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2006/07 Bowl Game Predictions

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BB73

BB73

Loves Buckeye History
Staff member
Bookie
'16 & '17 Upset Contest Winner
Here's a set of projections from CFN:

cfbnews


[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]2006 Preseason Bowl Projections
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[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]2006-2007 Bowl [/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Projections[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
Preseason [/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]

[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium [/FONT]
December 19, 2006, ESPN2[SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Mountain West vs. at-large[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Navy vs. Fresno State (no Mountain West team projected available)
Fresno State and Navy have to go somewhere. With the lack of at-large spots, this fits for the Midshipmen. If a Mountain West team like Colorado State is available, Fresno State will likely likely knock out Nevada from the New Mexico Bowl.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Las Vegas Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Las Vegas, NV
Sam Boyd Stadium [/FONT]
December 21, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Pac 10 No. 4 vs. Mountain West No. 1[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Oregon State vs. BYU
This is assuming Utah gets into the BCS and TCU stays home to sell tickets for the Fort Worth Bowl. Oregon, Arizona State or Washington State could be here.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]New Orleans Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]New Orleans, LA
Louisiana Superdome [/FONT]
December 22, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Sun Belt vs. Conference USA[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:UL Lafayette vs. East Carolina
Take your pick of Conference USA teams that could be here. East Carolina might be the most attractive because of the fans, but Memphis, UCF, Houston or Tulsa could easily end up in New Orleans.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]New Mexico Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Albuquerque, NM
University Stadium [/FONT]
December 23, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Mountain West vs. WAC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:New Mexico vs. Nevada
New Mexico appears to be a mortal lock here as long as it doesn't fall flat on its face. Nevada, Fresno State, and Louisiana Tech are all possible opponents.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Birmingham Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Birmingham, AL
Legion Field[/FONT]
December 23, 2006, ESPN2[SIZE=-1]
Conference USA vs. Big East or MAC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Houston vs. South Florida
The Birmingham Bowl would be far happier taking a BCS league team than someone from the MAC. Houston, Tulsa, East Carolina and UCF are all possibilities.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Fort Worth Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Fort Worth, TX
Amon G. Carter Stadium[/FONT]
December 23, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Mountain West vs. Conference USA[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:TCU vs. Tulsa
TCU is a perfect fit to stay home in what would be a better-than-you-think bowl game against Tulsa, Houston or UTEP.

Hawaii[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1] Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Honolulu, HI
Aloha Stadium [/FONT]
December 24, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Pac 10 vs. WAC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Washington State vs. Hawaii
Hawaii Bowl officials jump for joy that Hawaii will finish with a winning record. A shootout with Washington State would be a blast. Oregon or Arizona State would also make for a fun game..

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Motor City Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Detroit, MI
Ford Field [/FONT]
December 26, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
MAC vs. Big Ten No. 7[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Northern Illinois vs. Missouri (No Big 10 team projected to be available)
Minnesota will struggle to get bowl eligible while Michigan State will have too good a record to stay close to home. Missouri has to go somewhere.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Emerald Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]San Francisco, CA
AT&T Park [/FONT]
December 27, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
ACC No. 7 vs. Pac 10 No. 5[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Virginia vs. Oregon
Virginia will likely make the trip cross-country for an Oregon or Oregon State home game.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Independence Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Shreveport, LA
Independence Stadium[/FONT]
December 27, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Big 12 No. 7 vs. SEC No. 8[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Iowa State vs. Ole Miss
Bowls always, always, always want Iowa State for its fans. Ole Miss might not be that good, but the schedule works out well enough to finish with six wins.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Holiday Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium [/FONT]
December 28, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Pac 10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:California vs. Texas Tech
This would be one of the most exciting bowls of the bunch. If the Big 12 only gets one team in the BCS, Nebraska, Texas or Oklahoma could be here in a great game with either California or Arizona State.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]MPC Computers Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Boise, ID
Bronco Stadium [/FONT]
December 28, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
WAC vs. ACC No. 8[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Boise State vs. Maryland
Fine, so if Boise State goes 11-1 as projected, it might be somewhere else for a bigger bowl. Maryland or Virginia will be exiled to Boise since the Meineke Car Care Bowl will want NC State to stay at home.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Champs Sports Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Orlando, FL
Florida Citrus Bowl[/FONT]
December 29, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Big Ten No. 4 or 5 vs. ACC No. 4[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Michigan State vs. Georgia Tech
One of the Techs, either Georgia or Virginia, should fit in here while Michigan State, Wisconsin and Penn State will all be in the running for the Big Ten's spot.

