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.

Music City Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: Kentucky vs. Georgia Tech

SEC no. 5 vs. ACC

Analysis:

Kentucky's skill position players may be the best of any team in the SEC, believe it or not. The trio of quarterback Andre Woodson, running back Rafael Little and wide receiver Keenan Burton are all candidates to earn first team All-SEC honors. The biggest question is, is their defense good enough to complement their offense. They may have to outscore some teams to win.

Addition by subtraction? The departure of quarterback Reggie Ball could be the best thing that happened to the Yellow Jackets. Junior Taylor Bennett steps into the position, and he didn't do too bad of a job last year in a backup role. Bennett last year completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 523 yards with five touchdowns and only two interceptions. Running back Tashard Choice will help take some of the pressure off Bennett.

Insight Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Iowa vs. Kansas State

Big 10 no. 6 vs. Big 12 no. 6

Analysis:

Losing Drew Tate might not be quite as much as a blow as some people may think. Tate underperformed as a senior, and Iowa was just average. The good news for Hawkeye fans is that Iowa misses both Ohio State and Michigan on the conference schedule! With that kind of luck Kirk Ferentz will guide the Hawkeyes to a better record in 2007.

Ron Prince did an outstanding job at Kansas State last season guiding his team to the Texas Bowl despite low expectations. This year should be even better for the Wildcats who will be led by safety Marcus Watts on defense. Expect improved numbers from wide receiver Jordy Nelson this year as well as he learns from offensive coordinator James Franklin who was a former wide receivers coach in the NFL.

Sun Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Oregon vs. Texas Tech

Pac-10 no. 3 vs. Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame

Analysis:

Running back Jonathan Stewart will have a good year as expected, but this year's improvement by Oregon will be due to quarterback Dennis Dixon's continued development. With another year of experience under his belt, Dixon will see last year's 12 to 14 touchdown to interception ration improve dramatically.

Texas Tech will build off of last year's 31 point comeback win against Minnesota in the Insight Bowl. If you thought quarterback Graham Harrell's stats were impressive last year, they should be even better this year after a season's worth of experience. Harrell loses his top two receivers from last year, but experienced running back Shannon Woods should help to take off some of the pressure.

Alamo Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: Ohio State vs. Texas A&M

Big 10 no. 4 or 5 vs. Big 12 no. 4

Analysis:

It will be a bit more of a down year than most Ohio State fans are used to. It will just be too tough for the Buckeyes to replace the offensive production they lost from Troy Smith, Antonio Pittman, Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez. Of course, the same thing was thought last year when Ohio State lost a ton of defensive stars. If they can do a good job at replacing their departed stars, the Jim Tressel's club could achieve more.

All abord the Lane Train! There's no reason to think hulking running back Jovorskie Lane won't produce as much as he did in 2006. It's hard to believe, but the junior could improve on last year's 725 yards rushing and 19 touchdown. That's if sophomore running back Mike Goodson doesn't take away some of his opportunities.

Holiday Bowl

Dec. 27, 2007

Prediction: UCLA vs. Missouri

Pac-10 no. 2 vs. Big 12 no. 3

Analysis:

If there's one team that might challenge USC for the Pac-10 crown, it's UCLA. They beat the Trojans last year, so why not make it two in a row? The Bruins have 20 returning starters in 2007 and only lost 12 lettermen total. The stars seem to be aligning for Karl Dorrell's club. The strength of the team will be defensive front line where Bringham Harwell, Bruce Davis and Kevin Brown will hold down the fort.

It will be the Chase to Chase show for Missouri this year as one of the nation's top quarterbacks (Chase Daniel) will be throwing early and often to one of the nation's top tight ends (Chase Coffman). Missouri has an outside shot of sneaking into the BCS picture this year. But if they don't, a trip to San Diego in late December isn't a bad way to end the year.

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Tennessee vs. Clemson

SEC vs. ACC no. 2

Analysis:

Quarterback Erik Ainge is back for 2007, but all of his wide receivers are gone. The Vols will miss Robert Meachem and Jayson Swain. Running back LaMarcus Coker will help to pick up the slack.

The running back duo of James Davis and CJ Spiller will have ACC defense coordinators losing sleep at night. Clemson fans won't have long to wait for the biggest game of their season. If they can win the season opener vs. Florida State, Clemson could be headed to the BCS instead of the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Outback Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Illinois vs. South Carolina

Big 10 no. 3 vs. SEC

Analysis:

It's time to get on the Illinois bandwagon. The Illini could be the surprise team of 2007. Ron Zook's recruiting efforts will come fruition this season while surprising some teams along the way. Rashard Mendenhall could be the best running back nobody knows about, and the Juice will be loose with quarterback Juice Williams running the show.

Steve Spurrier is ready to leapfrog his old team in the SEC East as he guides South Carolina to a New Year's bowl game for the first time since 2001. Quarterback Blake Mitchell is ready for a breakout season.

Gator Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Florida State vs. Oklahoma

ACC no. 3 vs. Big East/Big 12/Notre Dame

Analysis:

Florida State gets out of the doldrums in 2007 and becomes them old selves. The overhaul in the coaching ranks at Florida State will be apparent to the casual fan in no time. The addition of high profile coaches such as Chuck Amato and Jumbo Fischer should pay dividends. The Drew Weatherford to Greg Carr arial attack will be potent, and 14 returning starters should help the Seminoles.

