BCS Predictions

With hours to go until the big announcement (5 PM Eastern, ABC), I decided to gather what I've heard about possible BCS matchups. (In an attempt to get a few cheap Google hits today. Who said that?) So, here's what I'm predicting. As of 6 PM today, you'll be able to hit the message board and reiterate the fact that I have no clue what I'm talking about. (All times Eastern.)

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Location/Time: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ. Monday, Jan 2, 4:30 PM.
Host: Big XII Champion
Prediction: Ohio State (At-Large) vs. Notre Dame (At-Large)
With Texas in the title game, the Fiesta Bowl basically has two at-large selections. Their pool to choose from appears to consist of LSU, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Miami, and Auburn. Rumor has the selectors leaning towards Notre Dame and Ohio State, and they may not have a choice. With LSU and Virginia Tech losing, there's a good possibility that Ohio State will move up to #4 in the BCS and Notre Dame #6. Rules state that all teams in the BCS top 4 must go to a BCS bowl. Likewise, all teams not in a BCS conference but in the BCS top 6 must be selected for a BCS bowl. This would make Ohio State and Notre Dame locks. But, will LSU and Virginia Tech move below both of these teams in the standings? LSU was blown out last night, and they lost quarterback JaMarcus Russell in the process. Virginia Tech has looked good for most of the season, but they have floundered in their two biggest tests (against FSU Saturday night and earlier at home versus Miami). So, it's not a done deal, but it is a reasonable scenario.

Nokia Sugar Bowl

Location/Time:Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA. Monday, Jan 2, 8:30 PM.
Host: SEC Champion
Prediction: Georgia (SEC Champ) vs. West Virginia (Big East Champ)
Georgia pulled off an impressive win over LSU in the SEC Championship Game. Since the Sugar Bowl has last pick this year, they are expected to be "stuck with" the Big East champions.

FedEx Orange Bowl

Location/Time: Dolphin Stadium, Miami, FL. Tuesday, Jan 3, 8 PM.
Host: ACC Champion
Prediction: Florida State (ACC Champ) vs. Penn State (Big 10 Champ)
FSU beat Virginia Tech Saturday night in a game that wasn't as close as the final score. Pairing Bobby Bowden-Joe Paterno on this big of a stage seems to be too good to pass up.

Rose Bowl

Location/Time: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA. Wednesday, Jan 4, 8 PM.
Host: BCS #1 vs. BCS #2.
Prediction: USC (PAC-10 Champ) vs. Texas (Big XII Champ)
Not much speculation in this one. Going into this week as the only undefeated teams left in Division I-A, both the Trojans and Longhorns posted blowout victories.