Music City[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1] Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Nashville, TN
The Coliseum [/FONT]
December 29, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
SEC vs. ACC No. 5[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:South Carolina vs. Boston College
Watch for the ACC to make amends for hosing Boston College last year. South Carolina or Alabama make the most sense.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Sun Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]El Paso, TX
Sun Bowl[/FONT]
December 29, 2006, CBS[SIZE=-1]
Big 12 or Big East vs. Pac 10 No. 3[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:West Virginia vs. Arizona State
Don't forget that bowl games want the sexiest matchups possible. A West Virginia - Arizona State, Cal, Oregon State or Oregon game would be tremendous. West Virginia, because of its traveling fans, would be attractive enough to keep the Sun Bowl from making a push for Texas Tech or Texas A&M.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Insight Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Phoenix, AZ
Chase Field[/FONT]
December 29, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Purdue vs. Colorado
Purdue, Wisconsin or Michigan State are the likely Big Ten representatives. Take your pick from the Big 12 with Colorado, Iowa State and Missouri all possibilities.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Alamo Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]San Antonio, TX
Alamodome [/FONT]
December 30, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Big 12 No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4 or 5[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Wisconsin vs. Texas A&M
Wisconsin didn't travel all that well last year, but that might be an aberration. The Alamo would do cartwheels to sell out the dome with Aggie fans.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Liberty Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Memphis, TN
Liberty Bowl [/FONT]
December 30, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Conference USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Southern Miss vs. Alabama
If this is the matchup, set the over/under at 27.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Meineke Car Care Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Charlotte, NC
Bank of America Stadium[/FONT]
December 30, 2006, ESPN2[SIZE=-1]
ACC No. 6 vs. Big East[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:NC State vs. Pitt
Virginia and Boston College would be more deserving, but NC State would put more fans in the seats. As projected, State would fit into the new ACC bowl rules.​
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Chick-fil-A Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Atlanta, GA
Georgia Dome [/FONT]
December 30, 2006, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
ACC No. 2 vs. SEC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Clemson vs. Georgia
If this is the matchup, it would sell out faster than any other bowl.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Gator Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium[/FONT]
January 1, 2007, CBS[SIZE=-1]
ACC No. 3 vs. Big 12 or Big East[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame
Assuming the Irish aren't going to the BCS, a battle with Virginia Tech would be every bit as good as any of the big-name games.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Cotton Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Dallas, TX
Cotton Bowl [/FONT]
January 1, 2007, Fox[SIZE=-1]
Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Nebraska vs. Arkansas
Assuming Oklahoma and Texas will find their way into the BCS, the Big 12 North champion would be an attractive option. Arkansas would be a nod back to the old Southwest Conference days, but Alabama could easily be here.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Outback Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Tampa, FL
Raymond James Stadium[/FONT]
January 1, 2007, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Penn State vs. Tennessee
Oh would this be good. Georgia or Florida could be the SEC representative, while Wisconsin or Michigan could be here instead of the Nittany Lions.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Capital One Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium [/FONT]
January 1, 2007, ABC[SIZE=-1]
SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Florida vs. Michigan
These two met in the 2003 Outback Bowl with the Wolverines winning 38-30. Each would be disappointed it's not in the BCS.

International[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1] Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Toronto, Canada
Rogers Centre [/FONT]
January 6, 2007, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
MAC vs. Big East No. 4 or 5[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Akron vs. Rutgers
Is going to Toronto in January a reward? Actually, it might be (it's a really nice city). Toledo, Bowling Green, or Miami University could be here from the MAC, while UConn or South Florida could be here from the Big East.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]GMAC Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Mobile, AL
Ladd Peebles Stadium[/FONT]
January 7, 2007, ESPN[SIZE=-1]
Conference USA No. 2 vs. MAC[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:UTEP vs. Toledo
Like the GMAC Bowl didn't get enough publicity as one of the first bowl games of the year. There should be a rule that minor bowls can't play after the BCS starts up. ​
http://red.as-us.falkag.net/dat/bgf...0009,19839,14658,387,602&iid=35121&bid=300333
BCS GAMES

