Hope you enjoy the extra effort going in to this e-mail and as always, check out my blog at www.waitingfornextyear.com. The site recently had a huge makeover so check out all of the new features and have a great start to December!

From,

Jacob Rosen

BCS Projections Week 13 (written on Wednesday, December 2):

Initial Conference Tie-Ins and National Championship:

NCG - BCS #1 Florida vs. BCS #2 Alabama

Rose - Pac-10 Champ #7 Oregon vs. Big Ten Champ #8 Ohio State

Sugar -

Orange - ACC Champ #10 Georgia Tech

Fiesta - Big XII Champ #3 Texas

Automatic Bids Still Unplaced:

Mid-Major Automatic #4 TCU

Big East Champ #5 Cincinnati

At-Large Possibilities: Nine Wins Required and Top #14 in BCS Standings (also #13 LSU is not in this group because two SEC teams are already automatic bids)

Mid-Major At-Large #6 Boise State (12-0)

Big Ten At-Large #9 Iowa (10-2)

Big Ten At-Large #11 Penn State (10-2)

ACC At-Large #12 Virginia Tech (9-3)

Mid-Major At-Large #14 Brigham Young (10-2)

Selection Order: NCG #1, NCG #2, Orange, Fiesta, Sugar

NCG #1 - Sugar Bowl selects #5 Cincinnati - Realistically speaking once again, this is where the Sugar Bowl will be able to select the loser of the SEC Championship instead of the undefeated Bearcats.

Orange Bowl selects #9 Iowa - #20 Oklahoma State's shocking blowout loss to rival Oklahoma secured Iowa's spot in the BCS race while it also guarantees a spot for undefeated Boise State as well.

Fiesta Bowl selects #4 TCU - Clearly a BCS team now, I have a good feeling they will get picked by the Fiesta Bowl somehow someway. With now Big 12 team to replace Texas, they look like the best deal.

Sugar Bowl selects #6 Boise State - It will be interesting to see where the Broncos land in the end, and my guess is that the Fiesta Bowl cannot resist putting that up against the Horned Frogs in an undefeated battle for bragging rights.

Final Projection:

NCG - BCS #1 Florida vs. BCS #2 Alabama

Rose - Pac-10 Champ #7 Oregon vs. Big Ten Champ #8 Ohio State

Sugar - Big East Champ #5 Cincinnati vs. Mid-Major At-Large #6 Boise State

Orange - ACC Champ #10 Georgia Tech vs. Big Ten At-Large #9 Iowa

Fiesta - Big XII Champ #3 Texas vs. Mid-Major Automatic #4 TCU

Notes on Each Game:

NCG - Still only a matter of time now until the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, December 5th that puts the projections back in line. This will pretty much create a match-up between the winner of this contest and the #2 Texas Longhorns, provided an victory over #22 Nebraska on Saturday in the Big 12 Championship. The rest of the BCS procedures fall in place from there, with the Sugar Bowl replacing the BCS #1 SEC Champion with the loser of the game and the Fiesta Bowl finding a way to replace Texas after that (my guess is they really want #4 TCU).

Rose - My bad last week with saying that the Pac-10 title would be decided then by the game betwee #7 Oregon and #16 Oregon State. That game is actually on television this Thursday in Eugene starting at 9:00 pm on ESPN. It is a winner-take-all battle for the right to play the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the old-fashioned rivalry game. Rose Bowl probably hoping for the Ducks to win for the better match-up on the national stage. Watch out for tiny sophomore RB Jacquizz Rodgers of the Beavers to return to the national spotlight regardless of the result Thursday.

Sugar - Now that we pretty much know that the winner of the SEC will be ranked #1 in the BCS next week, we also know that the Sugar Bowl will select the loser of the title game with their first pick. The intriguing question here will be who they select next. In the most likely scenario the selection order will be Sugar/Fiesta/Orange/Fiesta/Sugar and in such an instance, they will have the least desirable team to take on their SEC team. My guess is that they will probably get stuck with #9 Iowa with the Fiesta Bowl seizing the opportunity to have the undefeated mid-major championship.

