ESPN

Iowa versus South Carolina
Tampa, Fla.
January 1, 11 a.m. ET

A season of high expectations has again turned sour for South Carolina. The Gamecocks came unhinged against Florida and Clemson to close the season, and even a New Year's Day bowl bid a year after staying home for the holidays isn't enough to erase the bad memories of a season when the Cocks were expected to contend in the SEC. The Hawkeyes finished strong, upsetting Penn State and hammering rival Minnesota 55-0 to close the year. The second-highest-scoring team in the Big Ten, Iowa pounds the ball with Doak Walker winner Shonn Greene and an offensive line that features four all-conference honorees. The Hawks are pumped to be bowling in Florida again, and it's doubtful that a despondent Carolina team lacking in confidence can answer the bell against a more enthusiastic opponent. The SEC's worst rushing team will be one-dimensional against a fierce defense that has held five opponents to single-digit point totals. Iowa is the more motivated and better-prepared team, and the Hawks have a lot of positive momentum right now. Spurrier seems frustrated and weary with his program's lack of progress, and his current team just isn't that fired up about what is not perceived as a major bowl bid.
Iowa 31-10

Arizona versus BYU
Las Vegas
December 20, 8 p.m. ET

BYU won back-to-back Mountain West titles in 2006 and '07, posting a perfect 8-0 league record and a Las Vegas Bowl victory each time. The team had achieved all that it could short of a BCS invitation, and since that requires an undefeated record, this season's slogan was "Quest for Perfection." When BYU's season came crashing down with a blowout loss at TCU, the Cougars went into the tank, underperforming against several lower-tier conference foes before getting blown out again at Utah. Now the bubble-burst Cougars trudge off to their fourth consecutive Las Vegas Bowl. Obviously, BYU is not as enthusiastic about this assignment as an Arizona team that's making its first postseason appearance since 1998. The Wildcats beat the Cougars to open 2006, then were dominated in Provo in the 2007 lid-lifter, which marked the debut of new Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes' Texas Tech-style offense. That unit has improved considerably since that performance, now checking in as the nation's 16th-best. The Wildcats also boast a top-20 defense. Arizona is the better team, and this game is far more important to the Cats than to a BYU squad whose entire season revolved around avoiding this exact fate.
Arizona 41-24

Connecticut versus Buffalo
Toronto, Ontario
January 3, Noon ET

Buffalo is the 2008 season's unlikeliest of conference champions, but the Bulls' run of success will end in Toronto against a Connecticut team that simply has the MAC entrant outclassed. Buffalo hails from the weak East Division, which amazingly produced just one win all year against the loaded West Division until the Bulls shocked Ball State in the league title game. The Bulls outgained their opponents only four times all season en route to their improbable championship, and outstanding red-zone defense masked several deficiencies on that side of the ball. Connecticut hasn't been able to throw the ball this season, but in this game the Huskies need only give it to Donald Brown, the nation's leading rusher. Brown will keep the chains moving all day against a poor Buffalo run defense. The Bulls boast a balanced and potent offense, but the Huskies' stop unit is tough against both run and pass. Turner Gill has done wonders with the Buffalo program, earning the third-year coach interviews at Syracuse and Auburn that likely have been a distraction for him and his team. The MAC East versus Big East is not a fair fight, though, and like Ball State versus Rutgers in this bowl last year, the Bulls just don't have the horses to stay in the game against Brown and the nation's 10th-best defense.
Connecticut 38-14

Texas Tech versus Mississippi
Dallas
January 2, 2 p.m. ET

Mississippi has taken advantage of a down season in the SEC, beating Auburn and LSU to finish second in the West. The Rebels are certainly fired up about the team's first postseason appearance since 2003, when Eli Manning led them to a 31-28 Cotton Bowl win over a Les Miles-coached Oklahoma State team. This year's task is tougher, as 12-1 Texas Tech matches up very well with Mississippi. The Rebels' defense is great against the run, but the pass defense is merely average. The secondary is actually well below average; the defense owes its production against the pass to a ferocious line that leads the nation in tackles for loss and ranks fifth in sacks. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Texas Tech's offensive line is an equal match. The Raiders lead the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed, and rank fifth in sacks allowed. Graham Harrell will have enough time to exploit a secondary that can't match up in coverage. The strength of the Big 12 South is the story of the season, and Mike Leach's best team tied for the title. Ole Miss is a solid team, but the Rebs are not equipped to keep pace.
Texas Tech 45-28