Rose[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1] Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Pasadena, CA
Rose Bowl [/FONT]
January 1, 2007, ABC[SIZE=-1]
BCS vs. BCS (Big 10 vs. Pac 10 if available)[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Iowa vs. Florida State
Because of the way the schedule breaks, the prediction here is an Iowa Big Ten title. With USC projected to play for the national title, the Rose Bowl loses its Pac 10 representative and would get its choice of whatever at large team it wants. It'll want Bobby Bowden.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Fiesta Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium [/FONT]
January 1, 2007, Fox[SIZE=-1]
BCS vs. BCS (Big 12 Champion to play here if available)[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Texas vs. Utah
Don't be shocked if Nebraska slides its way in here. Assuming Ohio State and the Fiesta would want a mini-break from each other, a second trip to the Fiesta in three years for Utah wouldn't be bad to sell the place out. (Remember the new BCS rules. All a Conference USA, Mountain West, MAC, Sun Belt or WAC team has to do is be in the top 12 teams in the final standings or be in the top 16 and be ranked higher than the champion of a BCS conference.)

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Orange Bowl
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Miami, FL
Dolphins Stadium [/FONT]
January 2, 2007, Fox[SIZE=-1]
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion to play here if available)[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:Miami vs. Ohio State
This could easily be Florida State here for Miami. Ohio State is a better fit for the Orange than the Sugar if it doesn't end up in Glendale on January 8th.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Sugar Bowl[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]New Orleans, LA[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]
Louisiana Superdome [/FONT]
January 3, 2007, Fox[SIZE=-1]
BCS vs. BCS (SEC Champion to play here if available)[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:LSU vs. Oklahoma
With the projected SEC Champion playing for the national title, LSU playing in New Orleans would make for a good story. Rhett Bomar, schmett Bomar; the Oklahoma defense will carry the team into the BCS for a rematch of the 2003 Sugar Bowl..
FOX_BCS_FINAL_2005%20SMALLgif.gif
BCS Championship Game
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium [/FONT]
January 8, 2007, Fox[SIZE=-1]
BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
[/SIZE][/FONT]Bowl Projection:USC vs. Auburn
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]USC, who has to beat Nebraska, Cal and Notre Dame to get the national respect to get to Glendale, would just barely beat out Texas, the ACC Champion, and Louisville to take one spot. If things work out as projected, the Trojans will have played eight bowl bound teams. A blowout over Notre Dame, if it happens, would seal the invite.

Auburn is due. Like LSU, Texas and Ohio State over the past few years, Auburn has been knocking on the door long enough to finally get the right breaks to get a shot at the title. With many still feeling the Tigers got screwed over a few years ago, the voters would give the Tigers the nod if everything else is equal. The schedule works out well getting LSU, Florida and Georgia at home, but there can't be a loss to Alabama in the regular season finale. [/FONT]​
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]
[/SIZE][/FONT]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
CBS Sports' bowl predictions has Ohio State playing West Virginia in the BCS championship game:

go to to checkout their entire bowl lineup:
http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions

BCS National Title
OHST.gif
Jan. 8
Glendale, Ariz.
BCS #1 vs. BCS #2
WV.gif
Comment: CBS SportsLine's No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams meet for the national title. Ohio State would be playing for its second national title in five years, while West Virginia would be making its first national title apperance since 1988.
 