Orange - Yikes. No game took a bigger hit this past week than the Orange Bowl, mostly because of their ties with the champion of the Atlantic Coastal Conference. The match-up in the ACC Championship was already decided before this week, but then the worst possible scenario unfolded. New #10 Georgia Tech gave up 300+ rushing yards en route to a rivalry loss against Georgia while Clemson looked anemic offensively in their rivalry loss to South Carolina. The winner this coming week will probably have the honor of taking on the winner of #5 Cincinnati and #15 Pittsburgh in the de facto Big East title.

Fiesta - With #3 Texas assumed to be a lock for the National Championship Game and #20 Oklahoma State's loss last week, all the controversy was sucked away from Glendale. Now it is only a matter of whether the newest of the four BCS games wants to be progressive and take the initiative to host #4 TCU and #6 Boise State for a Cinderella showdown. Neither team has much of a chance now to make it to the real title game (barring a Big 12 Championship upset) and this would be the next closest thing for them and the national media this season.

Bowl Projections Week 13 (written on Wednesday, December 2):

Here are my projections for the rest of the 29 college football bowl games. Some of these actual teams participating in these games may vary based on contests this weekend and I mention all of these games to watch in the notes below. Let me know as always if you have any questions behind this feature:

New Mexico Bowl @ University Stadium hosted by the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 19th

MWC vs. WAC = Wyoming (6-6) vs. Fresno State (7-4)

It is too bad the that New Mexico was 1-11 this year or otherwise they would be a shoe-in for this contest. Nothing too much to get excited about here besides the old-fashioned mid-major contest. Fresno State plays at Illinois this weekend to end their regular season.

St. Petersburg Bowl @ Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL at 8:00 pm on Saturday, December 19th

Big East #6 vs. C-USA = South Florida (7-4) vs. UCF (8-4)

The All-Florida match-up here is too good to pass up on. South Florida was a pretty good team on the national stage a few years back in the Big East and they conclude their season at Connecticut this weekend.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl @ Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA at 8:00 pm on Sunday, December 20th

Sun Belt #1 vs. C-USA #5 = Troy (9-3) vs. Southern Mississippi (7-5)

The Troy Trojans beat Kansas State a few years back and then the Wildcats fell back into the cellar of the Big 12. Troy has already accepted their bid to this contest while Southern Miss would keep up the N'awlans flare.

Maaco Bowl Las Vegas @ Sam Boyd Stadium hosted by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 22nd

Pac-10 vs. MWC #1 = #7 Oregon (9-2) or #16 Oregon State (8-3) vs. #14 Brigham Young (10-2)

Now the match ups get intriguing, as a shootout between the Beavers and the Cougars would be a must-watch. Oregon State can still earn a BCS berth with a victory this Thursday at Oregon, and the Ducks would probably land here with a loss as well.

SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl @ Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 23rd

MWC vs. Pac-10 #6 = #25 Utah (9-3) vs. Arizona (7-4)

For some reason, these two conferences just love playing each other in the post-season as evidenced here. Utah had yet another solid season while Arizona finishes up their regular season this weekend at Southern Cal.

Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl @ Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI at 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 24th

C-USA vs. WAC = SMU (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4) or Hawaii (6-6)

Southern Methodist rises from the dead and head coach June Jones will return to his former stomping grounds in Hawaii. He will face his former team in the Warriors win on Saturday at home against Wisconsin, and if not it goes to the Wolf Pack.

Little Ceasers Pizza Bowl @ Ford Field in Detroit, MI at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 26th

MAC Champ vs. Big Ten #7/AT-LARGE = Central Mich (10-2) or Ohio (9-3) vs. Middle Tennessee State (9-3)

The winner of the MAC Championship will have the honor of playing in this newly renamed bowl game at fabulous Ford Field. No Big Ten is projected to be available to play in this contest and thus, Mid Ten State conquers the bid as an at-large from the Sun Belt.

Meineke Car Care Bowl @ Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC at 4:30 pm on Saturday, December 26th

ACC #5-7 vs. Big East #3 = Boston College (8-4) vs. #23 West Virginia (8-3)

This seems like a BCS contest from a few years back.. Both teams have seen their better days than playing the day after Christmas and the Mountaineers finish their regular season this coming Saturday at Rutgers.

Emerald Bowl @ AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA at 8:30 pm on Saturday, December 26th

ACC #5-7 vs. Pac-10 = Florida State (6-6) vs. #24 Stanford (8-4)

An odd match up but not too shabby on the national spotlight on the first full day of bowl games. In Bobby Bowden's final game as head coach he will take on Heisman contender Toby Gerhart and the fighting Cardinal from nearby Stanford.