Georgia Tech versus LSU
Atlanta
December 31, 7:30 p.m. ET

A bowl date with LSU gives Georgia Tech a chance to go 3-0 in SEC play. Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets rolled up 83 points on Georgia and Mississippi State, finishing the regular season as the nation's No. 3 rushing team. The Tigers' rush defense is as good as any Georgia Tech has faced, but the LSU offense isn't likely to move the chains much, either. If LSU could match Tech's intensity level, the Tigers could take a close, low-scoring game to the wire. It's more likely that LSU -- like most other defending national champions who fell to December bowls -- will be the less focused team. That's bad news against the Jackets' triple-option, which punishes lack of preparation, concentration and discipline. It will not be easy for Les Miles to get his team excited about this game. Georgia Tech players go to class two miles from the Georgia Dome, but the team hasn't played there since the 2000 Peach Bowl (a 28-14 loss to LSU). The Jackets will be far more amped up for this assignment than the Tigers, and I like the coaching matchup as well.
Georgia Tech 28-17

Virginia Tech versus Cincinnati
Miami
January 1, 8:30 p.m. ET

Virginia Tech appeared here last year, losing to upstart Kansas. The Hokies now play another surprise BCS entrant, and this time Frank Beamer's team will be better prepared. Cincinnati is making the first major bowl appearance in school history and might just be "happy to be there." The Bearcats are a poor running team, and they'll be completely one-dimensional against Tech's unforgiving front. Cincinnati also plays tough run defense, and the Hokies will struggle to move the chains. Still, no team scores points without gaining yards better than Virginia Tech, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor has really elevated his game during the past few weeks. The Gobblers see themselves as the favorites here, and will be much more focused than they were in last year's game. Cincinnati should hold up its end of a defensive struggle, but the more talented and experienced Hokies are also the hungrier squad and will be better prepared for the BCS stage.
Virginia Tech 24-16

Central Michigan versus Florida Atlantic
Detroit
December 26, 7:30 p.m. ET

Central Michigan couldn't make it three MAC titles in a row, but the Chippewas do return to the Motor City Bowl. It's a rubber match of sorts for the home-state team, as the Chips have split their two postseason games in Detroit, beating Middle Tennessee in 2006 and losing to Purdue last year. At 6-6, Florida Atlantic was among the last teams to find a postseason home. The Owls are coached by Howard Schnellenberger, who is 5-0 in bowl games as a head coach and 4-1 as an offensive coordinator. Both squads are passing teams, with CMU's Dan LeFevour and FAU's Rusty Smith among the top signal-callers in their leagues. Neither defense will slow the opposing attack, but the Chippewas have been far more careful with the ball and will have the support of a partisan crowd.
Central Michigan 45-35

Kansas versus Minnesota
Tempe, Ariz.
December 31, 5:30 p.m. ET

It's not the Orange Bowl, but the Jayhawks at least followed up their 12-1 campaign with the school's first-ever back-to-back bowl bids. Until an upset of rival Missouri to close the season, Kansas had beaten all the losing teams on its schedule while losing to all bowl-bound opponents. Minnesota has no such momentum. The Gophers dropped their past four, including a 55-0 whitewashing at the hands of rival Iowa to end the year. Minnesota gained barely 200 yards per game during their final three regular-season contests, and after the team finished 104th in the nation in rushing, coach Tim Brewster decided to make some changes to the offensive staff, bringing in a running game coordinator to install some new packages before the bowl. The loss of two star tackles on the Kansas offensive line has hampered both the running game and pass protection, but mobile triggerman Todd Reesing still guides the nation's eighth-best passing attack. Kansas isn't nearly as good as last year's edition, but the Gophers are working through some major issues. They lack the confidence and the firepower to keep pace with Reesing and the potent Jayhawks.
Kansas 45-24

Oklahoma State versus Oregon
San Diego
December 30, 8 p.m. ET

The Holiday is a successful conclusion to the season for both of these teams. Oklahoma State could be the fourth-best team in the country, losing only to fellow Big 12 South juggernauts Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech (all of which lost only to each other.) The Cowboys' offense is a mirror image of Oregon's, with both teams ranking in the top eight nationally in rushing, scoring and total offense. Oklahoma State throws the ball a bit better than the Ducks, and that could be the difference in a game that features two defenses that are stout against the run but softer versus the pass. Quarterback Zac Robinson is averaging an amazing 10.37 yards per pass attempt, and as good as Oregon's attack has been, it's the Pokes who boast the more explosive offense in this matchup. The Big 12 South has produced the best teams of 2008, and the Cowboys should prevail in one of the bowl season's highest-scoring affairs.
Oklahoma State 45-38