Upvote 0
Sporting News

I predict USC vs. Ohio State for the national title
August 30, 2006
It's time for my annual bowl predictions. I know, you're giddy about it.
Let me first state that just because SN picked Notre Dame and Ohio State Nos.1 and 2 respectively in our preseason poll -- signifying that those teams will play in the national title game -- doesn't mean I have to fall in line like a whipped puppy (OK, I do; but my boss said there had to be an explainer for what I'm doing today) and agree with that selection.
So that said, here's a look at how the five BCS games will play out:
National championship game: I like ND and Ohio State, and they probably have the easiest road among the contenders. In fact, if they do get to Glendale, Ariz., for the yet-to-be-sponsored national title game, I'll be the first to say "I told you so" because that's how "we" picked them. I'm not ashamed.
Before we go further, let's state this indisputable (all right, a hunch) fact: No one will be unbeaten at the end of the season.
That said, I can't get over the fact that USC and Texas are the most talented teams in the country. If the Longhorns weren't playing a quarterback who has zero career snaps -- a redshirt freshman, no less -- they'd be the clear No.1. The best defense in the nation; two All-Americans on a loaded offensive line; elite skill players (Jamaal Charles, Limas Sweed, Billy Pittman). The problem: QB Colt McCoy, who has been dubbed by some on staff as Major Applewhite with more athletic ability.
First things first: That's an insult to Applewhite -- who before VY came along, was the best quarterback in school history. A guy who never got enough credit for what he did in Austin. One of my all-time favorite college football players.
Now if McCoy plays as well as Applewhite played as a redshirt freshman, Texas is going to win it all. At the very least, the Longhorns will beat Ohio State in Week 2. So here is where this gets tricky: Can McCoy navigate the remainder of the schedule against teams that play Texas every season and know how to scheme and game plan against the Longhorns? That's where Texas falls at some point -- but is the loss early enough to keep the Longhorns in line to play for it all?
As for USC, you've already seen how I feel about the Trojans. They're going back to the title game for one last hurrah. Who is on the other sideline? I'm going with Ohio State.
The Buckeyes lose early to Texas in a close game, then roll through the Big Ten. Everyone has a loss (OSU has the best loss), and voila, here is your championship game: USC vs. Ohio State.
How does USC get there, you ask? Arizona shocks the Trojans in Week 4, but USC dominates a very good Pac-10 Conference and thumps unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Notre Dame in the season finale.
Fiesta Bowl: Texas (Big 12 Champ) vs. Clemson (at-large).
Sugar Bowl: Auburn (SEC Champ) vs. Iowa (at large).
Orange Bowl: Florida State (ACC Champ) vs. Louisville (Big East Champ).
Rose Bowl: Notre Dame (at large) vs. California (at large).
 
Upvote 0
SI's predictions:

The Crystal Ball
SI.com's experts answer season's biggest questions
Posted: Thursday August 31


BCS predictions

Mandel:
National title: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
Rose: Iowa vs. USC
Fiesta: Texas vs. Cal
Orange: Florida State vs. West Virginia
Sugar: Auburn vs. Oklahoma
Winn:
National title: Notre Dame vs. Auburn
Rose: Ohio State vs. Cal
Fiesta: Texas vs. TCU
Orange: Florida State vs. Michigan
Sugar: USC vs. West Virginia
McCartney:
National title: Ohio State vs. Auburn
Rose: Iowa vs. Cal
Fiesta: Texas vs. USC
Orange: Florida State vs. West Virginia
Sugar: Notre Dame vs. LSU
Beech:
National title: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
Rose: Michigan vs. USC
Fiesta: Cal vs. Texas
Orange: Auburn vs. Florida State
Sugar: West Virginia vs. LSU

National champ

Mandel: Ohio State. In a season in which no team will finish undefeated, the Buckeyes' young defense may cost them against Texas or Iowa, but they'll jell in time to run the table from there.
Winn: Auburn. Quinn-to-McKnight and Quinn-to-Samardzija will get Notre Dame as far as the title game. There it'll run into a more balanced (and less flashy) Tigers squad that's better built for a 'ship.
McCartney: Ohio State. A young defense will experience a dropoff, but there's more than enough talent there to win a title, especially when you consider the breathing room Troy Smith & Co. are going to give them to work with.
Beech: Ohio State. We know the offense is great. If the new defense is as good as it's supposed to be (and if the Buckeyes can get out of Texas with a win), there will be much to celebrate in Columbus this fall.

Surprise team

Mandel: Clemson. The Tigers have all the pieces to make a run in the ACC. FSU may edge them in their division, but they'll still end up with nine or 10 wins.
Winn: Arizona. The 'Cats were awful in '05 (3-8), but they didn't break in promising freshman QB Willie Tuitama until Oct. 22, and four of those eight losses were by four points or fewer. A more seasoned passer, a change of luck, 17 returning starters and a decent Mike Stoops defense equals .500 or above.
McCartney: Wisconsin. The Badgers' defense came into its own in the Capital One Bowl, dominating Kenny Irons and Auburn, and the entire front four is back. The D will be nasty and should lift coach Bret Bielema to a nine-win season in Year 1.
Beech: Iowa. Are the stars aligned in Iowa City? With a favorable schedule, a rugged defense and a playmaking quarterback, the Hawkeyes have the stuff to break back into the top 10 this year.

