses from outscoring their own.

Hawaii Bowl

Dec. 23, 2007

Prediction: Fresno State vs. Tulsa

WAC vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The Hawaii Bowl generally banks on the local team playing in their own bowl. That won't be the case this year as the Warriors head to a BCS game. The bowl committe will have to settle on Fresno State as an alternative. Fresno State will be eager to return to a bowl after missing out in 2006. Head coach Pat Hill's teams are used to knocking off a ranked team or two almost annually and they should return to that form in 2007. Their take-on-all-comers attitude will see them play at Texas A&M, Oregon and Kansas State in non-conference play. More consistent play from quarterback Tom Brandstater will be one of the keys to the season.

Tulsa returns only 10 starters from their Armed Forces Bowl squad of a year ago, which will make things tough on the Golden Hurricane. Luckily they return both their leading rusher and passer from a season ago. Running back Courtney Tennial will have another good season if he can reach 14 rushing touchdowns as he did a season ago. And count on quarterback Paul Smith being elevated from 2nd team All-Conference USA to 1st team this season.

Poinsettia Bowl

Dec. 20, 2007

Prediction: Navy vs. BYU

Navy/at large vs. Mountain West

Analysis:

Navy may be playing the 111th rated schedule in the country in 2007, but it's not like they haven't scheduled themselves some tough games. Navy's slate includes games at Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame along with a home date against defending ACC champion Wake Forest. It's possible, though not likely, that Navy could be contenders in all these games. Notre Dame has beaten Navy an NCAA record 43 straight times after all. Their biggest challenge will be overcoming the loss of eight starters on defense, although Adam Ballard, Reggie Campbell and Kaip-Noa Kaheaku-Enhanda will all be integral parts of the Midshipmen's option offense.

BYU is by no means a lock for the post-season. They lost 28 letterman from last season and have only 13 returning starters this year. Their losses include the top passer, rusher and receiver from a season ago. Although a veteran offensive line led by last year's second team All Mountain West selection Sete Aulai should help to make the transition smooth. Getting both TCU and Utah helps the Cougar's chances in becoming bowl eligible.

New Orleans Bowl

Dec. 21, 2007

Prediction: Troy vs. Memphis

Sun Belt no. 1 vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The same Troy who came within a blink of an eye of beating Florida State last season will be the top dog in the Sun Belt Conference once again. They will follow up a dominating New Orleans Bowl win last season by making a return trip to the Crescent City once again. Middle Tennessee State provided stiff competition last year for the conference crown and could do so once again. But with Omar Haugabook running the show this year along with a decent defense, and Troy should rise to the top once again.

Memphis looks to put a disappointing 2006 season behind them in their quest to become bowl eligible. The New Orleans Bowl will be an attractive choice for Memphis who should be able to bring at least 10,000 fans with them for the ride. They'll be hungry for a bowl game after three straight appearances in bowls from '03 to '05. Wide receiver Duke Calhoun will be the focal point of the offense after averaging 16.2 yard per catch with six touchdowns last season.

Motor City Bowl

Dec. 26, 2007

Prediction: Indiana vs. Toledo

Big 10 no. 7 vs. MAC

Analysis:

Welcome back to bowl eligibilty, Indiana. The Hoosiers haven't been to a bowl since 1993, and it won't be easy to return to one this year in an improved Big 10. An easy non-conference will help them on their way to the promised land, though. One loss like last year's debacle to Southern Illinois could spoil the trip. Indiana will take a "Win one for the Gipper" attitude this year in memory of departed head coach Terry Hoeppner. A Kellen Lewis to James Hardy air attack will propel the Hoosiers to Detroit in late December.

Toledo will find its way back to a bowl game after a surprising year of mediocrity in 2006. A tough non-conference schedule with games against Purdue, Kansas and Iowa State won't make things any easier. The defense should be much improved after allowing 27.7 points per game last season. As long as running back Jalen Parmele picks up where he left off last year, Toledo should be a MAC power once again.

International Bowl

Jan. 5, 2008

Prediction: Notre Dame vs. Central Michigan

Big East/Notre Dame vs. MAC

Analysis:

Notre Dame has teamed up with the Big East to send a representative to the International Bowl. The way things look right now, it appears as if Louisville, South Florida, West Virginia and Rutgers will all be more attractive representatives for bowl games than traditional powerhouse Notre Dame. It will be a definite down year for the Fighting Irish after losing lots of offensive playmakers including Brady Quinn, Darius Walker, Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight. Perhaps the best returning player on the team is strong safety Tom Zbikowski who hopes to make an All-American bid. The International Bowl will gladly gobble up a mediocre Notre Dame squad who would be sure to send lots of fans to Toronto.