Alabama versus Utah
New Orleans
January 2, 8 p.m. ET

Utah has a lot more talent than the undefeated Hawaii team that cracked the BCS last year but got pounded by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Still, the Sugar Bowl is home turf for Bama, and SEC teams making their first trip there after a long layoff have an excellent record in this game. Given the team's modest preseason expectations, the Tide will be able to recover from a tough loss to Florida in time to get excited about its first Sugar berth since 1992. Statistically, the Utes have the run defense to hang with Bama, but much of that production was compiled against the weak lower half of the Mountain West. The Utes closed the season with a big win over rival BYU, but incredibly allowed the Cougars to rush for more than seven yards per carry. Utah is a confident team that knows it can win, but Alabama's punishing ground game eventually will wear down the Utes' undersized defensive line. That and what amounts to a home crowd will be too much to overcome for an excellent Utah team that should be much more competitive than Hawaii was against Georgia last year.
Alabama 31-17

Florida State versus Wisconsin
Orlando, Fla.
December 27, 4:30 p.m. ET

The Champs Sports is nothing to get excited about for a program like Florida State, but this assignment is a bigger downer for a Wisconsin team that went into the season expecting to challenge for national honors. The Badgers' season came unhinged when an epic second-half meltdown at Michigan sparked a four-game losing streak. Wisconsin closed with three straight wins to salvage a bowl bid, but all were lackluster victories over weaker competition. The Badgers have lost a pair of Outback Bowls and won a pair of Capital One Bowls during the past four years, and are now bowling in central Florida for the fifth straight season. After an extremely disappointing campaign, there's simply not enough fire in this team's belly to overcome disadvantages at the line of scrimmage. Wisky is still one of the nation's best power-running teams, but Florida State boasts what might be the fastest and most athletic defense the Badgers have faced. The Seminoles will hold their own against running back P.J. Hill, but in passing situations, the Noles will simply dominate. Florida State has the nation's best third-down defense. The Badgers can't protect immobile quarterback Dustin Sherer, and their receivers can't match up with FSU's talented secondary. Bobby Bowden's teams typically excel in the bowls, even in minor games deemed below the Noles' customary station. This year's edition has just enough offense and more than enough defense to send an unenthusiastic Wisconsin squad home with a loss.
Florida State 27-13

Texas versus Ohio State
Glendale, Ariz.
January 5, 8 p.m. ET

It's almost as much a reflection of the Big 12 schedule as it is the Longhorns' capabilities, but Texas has the nation's second-best rush defense while fielding just the 109th-ranked pass defense. That's good news for the Horns, as they'll face an Ohio State team that runs well with Beanie Wells and a senior-laden offensive line, but throws for fewer than 150 yards per game with freshman Vince Young clone Terrelle Pryor at the helm. The Longhorns also lead the nation in sacks and rank 16th in tackles for loss, both areas of concern for a Buckeyes offense that has far too many negative plays for a team with such a mobile quarterback. Ohio State is seeking redemption for past big-game failures, but this senior class can't make it happen unless Texas prepares and plays poorly in response to what the Longhorns perceive as a BCS snub. There's certainly a precedent for teams taking the short end of the BCS stick laying an egg in their bowl games, but the Fiesta as consolation prize will be enough to get Texas off the mat. The Longhorns are clearly the better team, and even a substandard performance will carry them past an Ohio State team with a great defense but a punchless offense.
Texas 27-14

TCU versus Boise State
San Diego
December 23, 8 p.m. ET

This should be one of the bowl season's best matchups, featuring two of the NCAA's top non-BCS programs and two of 2008's best defenses. Boise State is looking to finish 13-0 for the second time in three years. Quarterback and offensive line were the Broncos' biggest question marks heading into this year. Freshman signal-caller Kellen Moore was an all-conference performer in his first year, and the offensive line protected him well, finishing fifth in the nation in sacks allowed. However, the running game has struggled despite the return of ace tailback Ian Johnson. TCU's defense, led by end Jerry Hughes (14 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss) is a cut above the WAC defenses on the Broncos' schedule. The Frogs' stop unit is ranked in the top five in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, pass-efficiency defense, sacks, red-zone defense, third-down defense and first downs allowed. TCU's 13th-ranked rushing offense runs behind an experienced offensive line, and the average passing game started to come on strong late in the year. Boise players understand that the BCS system took care of them in 2006, and that now it's Utah's turn. The team is not demoralized about missing out on the BCS. Still, this is the bowl matchup TCU really wanted, and the Frogs are the team with something to prove in this game.
TCU 17-10