Flop team

Mandel: LSU. The assumption is that the Bayou Bengals are just as loaded as last year's 11-2 team, but the defense won't be as dominant and the O-line and running game are questionable. No top 10 ranking this year.
Winn: Georgia. The Dawgs started at No. 11 -- hence, in BCS contention -- in SI's preview, but I'm sensing something less from a squad with a green O-line and an unstable situation at quarterback. An early upset loss at South Carolina could send UGA to an eight-win season, about two Ws below optimists' expectations.
McCartney: Arizona State. The offense is sensational, but a porous defense will again cost coach Dirk Koetter big time, especially with a three-game stretch against Cal, Oregon and USC. Add in trips to Oregon State and Arizona, and the No. 16 team in SI's preview could end up with five losses.
Beech: Arizona State. It made SI's top 20, but that was before Koetter spazzed out and named two starting quarterbacks in the span of 48 hours. The coach had better hope Rudy Carpenter is the right man for the job.

Heisman Trophy winner

Mandel: Brady Quinn, senior, QB, Notre Dame. In terms of Heisman stereotypes, Quinn is straight out of central casting. Between Charlie Weis' QB-friendly offense and the built-in Irish exposure, it's Quinn's trophy to lose.
t1_quinn.jpg

Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn enters the '06 campaign as a leading Heisman candidate.

Winn: Steve Slaton, sophomore, RB, West Virginia. Imagine this: The 'Neers go undefeated, Slaton breaks 2,000 yards and a Notre Dame hype-backlash sinks Brady Quinn. But yeah, I know ... that last one ain't gonna happen.
t1_slaton.jpg

Steve Slaton came out of nowhere last year, but he enters this season as one of the country's most hyped running backs.

McCartney: Quinn. If the Irish's Golden Boy only matches the 3,919 passing yards and 32 touchdowns from last year, he'll end the school's 19-year Hessian drought. All that Notre Dame mystique doesn't hurt his case, either.
Beech: Quinn. What's not to like? High-powered offense? Check. Big-time schedule? Check. Tons of television exposure? Check. Barring a meltdown in South Bend, Quinn should walk away with this award.

Overhyped preseason Heisman candidate

Mandel: Jamaal Charles, sophomore, RB, Texas. The speedy running back is a star in the making, but he's not going to contend for the Heisman while sharing carries with Selvin Young.
Winn: Adrian Peterson, junior, RB, Oklahoma. Bob Stoops said AD will get 30-35 carries per game -- and he is the nation's best running back, if all things are equal. Unfortunately, they aren't: Peterson is running behind a questionable interior line, he has a history of injuries, and I'm not sold that his new QB, Paul Thompson, can do enough to keep Big 12 defenses honest enough to pave the way for a Heisman run.
McCartney: Chad Henne, junior, QB, Michigan. He still hasn't proven he can be the same player without Braylon Edwards to throw to and David Bass anchoring the line. Plus, the Wolverines haven't hit double-digit victories with him at the controls.
Beech: Ted Ginn Jr., junior, WR, Ohio State. No wideout has won the Heisman since Michigan's Desmond Howard in 1991. Ginn is a wonderful player, but everything has to break just right if he's to win the award.

Next household name

Mandel: Reggie Smith, sophomore, CB, Oklahoma. He will emerge as a Charles Woodson/Chris Gamble-type playmaker this season, especially now that Bob Stoops is planning to use him at receiver as well.
Winn: Brent Schaeffer, junior, QB, Ole Miss. Schaeffer was once a household name, back in 2004, when he started Tennessee's opener as a freshman -- but then he broke his collarbone, was arrested after a dorm fight and left Knoxville. He's resurfaced at Ole Miss after a year at a Cali juco and will immediately be the SEC's best mobile QB.
McCartney: Sam Shields, freshman, WR, Miami. With Ryan Moore suspended indefinitely, Shields and his 4.39 40-yard dash speed will see significant time. If the freshman ball-magnet dominates opponents the way he did Miami's veteran secondary at practice, watch out.
Beech: Emmanuel Moody, freshman, TB, USC. The true freshman has already elicited comparisons to Reggie Bush from his coaches. With starter Chauncey Washington expected to miss Saturday's game against Arkansas with a bad hamstring, Moody should get plenty of touches.