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl @ LP Field in Nashville, TN at 8:15 pm on Sunday, December 27th

SEC vs. ACC #5-7 = South Carolina (7-5) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

There remains a possibility that both of these teams land in other bowl games, but given the chance of such a unique match up it had to be done. Seriously, why do these two teams never play each other? It is almost too perfect and that is why it is the only bowl game on the day.

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl @ Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA at 5:00 pm on Monday, December 28th

Big 12 #7 vs. SEC #8 = Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5)

Both teams came close towards the end of the season at knocking off a close conference rival and end up down in Louisiana. The Aggies are on the move up while the Razorbacks have former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett leading the offense.

EagleBank Bowl @ RFK Stadium in Washington, DC at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 29th

Army/C-USA vs. ACC #8/MAC = Army (5-6) or Marshall (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (7-5)

It seems that Army will be a given to make this game, provided they finish at 6-6 with an upset victory against rival Navy on December 12th. Otherwise, this will be rematch of the two dominant MAC teams from the 90's with Bowling Green taking over the empty spot left by the ACC.

Champs Sports Bowl @ Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 29th

ACC #4 vs. Big Ten #4-5 = #17 Miami (9-3) vs. Northwestern (8-4)

An intriguing ACC-Big Ten duel where Randy Shannon leads his Miami Hurricanes against the promising Wildcats. Pay attention Buckeye fans, OSU begins a home-and-road series with Miami in 2010 and this team could be much improved next season.

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl @ Bronco Stadium hosted by Boise State University in Boise, ID at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 30th

MWC/AT-LARGE vs. WAC = Northern Illinois (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5) or Nevada (8-4)

Another spot is left open for a team above .500 and that goes to Northern Illinois. If Hawaii wins this weekend, they secure the bid for the Hawaii Bowl and that keeps the Nevada Wolf Pack in the states. This is Idaho's only chance at a bowl game, so they will certainly be cheering against the Warriors Saturday.

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl @ Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 30th

Pac-10 #2 vs. Big 12 #3-4 = #18 Southern Cal (8-3) vs. #22 Nebraska (9-3) or Texas Tech (8-4)

My, o my, how the mighty have fallen. The Trojans conclude their season this weekend against Arizona, but more likely than not will remain in the state for the holidays. Nebraska still has a chance at busting the BCS with a Big 12 Championship win over Texas, but if that does not happen they will likely travel to San Diego.

Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl @ Amon G. Carter Stadium hosted by Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX at TBD on Thursday, December 31st

MWC vs. C-USA = Air Force (7-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4) or #21 Houston (10-2)

The loser of the Conference-USA Championship this weekend ends up here to take on Air Force. Nothing too much to get excited about sometime during New Years Eve unless Case Keenum and Houston surprisingly lose to the Pirates.

Brut Sun Bowl @ Sun Bowl Stadium hosted by the University of Texas-El Paso in El Paso, TX at 2:00 on Thursday, December 31st

Pac-10 #3 vs. Big East/ND/Big 12 = #19 California (8-3) vs. Oklahoma (7-5)

DeSean Jackson and Adrian Peterson are two of the most dynamic players in the NFL, and I know a lot of people would have paid money to see this match-up a few years back. How about now? Not so much, and the Golden Bears finish their season this weekend at lowly Washington.

Texas Bowl @ Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX at 3:30 pm on Thursday, December 31st

Big 12 #8 vs. Navy/C-USA = Iowa State (6-6) vs. Navy (8-4)

Navy has already accepted their bid here to play at the home stadium of the Houston Texans. Iowa State had another disappointing season in the Big 12 North, but squeaked in here to take on the exciting Midshipmen as the final bowl team from the conference.

Insight Bowl @ Sun Devil Stadium hosted by Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ at 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 31st

Big Ten #6 vs. Big 12 #6 = Minnesota (6-6) vs. Missouri (8-4)

Minnesota always has a knack to play in some dramatic bowl games, and they should take on Missouri out in old Sun Devil Stadium. If you recall, this used to be the home of the Fiesta Bowl as well until the construction of the University of Phoenix Stadium in fancy Glendale.