Colorado State versus Fresno State
Albuquerque, N.M.
December 20, 2:30 p.m. ET

There's not much excitement for this game in Fresno, which is not surprising since the 2008 Bulldogs fell to the middle of the WAC pack after lofty preseason expectations and a big season-opening win at Rutgers. Colorado State, meanwhile, is pumped about its first bowl bid since 2005. The Rams also finished right in the middle of their league, but played a tougher Mountain West schedule. These teams have posted very similar offensive and defensive numbers, though both offenses should have the best of it in this game. The Rams haven't played tough run defense this year, though the potential return from injury of two star safeties would help. Fresno hasn't played much defense either, intercepting just two passes in WAC play while putting no pressure on opposing quarterbacks. These are pretty evenly matched teams. Fresno does have the added distraction of the Pat Hill saga. The longtime Bulldogs coach interviewed for the Washington job before withdrawing when it became apparent that he wasn't the leading candidate. I'll side with the Rams, who are the more enthusiastic team from the stronger league, and should bring a good crowd to a relatively nearby bowl on a conference opponent's home field.
Colorado State 38-27

California versus Miami
San Francisco
December 27, 8 p.m. ET

California coach Jeff Tedford has earned a reputation as a quarterback mentor, but stout defense and a powerful running game have characterized his teams in recent seasons. J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett have been succeeded by super sophomore Jahvid Best, the Pac-10's leading rusher this season. Best and the Bears average 185 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. Stopping him will be a tall order for a Miami defense that ranks just 70th in the nation against the run. The clash in the trenches looks like even more of a mismatch when recent form is considered. Cal rolled up 267 yards per game and a whopping 7.1 yards per carry during the season's final three games, while the Hurricanes allowed 256 yards and 5.6 per carry during their last three. The Bears' defense is solid across the board, and should have the advantage over a Miami offense that is below average both running and passing and still rotating quarterbacks between Robert Marve and Jacory Harris. Miami coach Randy Shannon has been even more future-oriented in his bowl preparation than most coaches, opting to focus exclusively on assessing younger players in the first week of practices. Neither side is that fired up about the Emerald Bowl, but Cal preferred this close-to-home destination to the Las Vegas Bowl and will have a partisan crowd on hand.
California 34-17

South Florida versus Memphis
St. Petersburg, Fla.
December 20, 4:30 p.m. ET

Tampa-based South Florida caps a disappointing season with a bid to this first-ever game in neighboring St. Petersburg. The Bulls boast a solid rush defense, but have been pretty average offensively despite the presence of top dual-threat Matt Grothe under center. Memphis is a veteran bowl team, now with five appearances in the past six seasons, but this is the Tigers' first bowl matchup against an opponent from a BCS conference. That's clearly a motivating factor for a Memphis team that outgained Big East foe Louisville by 182 yards but lost by seven due to turnovers and special-teams disasters. Tommy West's Memphis teams have been solid as big underdogs in the past, and the Tigers are certainly fired up about the opportunity to knock off a BCS opponent. South Florida can't really match its opponents' enthusiasm for this game, but practicing at its own facilities and playing in front of what will essentially be a home crowd at Tropicana Field give the Bulls a big edge. The Big East entrant has the more talented team, but Memphis doesn't match up too poorly here, as its solid offensive line won't be completely dominated by the Bulls' talented front. The Bulls' secondary has really struggled with big, physical wide receivers, and three of the Tigers' top wideouts fit that description at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds or larger. It's hard to see the more talented team losing to a C-USA foe in what is basically a home game, but Memphis won't be outclassed.
South Florida 28-24

Nevada versus Maryland
Boise, Idaho
December 30, 4:30 p.m. ET

The Humanitarian is an interesting clash between two teams that are totally unfamiliar with each other. Nevada's Pistol offense ranks behind only Navy among rushing offenses. The Wolfpack is led by elusive triggerman Colin Kaepernick, who is the WAC's third-leading passer and second-leading rusher. The league's No. 1 rusher? That'd be teammate Vai Taua, who only became the starter when 2007 WAC rushing leader Luke Lippincott was lost for the year. Nevada is an offensive juggernaut that will give Maryland's 74th-ranked rushing defense all it can handle. The Terrapins -- like most Eastern teams shipped to frigid Boise in the postseason -- aren't that excited about this game. Maryland has a solid bowl record under Ralph Friedgen, but the Terps have been known to lay some eggs against non-BCS competition. Nevada lost a 69-67 thriller to Boise State on the blue turf during WAC play last year, and the previous year dropped a 21-20 Humanitarian Bowl decision to Miami. The ACC is a clearly superior league, but the Pack matches up fairly well here and is definitely more enthusiastic about this game.
Nevada 35-31