Coach on the hottest seat

Mandel: Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M. The Aggies are paying him way too much ($2 million-plus per year), and he's recruited far too well, to be going 5-6. He doesn't win this year, he's out.
t1_franchione.jpg

If Texas A&M stumbles again, Dennis Franchione could be on his way out.

Winn: Larry Coker, Miami. The vital ingredients are all there: high-pressure program, revamped staff of assistants, multiple player suspensions and a remaining team that's too good to consider anything less than a BCS bowl a positive season. It's a positively steamy situation.
McCartney: Franchione. He's 16-19 in three seasons and 0-6 against Oklahoma and Texas. He could make his case to remain in College Station with a bowl berth, but if the Aggies lose their seventh straight against the Longhorns, it probably won't matter.
Beech: Chuck Amato, N.C. State. He's finished 3-5 in the ACC each of the last two years, and his conference record is only 23-25. The Wolfpack have struggled for consistency since QB Philip Rivers left, and Amato could pay the price this season.

Which of these three predictions would you feel the most comfortable making?

• Adrian Peterson rushing for more than 2,000 yards
• Brady Quinn throwing for more than 4,300 yards
• Ted Ginn Jr. returning more than three punt returns for touchdowns

Mandel: Peterson. Assuming he stays healthy, 2,000 may actually be low. He nearly hit that two years ago as a freshman, and he's a much more powerful runner now.
Winn: Quinn. Defenses will gang up on Peterson, and as long as they're smart, teams will punt away from Ginn. B.Q. threw for 3,919 in 12 games last year; with 13 games and Rhema McKnight, 4,300 is well within reach.
McCartney: Quinn. He nearly hit 4,000 yards last year, and the offense gets even more potent with his top target from '04 (McKnight) back. The Irish defensive woes may actually help by keeping him in games long enough to hit this number.
Beech: Quinn. In Weis' offense, 4,300 yards is easily within his reach.

Of these 5-6 teams from last season, which will finish with the most wins?

• Pittsburgh
• Purdue
• Tennessee
• Texas A&M
Mandel: Texas A&M. Franchione has put together three solid recruiting classes in a row, and a cushy non-conference schedule (the Citadel, La.-Lafayette, Army and Louisiana Tech) should help the Aggies to no fewer than eight wins.
Winn: Texas A&M. Not 'cause I love 'em, but rather because the Aggies' schedule is absurdly easy: They have four cakewalk nonconference games, plus three of their four toughest Big 12 games (Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Nebraska) at Kyle Field. Eight or nine wins are realistic for Fran's kids.
McCartney: Tennessee. The defense will reload, and coordinator David Cutcliffe should resurrect Erik Ainge and the offense, helping Phillip Fulmer get back in the fans' good graces with at least a nine-win season and a bowl bid.
Beech: Texas A&M. Their first four games should all be easy wins, and three of their conference road games are very winnable (Baylor, Oklahoma State and Kansas). That leaves them with three winnable home games against Oklahoma, Nebraska and Mizzou. If the Aggies can pull out victories in two of those three, they should win nine games.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/specials/preview/2006/08/30/crystal.ball/index.html
 
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si.com
Bowl Projections

An early look at title game, the BCS and beyond

Posted: Monday November 6, 2006 1:08PM (Stuart Mandel)

These are my first bowl projections of the season. They will be updated every Monday between now and the end of the season.
There are a few things you need to know to properly understand these projections. Unfortunately, I have a feeling 90 percent of you have already skipped past this part straight to the projections and will now be sending me angry e-mails that could have been averted by simply reading the following explanation. But I feel like I ought to try anyway:
? These projections primarily illustrate where teams would likely head if the season ended TODAY. With the exception of projected conference champions, very few attempts were made to predict future results, because trying to predict the remaining schedules of 64 teams would take several weeks.
? With the exception of conference champions, bowls are not obligated to select teams in order of conference standing. The designation "Pac-10 No. 3," for instance, does not refer to the third-place Pac-10 team but to a bowl having third choice of eligible Pac-10 teams.
? Notre Dame is part of the Big East's bowl partnerships. During of two of the next four seasons, the Gator Bowl can choose a Big 12 team rather than a Big East team. Whichever conference it doesn't choose then goes to the Sun Bowl. Also, the Meineke Car Care Bowl has a deal for this year only that replaces its Big East choice with Navy.
? If a conference does not have enough eligible teams to fill all of its partnerships, the partner bowl(s) can choose any eligible team remaining after the other bowls fill their obligations. This year, the Big Ten is unlikely to have enough teams to fill its spots in the Motor City Bowl and, possibly, the Insight Bowl.
? Finally, to be eligible for a BCS at-large berth, a team must have nine wins and finish in the top 14 of the BCS standings. Teams that finish in the top four are guaranteed a berth. One non-BCS conference champion (i.e. Boise State) can earn a guaranteed berth by finishing in the top 12 or by finishing in the top 16 if ranked higher than one of the six major-conference champs. Notre Dame is guaranteed a berth if it finishes in the top eight.

