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.