Oklahoma versus Florida
Miami
January 8, 8 p.m. ET

Florida is the best team in what is usually the strongest conference. Oklahoma is the best team in what is currently the strongest conference. The Big 12 South is the story of 2008, and that's really the bottom line in this affair. Florida is a great team, but the SEC features seven offenses ranked 91st or lower, five of which were on the Gators' schedule. Florida tortured Georgia's Matthew Stafford with three interceptions, but the Bulldogs still threw for nearly 300 yards. The Gators otherwise didn't face a quarterback better than Mississippi's Jevan Snead or Alabama's John Parker Wilson. Oklahoma's much-maligned defense, on the other hand, has run the gauntlet of Big 12 triggermen. Tim Tebow is an amazing player, but facing top-flight quarterbacks is just a weekly routine for the Sooners. For Florida's defense, which features nary a single senior starter, Sam Bradford and the Oklahoma receivers will be uncharted territory. The Oklahoma defense has taken its lumps this year, but the offense had most games put away before the opponent started scoring, plus the defense has improved dramatically since it lost leader Ryan Reynolds during the Texas game. Oklahoma is on a mission of redemption for past title-game defeats, and this time the Sooners have the goods to deliver.
Oklahoma 45-28

Michigan State versus Georgia
Orlando, Fla.
January 1, 1 p.m. ET

Michigan State is an up-and-coming program with a star coach in Mark Dantonio. Last year, in Dantonio's first season, the Spartans returned to the postseason for the first time in four years, dropping a close game to Boston College in Orlando's Champs Sports Bowl. This year's team has been even better at 9-3, but the Spartans were whipped soundly by Ohio State and Penn State. Michigan State is still seeking a bowl win and the respect that comes with a big win over a highly rated team. Georgia provides a big opportunity for a hungry MSU team to fulfill some principal goals, and the Bulldogs are ripe for the picking. Georgia was the preseason No. 1 team, but blowout losses to Alabama and Florida relegated the Dawgs to also-ran status in the worst SEC in years. Getting rolled up for 45 points by rival Georgia Tech sealed the Bulldogs' fate, and now they play in a non-BCS bowl for which there's little enthusiasm among players, coaches, fans or anyone associated with Georgia football. Michigan State isn't as fast or athletic as Georgia, but the Spartans can win the battle at the line of scrimmage and are the far more motivated team.
Michigan State 31-27

Rice versus Western Michigan
Houston
December 30, 8 p.m. ET

Both Rice and Western Michigan finished 9-3, losing only to fellow bowl-bound teams. This pairing will produce one of the bowl season's highest-scoring games, as the two passing offenses are ranked fifth and 10th, respectively, while the pass defenses check in at 96th and 112th. Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller has posted back-to-back 3,000-yard seasons, while Rice's Chase Clement has thrown for 3,812 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2008. Both of these teams lost bowl games in 2006 and then sat out the postseason last year. Western Michigan probably owns the slightly better defense, but neither stop unit will hold up in this game. I'll lean with the hometown Owls in a closely contested shootout.
Rice 48-41

North Carolina versus West Virginia
Charlotte, N.C.
December 27, 1 p.m. ET

Both teams had aspirations higher than the Meineke Bowl. West Virginia's 2008 campaign was a disappointment from box to wire, as the Mountaineers started 1-2 to depart from national relevance, lost twice more along the way, then won their last game against USF only to have Pitt swipe the more desirable Sun Bowl berth on the final day of the season. North Carolina was poised for a run at the ACC title until the Tar Heels dropped two key November games to fall out of contention. Despite that, the team thought it had a shot at the Gator or Champs bid in sunny Florida, so falling all the way to the Meineke was a disappointment for them as well. The game is a sellout, though, and a North Carolina team that hasn't been bowling since 2004 will be well-supported by a partisan crowd in Charlotte. The up-and-coming Heels will have an easier time rallying from their disappointment than a senior-laden West Virginia team whose season went off the rails early and often. Butch Davis is 4-0 in bowl games, and while the former Miami boss isn't known as a sideline genius, he should be able to give his team a big coaching advantage against the overmatched Bill Stewart.
North Carolina 27-19