Since the Big 12 will get only one representative in the BCS, they'll find themselves with a representative in the Gator Bowl. Oklahoma should be a national title contender after a tough luck season that saw the dismissal of quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn, an injury to running back Adrian Peterson, and a win stolen from them by the referees at Oregon. The 2007 season will seem like a comparative breeze for Bob Stoops and company.

Cotton Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Nebraska vs. Arkansas

Big 12 no. 2 vs. SEC

Analysis:

The key to the Huskers' season will be the play of quarterback Sam Keller. Nebraska may have lost a lot of starters to graduation, but that doesn't take into effect the fact that Keller could be the nation's best QB. Nebraska will finally settle into its West Coast offense in coach Bill Callahan's fourth year in Lincoln and will get to the Cotton Bowl ahead of Missouri.

There is not a more exciting player in the nation than Darren McFadden. As long as he stays healthy, he will help the Razorbacks to a Cotton Bowl berth despite the heavy losses on the defensive side of the ball. Felix Jones and Marcus Monk will contribute heavily as well.

Capital One Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Penn State vs. Georgia

Big 10 no. 2 vs. SEC no. 2

Analysis:

Georgia will benefit from playing in what will be a bit of a down year for the SEC East. They also have the advantage of playing seven home games plus one neutral site (Florida). Regardless, head coach Mark Richt will have the Bulldogs back in the SEC title game. Unfortunately, they'll lose it and get the bid to the Capital One Bowl

Joe Paterno and Penn State will pick up where they left off in last year's Outback Bowl win over Tennessee. The receiving corps of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Andrew Quarless will help lead the team on offense while Dan Connor will lead the team on defense.

Sugar Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Louisville vs. Hawaii

BCS (SEC champion if available) vs. BCS

Analysis:

The only stumbling block in the way of Louisville will be West Virginia. Louisville will prove itself worth of a BCS bid thanks to an ever improving Big East Conference and a non-conference slate that includes games against an improving SEC team in Kentucky, ACC foe North Carolina State and Mountain West powerhouse Utah. The Louisville passing attack led by the three-headed receiving monster in Mario Urrutia, Harry Douglas and Gary Barnidge will be tough to stop.

Hawaii will become just the third ever non-BCS conference school to receive an invitation to a BCS bowl game thanks to an undefeated season. Wins over Boise State and Washington late in the regular season will help cement their bid. Quarterback Colt Brennan may be the focal point of the team, but the real question lies in whether their defense will be able to stop good offensive teams.

Fiesta Bowl

Jan. 2, 2008

Prediction: Texas vs. Wisconsin

BCS (Big 12 champion if available) vs. BCS

Analysis:

Oklahoma is Texas's biggest obstacle in winning the Big 12, but Texas returns more experienced starters at the skill positions than Oklahoma and, thus, has the edge. The Longhorns return quarterback Colt McCoy (along with his 29 t0 7 touchdown to interception ratio), McCoy's favorite target in Limas Sweed, and running back Jamaal Charles.

Wisconsin loses their all-time winningest quarterback in school history and first team All-American left tackle Joe Thomas, but they still return an experienced team with an outstanding defense. Young head coach Bret Bielema is known for shaping defenses and has plenty to work with including ultra-talented cornerback Jack Ikegwuono and linebacker Jonathan Casillas.

Orange Bowl

Jan. 3, 2008

Prediction: Virginia Tech vs. Alabama

BCS (ACC Champion if available) vs. BCS

Analysis:

After the unfortunate massacre that happened this past spring at Virginia Tech, the Hokies will have extra motivation to bring home the ACC title. Their top competition may be from Florida State, but the Seminoles will still be recovering from two years of un-Bowdenlike play.

Nick Saban enters an ideal situation at Alabama that has them ready to emerge on a national stage for their first BCS appearance since 1999. The Crimson Tide have a favorable home schedule that includes seven home games. And an extra year of experience from quarterback John Parker Wilson has him ready to lead the team despite a clear cut star at running back as of right now.

Rose Bowl

Jan. 1, 2008

Prediction: Michigan vs. West Virginia

BCS vs. BCS

Analysis:

Michigan lost a lot of impact players on the defensive side of the ball. The fact that they return a load of players at the skill positions makes up for it. Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham will lead the Wolverines back to the Rose Bowl for the fourth time in five years.

Forget that West Virginia's defense isn't as good as either Louisville or South Florida in the Big East alone. With Pat White and Steve Slaton, the Moutaineers will outscore their opponents on their way to their first ever Rose Bowl.

Photo credit: tournamentofroses.com

Allstate BCS National Championship

Jan. 7, 2008

Prediction: USC vs. LSU

BCS #1 vs. BCS #2

Analysis:

USC is a hands down, no-brainer pick for the national championship game. Unless they have a repeat of the 2006 Oregon State upset, count on USC to be playing in New Orleans for the whole bowl of marbles.

LSU has some issues with breaking in a new quarterback, but the rest of the team is loaded. As long as Matt Flynn can distribute the ball to the rest of the talented playmakers on the team and minimize turnovers, LSU will be playing a near home game come Jan. 7.