College Football Report - BCS Bowl Predictions - Week 4

It’s the beginning of conference play and teams are starting to show their true colors. Who will make the big dances at the end of the season? I break down who to expect in the BCS games come January:

BCS National Championship

Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-0) vs. Oregon Ducks (12-0)

Vs.

Why: The only BCS conference teams to make it through the regular season undefeated. I like the Cornhuskers chances of reaching the BCS title game, even after a close one against an FCS team last week. Standing in Nebraska’s way will be an Oct. 16 matchup against Texas and a meeting against probably Oklahoma in the conference championship. Besides those games, its clear sailing for the Huskers who face a weak Big 12 North scheduel. The Ducks have rolled over everyone they’ve faced this season, in criminal fashion. Oregon’s biggest tests in the PAC 10 will come from Stanford this weekend and Arizona, Nov. 26. Both of which are home games. However, don’t sleep on the ‘Civil War’ battle between the Ducks and Beavers in the last game of the season. Who wins: Nebraska 30 – Oregon 26

Rose Bowl

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs. Boise State Broncos (12-0)

Vs.

Why: The Buckeyes won’t be able to make it through a grueling Big Ten schedule undefeated. Whether the loss comes at Wisconsin Oct. 16 or at Iowa Nov. 20, one of the stout defenses will get the best of Pryor and the Buckeyes. Don’t sleep on the Wolverines to knock off the Bucks in their own backyard either. The Big Ten is a far more balanced league this year, which is also why I don’t think another team will reach a BCS bowl besides the Buckeyes. Yet another year for Boise to make its claim that it deserves to be in a BCS bowl. Unfortunately the Bronco’s two best victories came against Virginia Tech, who doesn’t look done losing games, and Oregon State, who looks far from a team that lost its last game. Boise needs to not look too far down the line, however. A Nov. 26 meeting at Nevada on a Friday night will be no push over. Who wins: Boise State 27 – Ohio State 20

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (12-0)

Vs.

Why: After last week’s comeback win at Arkansas, I can actually see the Tide dropping a game in the SEC this season. Florida at home this week will be no easy test, but it's actually at South Carolina Oct. 9 that should have the Tide more worried. I’m not a set believer in the Gamecocks, but I think their defense is best suited to stop the run. Because it became apparent last week; stop Ingram and Richardson and you'll win the game. At LSU Nov. 6 and Auburn at home to end the year both just became very intriguing matchups. The Horned Frogs, like Boise, may make it through yet another season unscratched, but so will their intensity level after picking on the likes of UNLV, New Mexico and San Diego State throughout the year. The best chance to upset the Horned Frogs? At Utah, Nov. 6, but don’t bet on it. Who wins: Alabama 38 – TCU 27

Orange Bowl

Miami Hurricanes (12-1) vs. Auburn Tigers (11-1)

Vs.

Why: The Hurricanes loss to Ohio State looks more and more unfortunate after watching the ACC from week to week. With Virginia Tech struggling and Georgia Tech not putting up much of a fight against anyone, the Hurricanes could have a reserved seat in the ACC championship game. Two games stand in the way of what could be an undefeated ACC season in at Clemson this week and Florida State at home, Oct. 9. Both happen to be ACC Atlantic division opponents, though. A visit from the Hokies late in the season will also be a test. But the Canes defense will prove to be too much. Auburn has something special in quarterback Cam Newton. The Tigers have survived early season tests and may head to Tuscaloosa undefeated at the end of the regular season. Home games against Arkansas and LSU in back-to-back weeks will test the Tigers, however. Who wins: Miami 31 – Auburn 28

Fiesta Bowl

Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (10-2)

Vs.

Why: The Sooners may get through the regular season without a scratch. This week’s rivalry game against the Longhorns will be the deciding factor in who makes it to the conference championship. The Sooners will prove to have too much offense to go around for the Longhorns, though. A Nov. 13 meeting against Texas Tech will also be a test for the Sooners secondary. The Mountaineers make it to the BCS clinging to a Big East title. With Pittsburgh struggling and Cincinnati beating themselves, West Virginia may coast to a Big East title. Pitt has been known to knock the Mountaineers off the top in the past and a Nov. 26 Thursday night meeting against the Panthers will be a tough matchup. Who Wins: Oklahoma 41 – West Virginia 23