Houston versus Air Force
Fort Worth, Texas
December 31, 12:30 p.m. ET

One of two bowl rematches, the Armed Forces Bowl pits two teams that played in Dallas in September. That game was moved from Houston due to hurricane Ike, and despite being outgained by more than 150 yards, the Falcons prevailed 31-28 in bad weather conditions in front of just a few thousand fans. Houston brings the nation's No. 1 total offense to the rematch, and the Falcons can do little to slow this group this time around without benefit of heavy wind and driving rain. That said, the Cougars don't play much defense, and Air Force will certainly be able to move the ball. The Flyboys are very young offensively, though, and Houston simply has too much firepower. The home state revenger wins a shootout.
Houston 48-35

Notre Dame versus Hawaii
Honolulu
December 24, 8 p.m. ET

Notre Dame has lost a highly publicized NCAA record nine straight bowl games. It won't be easy for the Irish to end that streak, as Hawaii is always tough at home and has played its best ball down the stretch after Greg Alexander took over at quarterback. However, Notre Dame is usually paired with a team above its station in the postseason, thanks to the draw of its brand name. That's not the case here, and the Irish have -- with the exception of Syracuse -- handled the lesser teams on their schedule. The Dame has far better defensive personnel than Hawaii faced most of the year, and it will be tough sledding for the Warriors offensively. The Irish offense is no great shakes, but wideouts Golden Tate and Michael Floyd present coverage nightmares for the Hawaii defensive backs. One or the other will be in single coverage enough for a normally pedestrian Notre Dame offense to break out with some big plays in the passing game. The Domers match up better in the trenches and on the edge, and the players realize that this game is suddenly very important to the program. Charlie Weis is beyond the hot seat after fielding a poor team for the second straight season. He received a stay of execution, and his players understand that without a bowl win to generate some optimism this will be a miserable offseason that could sabotage 2009 before it even arrives.
Notre Dame 34-24

Northwestern versus Missouri
San Antonio
December 29, 8 p.m. ET

Perhaps more than any other school, Missouri is the prototypical disappointed bowl entrant. Sports Illustrated's preseason No. 1 slipped all the way to the Alamo despite another North Division title. This senior class staked everything on a league title and BCS berth this year, and still had a shot in spite of three conference losses in the regular season. Then came the Oklahoma blowout in the championship game, and now the Tigers' season is basically over. For a team that was supposed to take the next step this year, there is zero enthusiasm for a third straight postseason trip to Texas, this time to an even lesser non-BCS bowl than the previous two years. Northwestern is a pretty average team, but the Wildcats are better coached and far more motivated for this affair. Missouri is going to get its yards and points, but Northwestern can score too, and the Wildcats have the pass rush to generate some turnovers and big plays defensively. The underdog Cats will race to a lead over the disinterested Tigers, and I like their chances to hold on for an upset win.
Northwestern 38-35

Rutgers versus North Carolina State
Birmingham, Ala.
December 29, 3 p.m. ET

The third-year Birmingham bowl landed its best matchup yet this year, pairing two of the hottest teams in the nation down the stretch. Struggling Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel found his stroke in the season's second half, leading the Knights to six straight wins and more than 40 points per game after the team started the season 1-5. The Wolfpack ripped off four straight wins to rally from a 2-6 record, and the development of quarterback Russell Wilson was the key to the team's late-season success. The mobile Wilson's creative playmaking and accurate deep balls should spark some offense against a good-but-not-great Rutgers defense. The Knights have the biggest matchup edge, however, as their NFL-caliber receiving corps will have the advantage against a so-so Wolfpack secondary. Rutgers has the talent and senior leadership to pull this game out, but this game is a bigger deal for the upstart Wolfpack, who will have a geographical and motivational edge. The Pack also has Tom O'Brien, who has coached seven straight bowl victories. However, I'll lean with favored Rutgers in a nail-biter.
Rutgers 27-24

Troy versus Southern Mississippi
New Orleans
December 21, 8 p.m. ET

Neither school is a stranger to the New Orleans Bowl. Troy won the game in 2006 after receiving the automatic invitation that goes to the Sun Belt champ, while USM defeated Sun Belt entrants the two previous years. Both of these teams were impressive down the stretch. Troy, which outgained every opponent except Oklahoma State, routed ULL and Arkansas State to close the season and clinch the league crown. The Trojans bounced back impressively from their colossal choke at LSU, where they had the homestanding Tigers down 31-7 in the late third quarter but couldn't preserve the win. Southern Miss also finished strong, winning four straight to get to six wins after starting 2-6. Both teams feature balanced, productive offenses and inconsistent defenses. The Eagles tightened up their rush defense in November, allowing fewer than three yards per carry during the last four games of the season. Troy looks better in the trenches, however. The Trojans boast the best offensive and defensive lines in the Sun Belt. Troy will rush and protect the passer better, and that will be the difference in this evenly matched affair.
Troy 31-27

