The Scoop: BCS Bowl Games

Week 10 is over, it's crunch time as teams are in must win situations to protect bowl game hopes. There are conference championships and important games yet to play, but here is a look forward to the bowl predictions.

BCS National Championship:

The top two teams in the BCS rankings will play in the Allstate National Championship. At this point in the season, Alabama and Kansas State have the top two spots. Alabama has been towering at number one, and it seems as if they will stay there. Bama will have to finish with a tough SEC opponent, but a win will lock up the number one seed. Bill Snyder and the Wild Cats from KSU have a stretch of Big 12 match-ups to finish the season, those games aren't going to be easy, but the undefeated season is getting closer and closer.

Projection: Alabama has a tight grip as the number one team in the nation. Kansas State has Oregon and the Fighting Irish right on their heel. For Kansas State playing for a National Championship isn't out of reach but Oregon is making the strongest claims to be the ranked number two. Unless Oregon loses to Stanford or Oregon State in these upcoming weeks, Oregon will be playing for the Championship.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl:

Everyone and their mother has Notre Dame in this bowl. The Irish are in a good spot to have this clinched. Hopefully the Irish can prove themselves after a bad showing against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago. As for the opponent of Brian Kelly's Irish, there are a few teams that are on the cusp of being locked in this game. If the BCS rankings were to go in today, it would be Oregon playing Notre Dame because the Ducks are ranked third. Only the final rankings will tell, but I can see Oregon being ranked number two. The Ducks speed seems to the closest comparison to Alabama's high powered offense, and the nation wants to see if speed will stop the Tide. If Kansas State can win out, and win by big numbers, then we might be seeing the Wild Cats face of against Bama. 

Notables: Georgia, Florida, or LSU: If these SEC Teams can finish out strong either one can make a big argument that they should be playing the Domers. Of the three, Georgia makes the strongest bid. I hate to say it but Louisville is making a pitch for an at-large bowl game as well. Although their strength of schedule doesn't prove it, they are unbeaten. For Louisville to play in the Fiesta Bowl a lot would have to happen. The Orange Bowl looks to be more suitable for the unbeaten Cardinals. 

Projection: Notre Dame has their work laid out. If the Irish are able to win out and seal the season with a big win in Southern California, they would have the Fiesta Bowl locked up, not to mention be making noise to play for the National Championship. The Wild Cats will play Notre Dame. But, Kansas State could face adversity against some Big 12 teams ending this season, which could mix things up. If Oregon faces a loss in these next couple of weeks, Notre Dame could be facing the Duck's talent and speed in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Rose Bowl:
The Rose Bowl favors Pac 12 and Big 10 teams. It is up in the air who will play for the Rose Bowl. The Big 10 has been in a major drought this year. Nebraska though, has been making moves in the polls, and is a strong contender. Nebraska can easily win out and be a solid two loss team. Oregon State is making a claim from the west coast, the Beavers had some key wins against Wisconson and UCLA. The rest of Oregon State's season looks very tough as they will still have to face Stanford and Oregon. Those games could be deciding factors, if they were to split, I believe they will be a top pick for the Rose Bowl. If they win both games, they may the Rose bowl bid clinched. Both teams should have 10-2 and playing for the Rose Bowl.


Sugar Bowl:
The bid for this bowl will go to a top SEC team and BCS ranked opponent. South Carolina, Florida, and LSU are the three SEC teams that have strong points made for the Sugar Bowl. LSU has two losses one being from top ranked Bama' in a very close game. South Carolina lost to both LSU and Alabama. While the Gators beat both LSU and South Carolina only losing to Georgia. Florida stands out as the strongest of the three. But, Georgia could be a team to throw in the mix as well. One of the four teams, from the looks of things, will be playing Oklahoma. The Sooners had early season hopes of playing for the National Championship, but with two losses to Notre Dame and Kansas State, Oklahoma seems to be a favorite to play in the Sugar Bowl. It comes down to Florida and South Carolina matching up to play Oklahoma. If Florida can make it in the SEC championship game then Florida would play Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.

Other Notables:
Louisville: The Cardinals are undefeated and could make noise for an at-large Bowl. Georgia: Yes Georgia has a loss from South Carolina, but Georgia may be a favorite out of the SEC. Clemson: The Tigers from Clemson have been under the radar most of the year. With one loss Clemson could be a pick for the Sugar bowl, especially if they beat South Carolina in the last game of the season.