If the International Bowl is lucky enough to get a high profile team like Notre Dame, the MAC will be sure to send its conference champion to this game. Right now the favorite to win the MAC championship looks like Central Michigan, a team that hopes to defend its MAC crown. Quarterback Dan LeFevour leads the team that also returns last year's leading rusher, Ontario Sneed. Look for the Chippewas to go bowling in Ontario come January.

PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Rutgers vs. SMU

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

It's hard to believe a team as good as Rutgers could be playing in such a lowly game as the PapaJohns.com Bowl. But with the Big XII possibly taking away a Big East bowl bid in the Gator Bowl, the Big East just isn't left with all that many options remaining. And Rutgers could be really good. It's possible that the Big East could have four teams ranked in the top 25 at the end of the year, maybe even five in a dream situation. Ray Rice and last year's 20 rushing touchdowns return for 2007. And if quarterback Mike Teel can improve on last year's touchdown to interception ratio, Rutgers will have a successful year. Last year, he had 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Look for Southern Methodist to return to post-season action for the first time since 1984. The Mustangs will be dogged by a tough schedule, but they have the talent to overcome it. Take a look at the talent positions. Quarterback Justin Willis threw for 26 touchdowns with only six interceptions and had a 67.4 percent completion rate as a freshman! He also had 354 rushing yards and three touchdows to boot. Last year's leading rusher DeMyron Martin returns for his junior season, but he needs to improve on last year's 369 rushing yards. And last year's leading receiver returns as well with Emmanuel Sanders who had nine receving touchdowns in 2006. That's some offensive firepower!

Humanitarian Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Predicition: Boise State vs. Wake Forest

WAC vs. ACC no. 8

Analysis:

A return trip to the BCS could in the hands of a road game at Hawaii the last game of the season on Nov. 23. The winner of the game very likely could go undefeated and find themselves in the national title hunt very similar to what the Broncos did a year ago. The bad news for Boise State fans is that efficient productive quarterback Jared Zabransky is gone. The good news is that running back Ian Johnson and last year's 25 touchdowns is back. A road trip early in the season at Washington on Sept. 8 will provide a litmus test for the Broncos.

One year after earning their conference's BCS berth in the Orange Bowl, Wake Forest comes back to reality in 2007. Last year's surprise Riley Skinner is back at quarterback for the Demon Deacons, but they will miss the leadership provided by linebacker Jon Abbate. It remains to be seen whether the running back by committee move will be as effective this season.

Note: Roady's is the new bowl sponsor, although a logo has yet to be developed.

Armed Forces Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Utah vs. Arizona State

Moutain West vs. Pac-10

Utah will likely compete for the Mountain West crown, but they have to play TCU on the road. Utah's strength will be offense, while TCU will have the better defense. So which will be better? If new starting quarterback Brian Johnson develops nicely, it could be Utah's offense. He'll have plenty of good receivers to throw to as Utah returns its top seven pass catchers from a year ago. If Utah can beat TCU on the road, then they'll have a good chance on improving on an Armed Forces Bowl bid.

Arizona State's biggest challenge will be learning the schemes of a new coaching staff with Dennis Erickson stepping in as head coach. The Sun Devils already have plenty of talent returning at quarterback with Rudy Carpenter and at running back with Ryan Torain. A non-conference schedule tailor made for success helps thier chances. Tight end Brent Miller will have large shoes to fill since Zach Miller left for the NFL. If the Sun Devils don't experience any hiccups in switching over to Coach Erickson's game plans, they should be winning from the get-go.

Texas Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

Prediction: Houston vs. Colorado

C-USA vs. Big XII

Analysis:

The Texas Bowl will be looking to add a team from Texas, and Houston fits the profile. Even though the Cougars lose four year starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, they should still have a formidable team. Running back Anthony Alridge and his 10.1 average yards per carry return for Houston. Winning the Conference USA West title could land Art Briles's squad home for the holidays in the Texas Bowl for their third straight bowl bid.

After a largely forgettable year in 2006, Dan Hawkins should lead Colorado back to the post-season once again. The Buffs were unusually unlucky last season with five losses by a touchdown or less. Colorado won't be quite as unlucky this year and with 15 returning starters, they'll be much more experienced. If they can get consistent production from the quarterback position, it will be an improvement over last year when Bernard Jackson completed less than 50 percent of his passes. Redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins could take over.

Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

Predicition: Auburn vs. Oklahoma State

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

Auburn fans sure won't like the prospects of playing in the Independence Bowl, but the Tigers might have to be relegated to a low bowl in a year where the untraditional powers in the SEC are rising like South Carolina and Kentucky. Besides, this year Auburn will have to deal with the losses of key players such as Kenny Irons, Courtney Taylor, Will Herring and David Irons, all of whom will be playing on Sundays in the fall this year. The gauge to the season may lie in week one versus Kansas State. If Tommy Tuberville's club can win that game, they may be destined for a better post-season trip than the Independence Bowl. But if they lose, it's going to be a long year.

Oklahoma State would like to fare better than a second consecutive trip to Shreveport in late December, but it will be tough in an improved Big XII conference. The Cowboys should be a better team this season seeing as they return their leading passer, rusher and receiver from last season. Unfortunately Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, etc. will all be improved as well. If they can win on the road, they'll be destined for bigger things.

Emerald Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

Prediction: Cal vs. Maryland

Pac-10 no. 5 vs. ACC no. 7

Analysis:

Cal may have lost ultra-talented running back Marshawn Lynch, but they hardly lose a beat with Justin Forsett still in the backfield. Their biggest weapon may be receiver DeSean Jackson, though. Jackson was not only good for over 1,000 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, but he also provided four punt return touchdowns as well. How well Cal plays on the road will go a long way towards determining whether they can finish any higher than fifth place in the conference.

Maryland rides high into the 2007 season following a convincing 2006 Champs Sports Bowl win over Purdue. Maryland has a solid if unspectacular offense keyed by the line play. Guard Andrew Crummey and tackle Jared Gaither make the rest of the team look that much better. Scheduling both West Virginia and Rutgers on the non-conference schedule isn't making things any easier for Ralph Friedgen's Terrapin squad.

Las Vegas Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Oregon State vs. TCU

Pac-10 no. 4 vs. Mountain West no. 1

Analysis:

Oregon State has one of the nicest combinations of run and pass in the entire country. Senior running back Yvenson Bernard should be effectively complemented by receiving threat Sammie Stroughter. The only question is, will new starting quarterback Sean Canfield be able to get the ball Stroughter as good as Matt Moore did?

Defense wins championships, right. TCU's defense is one of the best in the country and bookend defensive ends Chase Ortiz and Tommy Blake will pave the way for success. Running back Aaron Brown will be the focus of the offense, but new starting quarterback Marcus Jackson must prove to be efficient if the Horned Frogs are going to win the Mountain West championship and represent the conference in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Champs Sports Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

Prediction: Purdue vs. Virginia

Big 10 no. 4 or 5 vs. ACC no. 4

Analysis:

If quarterback Curtis Painter can limit his interceptions, both he and Purdue should have a good year. He certainly has a good receiving corps to throw to lead by Dorien Bryant and last year's 87 receptions. A manageable non-conference schedule should set up Joe Tiller's club nicely for the Big 10 and post-season play.

Al Groh will finally get Virginia fans to get off his back and cut him some slack, at least until 2008. After a disappointing season last year, Virginia should have a resurgence of sorts led by a defense that returns 10 out of 11 starters from a year ago. The Cavaliers have many questions to be answered at the skill positions, but perhaps the best offensive line in the ACC could make things easier on them.

Liberty Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: Florida vs. Southern Mississippi

SEC no. 6 vs. C-USA no. 1

Analysis:

How does a team go from winning the national championship to playing in the Liberty Bowl, you say? By returning only eight starters and playing a killer schedule, that's how. Head coach Urban Meyer will, no doubt, get the most from his players. But the amount of turnover the Gators had in one year is too much to overcome. Beating South Carolina and Kentucky on their home turf will be a tough task for the Gators in 2007.

Southern Mississippi is poised to become perhaps the best team ever in the history of Conference USA. The Golden Eagles proved their mettle in a romp over Ohio in last year's GMAC Bowl and will take it a step higher this year. Running back Daimon Fletcher had nearly 1,400 yards rushing as a freshman, but everyone will be gunning to stop him this year. That's okay because the return of senior quarterback Jeremy Young will hopefully take some pressure off Fletcher. And the potent defense that returns eight starters from a year ago isn't too shabby either.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: South Florida vs. Miami

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

It might be the bowl with the worst corporate name, but it might be one of the most underrated bowls there is. Whoever the Big East representative is in this bowl, they're bound to be good. South Florida and their suffocating defense get the nod here, although Rutgers could provide stiff competition. Senior linebacker Ben Moffit leads the team this year, but expect even bigger things from USF in 2008.

Miami will join the Bulls in what will be both a Florida vs. Florida match-up and a defensive showdown. There's always high expectations at Miami, but road games at Oklahoma, Florida State and Virginia Tech will prevent the 'Canes from a high finish in the polls. A bowl game match-up with the no. 3 or no. 4 team from the Big East will be even better than fans will want to admit, though.