BCS/NEW YEARS DAY GAMES
Date Game
Jan. 8 Title: Ohio State (BCS No. 1) vs. Louisville (BCS No. 2)
Jan. 3 Sugar: Florida (SEC champ) vs. Notre Dame (BCS at-large)
Jan. 2 Orange: Georgia Tech (ACC champ) vs. Auburn (BCS at-large)
Jan. 1 Fiesta: Texas (Big 12 champ) vs. Boise State (BCS at-large)
Jan. 1 Rose: Cal (Pac-10 champ) vs. Michigan (BCS at-large)
Jan. 1 Capital One: Wisconsin (Big Ten No. 2) vs. Tennessee (SEC No. 2)
Jan. 1 Gator: Wake Forest (ACC No. 3) vs. West Virginia (Big East No. 2/Big 12)
Jan. 1 Outback: Penn State (Big Ten No. 3) vs. LSU (SEC)
Jan. 1 Cotton: Oklahoma (Big 12 No. 2) vs. Arkansas (SEC)OTHER GAMES

Date Game
Jan. 7 GMAC: East Carolina (C-USA No. 2) vs. Ohio (MAC)
Jan. 6 International: Pittsburgh (Big East No. 4/5) vs. Western Michigan (MAC)
Dec. 31 MPC Computers: San Jose State (WAC) vs. Miami (ACC)
Dec. 30 Chick-fil-A: Virginia Tech (ACC No. 2) vs. Alabama (SEC)
Dec. 30 Alamo: Purdue (Big Ten No. 4/5) vs. Nebraska (Big 12 No. 4)
Dec. 30 Meineke: Navy (Big East/Navy) vs. Clemson (ACC)
Dec. 29 Champs Sports: Maryland (ACC No. 4) vs. Iowa (Big Ten No. 4/5)
Dec. 29 Insight: Utah* (Big Ten No. 6) vs. Texas Tech (Big 12 No. 6)
Dec. 29 Liberty: Houston (C-USA champ) vs. South Carolina (SEC)
Dec. 29 Sun: Oregon (Pac-10 No. 3) vs. Missouri (Big 12/Big East)
Dec. 29 Music City: Boston College (ACC No. 5) vs. Kentucky (SEC)
Dec. 28 Texas: Oklahoma State (Big 12) vs. Rutgers (Big East)
Dec. 28 Holiday: USC (Pac-10 No. 2) vs. Texas A&M (Big 12 No. 3)
Dec. 28 Independence: Kansas State (Big 12 No. 7) vs. Georgia (SEC)
Dec. 27 Emerald: Washington State (Pac-10 No. 5) vs. Florida State (ACC No. 7)
Dec. 26 Motor City: Cincinnati* (Big Ten No. 7) vs. Central Michigan (MAC)
Dec. 24 Hawaii: Hawaii (WAC) vs. Arizona State (Pac-10 No. 6)
Dec. 23 Armed Forces: TCU (MWC) vs. Tulsa (C-USA)
Dec. 23 New Mexico: New Mexico (MWC) vs. Nevada (WAC)
Dec. 23 Birmingham: USF (Big East) vs. Southern Miss (C-USA)
Dec. 22 New Orleans: Middle Tennessee St. (Sun Belt) vs. UTEP (C-USA)
Dec. 21 Las Vegas: Oregon State (Pac-10 No. 4) vs. BYU (MWC champ)
Dec. 20 Poinsettia: Air Force (MWC) vs. Kansas (at-large)

Teams in bold have accepted bowl invitation
* -- replacement team for conference without enough eligible teams
 
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