Chick-Fil-A Bowl @ Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA at 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 31st

ACC #2 vs. SEC = Clemson (8-4) or #12 Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Georgia (7-5)

SEC records do not matter here, as the Chick-Fil-A Bowl will be absolutely ecstatic to host the Bulldogs after their uplifting win over rival Georgia Tech last weekend. Despite their loss last week, Clemson still has a BCS Cinderella chance but will end up here with a loss in the ACC Championship.

Outback Bowl @ Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL at 11:00 am on Friday, January 1st

Big Ten #3 vs. SEC #3 = Wisconsin (8-3) vs. Auburn (7-5)

Can you say defensive battle? The Outback Bowl and Capital One Bowl annually match up some intriguing battles between these two conferences, and this is just the start. Auburn has shown improvement this year while Wisconsin concludes their regular season against Hawaii this weekend.

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl @ Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, FL at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 1st

ACC #3 vs. Big East/ND/Big 12 = #10 Georgia Tech (10-2) or #12 Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. #5 Cincinnati (11-0) or #15 Pittsburgh (9-2)

Big time variety in this contest that usually would host Notre Dame, if it were not for their 6-6 record this season. Georgia Tech is going to the BCS with an ACC Championship victory, but their loss last week gave them no chance as an at-large. The loser of the de facto Big East title will likely be the other team here, as two-loss Iowa would arguably and controversially be a more appealing at-large team for the BCS than a one-loss Cincinnati. No matter what, this will probably be the biggest profile non-BCS game of the year.

Capital One Bowl @ Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 1st

Big Ten #2 vs. SEC #2 = #11 Penn State (10-2) vs. #13 LSU (9-3)

Les Miles and Joe Paterno. Two of the top defenses that usually play at two of the loudest and largest stadiums in the country. This is why the bowl schedule will never die completely, because there are still many individuals that will attend and watch interesting contests like this. This should probably be a close second to the Gator Bowl for the most fascinating match up in the non-BCS games this year.

International Bowl @ Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 2nd

Big East vs. MAC #3 = Rutgers (8-3) or Connecticut (6-5) vs. Temple (9-3)

As New Years Day passes, some of the lower bowl games sneak down in the calendar for more media attention. UCONN finishes their season against South Florida this season while Temple had one of the most shocking seasons in the country despite losing out on a berth in the MAC Championship.

Papajohns.com Bowl @ Legion Field at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 2nd

Big East vs. SEC = Rutgers (8-3) or Connecticut (6-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5)

Not exactly sure who has priority picking among Big East teams, and that is why Rutgers and Connecticut are in the same boat yet again here. The Gamecocks ended their season on a high note with their victory last week against rival Clemson.

AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic @ Cowboys Stadium at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 2nd

Big 12 #2 vs. SEC = #20 Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Ole Miss (8-4)

Both teams entered the season with high expectations and have already accepted their bid to play in the spanking new Cowboys Stadium. Should be an interesting battle between two high-powered offenses and this will be another fun battle to watch during the schedule.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium at 5:30 pm on Saturday, January 2nd

C-USA Champ vs. SEC #6 = East Carolina (8-4) or #21 Houston (10-2) vs. Kentucky (7-5)

Had enough of the many 7-5 SEC teams that will be going bowling this season? This final one will be facing off against the winner of the Conference-USA Championship this weekend. I wouldn't mind watching Case Keenum absolutely tearing up an SEC defense...

Valero Energy Alamo Bowl @ Alamodome at 9:00 pm on Saturday, January 2nd

Big Ten #4-5 vs. Big 12 #4-5 = Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4)

The Red Raiders will likely be playing here as long as Nebraska loses to Texas this weekend. Not sure yet of what would be the alternative for such a situation where Nebraska goes to the BCS and Texas plays in the Holiday Bowl, but it could likely be another at-large team sliding in such as 6-6 UCLA.

GMAC Bowl @ Ladd Peebles Stadium at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 6th

ACC #9/AT-LARGE vs. MAC = Notre Dame (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-3) or Central Michigan (10-2)

Provided they actually do want to play in a bowl game this season, the Fighting Irish will have the honor of being selected as an at-large to face the loser of the MAC title in the final non-BCS contest of the year. I feel bad for OU and CMU fans, but seriously why would you want to win the MAC Championship knowing you could play and possible destroy Notre Dame?

--
Jacob Rosen, University of Dayton c/o 2012
Chief Sports Staff Writer, Flyer News
Elections Committee Co-Chair, SGA
udjrosen@gmail.com