Wake Forest versus Navy
Washington, D.C.
December 20, 11 a.m. ET

Neither the Naval Academy nor the EagleBank Bowl wanted this pairing, a rematch of a 24-17 Navy win back in September. In that game, Wake quarterback Riley Skinner committed five of the Deacons' six turnovers. He'll get a shot at redemption, but the pedestrian Wake offense shouldn't be expected to do much against a solid Navy team that outscored the opposition 66-0 since Notre Dame took a 27-7 lead in the early fourth quarter of their clash a few weeks back. Navy's offense likewise will be tested by a strong Wake Forest rush defense, but the Mids do welcome back star quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who was injured so often he considered quitting football just a month ago, but returned to lead the victory over Army in the finale. Navy is a much better team with Kaheaku-Enhada at the controls, but I'll side with a senior-laden Wake defense that includes Butkus winner Aaron Curry.
Wake Forest 20-17

Oregon State versus Pittsburgh
El Paso, Texas
December 31, 2 p.m. ET

Oregon State was just a game away from its first Rose Bowl berth since 1964, but the Beavers were simply out of gas at the end of the year, and took a 65-38 trucking from rival Oregon to close the season. Oregon State won the 2006 Sun, and it's hard to see the Beavers matching the enthusiasm of a Pittsburgh team that's bowling for the first time under coach Dave Wannstedt. The Panthers rode a solid defense and the running of star tailback LeSean McCoy to a 9-3 record. The defensive production of these two teams is similar, and ordinarily Oregon State could claim the better offense. With all-purpose star James Rodgers out for the game and brother Jacquizz -- the team's leading rusher -- highly questionable, the Beavers might not be at full strength for this one. While there is certainly a case to be made for Pitt, the Beavers do have a huge edge on the sideline. Mike Riley is one of the nation's most accomplished bowl coaches, and Wannstedt is no match when it comes to game planning and in-game adjustments. Wannstedt's first bowl likely will provide a few adventurous moments (as well as several incompletions on third-and-1.) I'll side with Riley in a close one, whether Quizz Rodgers suits up or not.
Oregon State 24-21

Southern California versus Penn State
Pasadena, Calif.
January 1, 5 p.m. ET

On the verge of its fourth straight Rose Bowl, USC is a little weary of the annual matchup with the weak Big Ten. Not that USC would want to surrender its stranglehold on the Pac-10 title, but Trojans players would actually have preferred an at-large bid to the Fiesta Bowl for a change of pace. To this team, Penn State is just Michigan in different uniforms. That's not the case, though, as Joe Paterno's program is one of the all-time great bowl performers. The Nittany Lions bring their spread HD offense to the Coliseum to face the nation's top-ranked defense. Penn State can play defense, too, and this USC attack isn't as potent as that of recent years. The result will be a defensive struggle between two squads that rank in the top 12 in every major defensive statistical category. Penn State is one of the few Big Ten squads that can match the Trojans' speed, and the Lions don't beat themselves, ranking near the top of the leaderboard in penalties, turnovers and field goal percentage. This will be a hard-fought physical struggle, but Pete Carroll has proven himself the game's finest second-half coach. The Trojans come from behind to prevail in a squeaker controlled by the defenses.
Southern California 21-20

Vanderbilt versus Boston College
Nashville, Tenn.
December 31, 3 p.m. ET

Vanderbilt returns to the postseason for the first time since 1984, and the Commodores will have the benefit of playing at home in Nashville, though the game is held in the Tennessee Titans' stadium rather than Vandy's campus venue. The Commodores made their way through a weak SEC to finish with the requisite six wins. Boston College made the ACC championship game, only to lose a rematch with Virginia Tech for the second straight year. For a division champ, the Eagles fell a long way down the ACC bowl ladder, and can't be thrilled to be playing in what might be the least prestigious of the school's nine straight pre-New Year's bowls. Boston College and Vanderbilt rank 94th and 117th in total offense, respectively, while the defenses rank sixth and 29th. It's hard to see how either team will move the chains, so expect most of the points to come following big plays or turnovers. Vandy has an edge in ball security, especially since the Eagles have a freshman quarterback making just his third career start. A frenzied home crowd will root the Dores to victory in a predictably defensive game.
Vanderbilt 14-10

