Now we must wait for a month before any games are played. I must say, I find this rather annoying. No college football for a month?!? For the past thirteen weeks, die-hard fans for their respective schools have been going ape-shit to find out if they will cheer for a BCS victory. Some schools have that opportunity while others do not.
So now that the Bowl Championship Series has been announced, let’s look at the matchups:
Orange Bowl: #13 Cincinnati vs. #19 Virginia Tech (Jan. 1st, 8:30 pm FOX)
The Bearcats probably come in to this matchup as the unknown. More known for its basketball program in the past years, Cincinnati has emerged as a Big East party crasher. West Virginia, UConn, Louisville, and Pittsburgh weren’t able to control of the league, thus playing in other various bowls. Virginia Tech has been a staple for years now. Looking all the way back to Michael Vick’s star-studded career there, V-Tech is a special teams and defensive nightmare. They disrupt the offensive flow for opponents and use those two aforementioned aspects as ways to score. It should be an interesting game between ACC and Big East Champs. Prediction: Virginia Tech
Rose Bowl: #5 USC vs. #8 Penn St. (Jan. 1st, 4:30 pm ABC)
I eventually think USC will be the winner of this game, but it should be a great game. Illinois had a lot of trouble last year with USC in the Rose Bowl, and Penn St. may be in for the same. Southern Cal is one of the top defensive teams in the nation. They held UCLA to 7 points in their last game of the season, and did much of the same all season. Both teams have one lose; USC to Oregon St. and Penn St. to Iowa. I like Penn St. They are a balanced team; highlighted by quarterback and running back play on offense, and a formidable defense. Rose Bowl should be a fun time, but look for Pete Carroll and USC to knock off Joe-Pa and Penn. St. Prediction: USC
Sugar Bowl: #6 Utah vs. #4 Alabama (Jan. 2nd, 8 pm FOX)
I really like this matchup! Utah has flown under the radar all season long even though they are the only undefeated team in the BCS games this year. They take on an Alabama team that was undefeated the entire season until this past Saturday, when Florida handled them in the SEC Championship game. Utah’s quarterback Brian Johnson leads the Utes into battle against Nick Saban’s second year Crimson Tide team. Bama has some solid contributors on offense; QB John Park Wilson and freshman WR Julio Jones lead the way. However, their defense is probably their best asset. The Utes do it both ways; offense and defense. Winners of the Mountain West Conference, they look to put up a challenge in New Orleans. Think of this game as Boise St. vs. Oklahoma only a few years ago. This game was set up by that game. I’m going to pick the upset here in Utah. Prediction: Utah
Fiesta Bowl: #10 Ohio St. vs. #3 Texas (Jan. 5th, 8 pm FOX)
Texas and Texas fans alike are probably reeling after hearing this. The third ranked team in the nation beat Oklahoma in a head to head matchup earlier in the season. Coach Mack Brown must be scratching his head at this one, but that’s how the BCS works. Weird, I know. Texas takes on a two lose Ohio St. team, losing to USC and Penn St. Talented freshman quarterback Terrell Pryor mans the offense while their defense is their strongest aspect. Colt McCoy leads the Longhorns putting up universal numbers. Texas has been doing it all season long and feels like they’ve gotten cheated. However sour they are, they need to make a statement with this game, because if Oklahoma loses, Texas will have to make its case as to why they weren’t selected for the BCS Championship Game. I think Ohio St. will lose like they have the past two years. Prediction: Texas
BCS National Championship Game: #1 Oklahoma vs. #2 Florida (Jan. 8th, 8 pm FOX)
Now, it comes to this. The end all be all of games in college football will be decided by Florida and Oklahoma. Both teams won their respective league championship games which led to this matchup. No real surprise for either team here. Both teams can score in bunches, and both have pretty solid defenses. Florida ranks in the top five in both offense and defense. I believe Oklahoma is only ranked in the top five for offense, but still have a great defense. With a month before the game is actually played, that gives both teams time to rest and fix and injuries. Star WR Percy Harvin is hampered by a leg injury and versatile RB DeMarco Murray is out for Oklahoma. Should be an incredible game, but I like the SEC and Florida. One thing they have utilized all year long is their stifling defense. Oklahoma puts up gaudy numbers on O, but I really don’t think they’ve faced a defense like Urban Meyer’s. I don’t particularly like Florida but I think Tim Tebow will be eventual winner over Sam Bradford’s Sooners. Prediction: Florida