Nebraska versus Clemson
Jacksonville, Fla.
January 1, 1 p.m. ET

Both of these teams are ecstatic with the Gator bid, as both were selected over more than one conference rival with a better résumé. Brand name and fan support count for a lot in the process, though, and these schools have plenty of that. Clemson closed by winning four of six under new head coach Dabo Swinney, while Nebraska won five of six down the stretch under first-year boss Bo Pelini. The Huskers boast the more prolific offense in this matchup, while Clemson fields the better defense. The Tigers were expected to be the ACC front-runner this year, but a rebuilt and oft-injured offensive line was exposed in the opener against Alabama and never recovered. A team with James Davis and C.J. Spiller in the backfield shouldn't rank 94th in rushing offense, but the Tigers simply haven't been able to move the ball consistently all year. The Nebraska defensive line has really come on late in the year, and should be able to get into the Clemson backfield. The Tigers, though they have superior defensive personnel, will be without departed coordinator Vic Koennig. The Husker attack has a deep array of weapons and will eventually find some openings. Clemson doesn't quite have the firepower to keep pace.
Nebraska 31-24

Tulsa versus Ball State
Mobile, Ala.
January 6, 8 p.m. ET

Tulsa and Ball State each had dreams of an undefeated season, and each was a heavy favorite in its conference championship game. Both were upset victims, however, and now instead of the Liberty and Motor City -- the traditional destinations for the Conference USA and MAC champions -- both find themselves in Mobile. Tulsa was here last year after losing the conference title game, and bludgeoned MAC entrant Bowling Green 63-7. This year's story is different, as the Golden Hurricane had the league's best team and was a heavy favorite in the title game before suffering an epic seven-turnover meltdown against East Carolina. At least Tulsa has retained its coach. Todd Graham interviewed for the Auburn job, but it looks like he will stay. Ball State's Brady Hoke was also a candidate at Auburn, but ended up leaving Muncie for San Diego State. Hoke will not coach the bowl, and that puts the Cardinals at a big disadvantage in this matchup. Both sides score freely with balanced attacks. Tulsa ranks second in total offense, and Ball State 11th. With both teams despondent about the way the season concluded, don't expect much intensity from defenses that are overmatched anyway. I liked Ball State in this game until Hoke split for SDSU; now it's a slight lean to the Hurricane.
Tulsa 57-54

East Carolina versus Kentucky
Memphis, Tenn.
January 2, 5 p.m. ET

Solid defenses and woeful offenses collide in this SEC/C-USA tilt. The Pirates collected their first Conference USA title courtesy of a seven-turnover effort by favored Tulsa. The team then retained its head coach when Skip Holtz pulled out of consideration for the Syracuse opening. ECU players were relieved that Holtz stayed and are excited about getting a shot at an SEC team. They'll have a great chance, as Kentucky is a faux bowl team that outgained just one FBS opponent all year. The Cats' coaching staff is continually overmatched, and now -- thanks to an injury to quarterback Randall Cobb, one of the team's few playmakers -- the punchless offense must hand the reins back to ineffective former starter Mike Hartline. It would be a surprise if Kentucky cracked the 300-yard mark in this game, but the same can be said of East Carolina. The Wildcats' defense is solid, and had five performers earn All-SEC honors. The Pirates have struggled offensively all year, and won't dent the end zone much against this SEC foe. Still, a shutout might be in the offing for ECU's stop unit, as Kentucky's offense is absolutely impotent without Cobb. Kentucky coach Rich Brooks could be the difference-maker in a game where neither offense can execute.
East Carolina 10-3

Louisiana Tech versus Northern Illinois
Shreveport, La.
December 28, 8 p.m. ET

Louisiana Tech beat one team with a winning record, and half of the Bulldogs' FBS victims fired their coaches. Northern Illinois' best win came against Bowling Green, which also sacked its coach. These two teams may be short on résumé dazzle, but they'll both be plenty enthusiastic for this game. Tech hasn't been bowling since 2001, and now gets to play right down the road in Shreveport. The Huskies were overjoyed to be the last team to land a bowl bid after a 6-6 finish in a tough MAC West Division. NIU looks like the better overall team on paper, but Louisiana Tech is far from the Huskies' ideal matchup. Both of these squads are running teams without much punch in the passing game. The Bulldogs' downfall this year has been their 116th-ranked pass defense, which was torched repeatedly in WAC play. The run defense, however, has been quite stingy, good for 11th-best in the nation. NIU's 101st-ranked pass offense is simply not equipped to exploit the opponent's weakness. Northern has the same problem on the other side of the ball, where the Huskies' fifth-ranked pass defense won't get to make that much of an impact because the Bulldogs just aren't a throwing team. It's the first bowl for both head coaches, but the Bulldogs match up better and will have the crowd on their side.
Louisiana Tech 27-20

Will Harris is a college football and fantasy baseball analyst for ESPN.com.