GSG
Assistant Coach
CFN's Bowl Projections. There's a lot of talk about NU sliding into a few places.
Link
2006-2007 Bowl Projections
Preseason
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium
December 19, 2006, ESPN2
Mountain West vs. at-large
Bowl Projection: Missouri vs. Fresno State (no Mountain West team projected available)
Fresno State and Missouri have to go somewhere. If a Mountain West team like Colorado State is available, Fresno State will likely likely knock out Nevada from the New Mexico Bowl.
Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas, NV
Sam Boyd Stadium
December 21, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 No. 4 vs. Mountain West No. 1
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.
New Orleans Bowl
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana Superdome
December 22, 2006, ESPN
Sun Belt vs. Conference USA
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.
New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, NM
University Stadium
December 23, 2006, ESPN
Mountain West vs. WAC
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.
Birmingham Bowl
Birmingham, AL
Legion Field
December 23, 2006, ESPN2
Conference USA vs. Big East or MAC
Bowl Projection: Houston vs. Pitt
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.
Fort Worth Bowl
Fort Worth, TX
Amon G. Carter Stadium
December 23, 2006, ESPN
Mountain West vs. Conference USA
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 Bowl
Honolulu, HI
Aloha Stadium
December 24, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 vs. WAC
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..
Motor City Bowl
Detroit, MI
Ford Field
December 26, 2006, ESPN
MAC vs. Big Ten No. 7
Bowl Projection: Northern Illinois vs. Colorado (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. Colorado has to go somewhere.
Emerald Bowl
San Francisco, CA
AT&T Park
December 27, 2006, ESPN
ACC No. 7 vs. Pac 10 No. 5
Bowl Projection: Virginia vs. Oregon
Virginia will likely make the trip cross-country for an Oregon or Oregon State home game.
Independence Bowl
Shreveport, LA
Independence Stadium
December 27, 2006, ESPN
Big 12 No. 7 vs. SEC No. 8
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.
Holiday Bowl
San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium
December 28, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3
Bowl Projection: California vs. Nebraska
This would be one of the most exciting bowls of the bunch. If the Big 12 only gets two teams in the BCS, Texas Tech could be here in a great game with either California or Arizona State.
MPC Computers Bowl
Boise, ID
Bronco Stadium
December 28, 2006, ESPN
WAC vs. ACC No. 8
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.
Champs Sports Bowl
Orlando, FL
Florida Citrus Bowl
December 29, 2006, ESPN
Big Ten No. 4 or 5 vs. ACC No. 4
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 Bowl
Nashville, TN
The Coliseum
December 29, 2006, ESPN
SEC vs. ACC No. 5
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.
Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
Sun Bowl
December 29, 2006, CBS
Big 12 or Big East vs. Pac 10 No. 3
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.
Insight Bowl
Phoenix, AZ
Chase Field
December 29, 2006, ESPN
Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6
Bowl Projection: Purdue vs. Texas A&M
Purdue, Wisconsin or Michigan State are the likely Big Ten representatives. Take your pick from the Big 12 with Texas A&M, Colorado, Iowa State and Missouri all possibilities.
Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX
Alamodome
December 30, 2006, ESPN
Big 12 No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4 or 5
Bowl Projection: Wisconsin vs. Texas Tech
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 Texas A&M fans, but Texas Tech fans would certainly help fill the place up..
Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN
Liberty Bowl
December 30, 2006, ESPN
Conference USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs. Alabama
If this is the matchup, set the over/under at 27.
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, NC
Bank of America Stadium
December 30, 2006, ESPN2
ACC No. 6 vs. Big East or Navy
Bowl Projection: NC State vs. Navy
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. Navy has a deal for a berth here if eligible. South Florida will deserve to go here.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Dome
December 30, 2006, ESPN
ACC No. 2 vs. SEC
Bowl Projection: Clemson vs. Georgia
If this is the matchup, it would sell out faster than any other bowl.
Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium
January 1, 2007, CBS
ACC No. 3 vs. Big 12 or Big East
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.
Cotton Bowl
Dallas, TX
Cotton Bowl
January 1, 2007, Fox
Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC
Bowl Projection: Oklahoma vs. Arkansas
Nebraska could be an attractive option, but Oklahoma would sell out the Cotton Bowl. Arkansas would be a nod back to the old Southwest Conference days, but Alabama could easily be here.
Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL
Raymond James Stadium
January 1, 2007, ESPN
Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC
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.
Capital One Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium
January 1, 2007, ABC
SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2
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 Bowl
Toronto, Canada
Rogers Centre
January 6, 2007, ESPN
MAC vs. Big East No. 4 or 5
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.
GMAC Bowl
Mobile, AL
Ladd Peebles Stadium
January 7, 2007, ESPN
Conference USA No. 2 vs. MAC
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.
BCS GAMES
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
Rose Bowl
January 1, 2007, ABC
BCS vs. BCS (Big 10 vs. Pac 10 if available)
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.
Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium
January 1, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (Big 12 Champion to play here if available)
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.)
Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
Dolphins Stadium
January 2, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion to play here if available)
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.
Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana Superdome
January 3, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (SEC Champion to play here if available)
Bowl Projection: LSU vs. Louisville
With the projected SEC Champion playing for the national title, LSU playing in New Orleans would make for a good story. The Louisville-West Virginia winner will be here.
BCS Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium
January 8, 2007, Fox
BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2
Bowl Projection: USC vs. Auburn
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.
Link
2006-2007 Bowl Projections
Preseason
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium
December 19, 2006, ESPN2
Mountain West vs. at-large
Bowl Projection: Missouri vs. Fresno State (no Mountain West team projected available)
Fresno State and Missouri have to go somewhere. If a Mountain West team like Colorado State is available, Fresno State will likely likely knock out Nevada from the New Mexico Bowl.
Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas, NV
Sam Boyd Stadium
December 21, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 No. 4 vs. Mountain West No. 1
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.
New Orleans Bowl
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana Superdome
December 22, 2006, ESPN
Sun Belt vs. Conference USA
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.
New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, NM
University Stadium
December 23, 2006, ESPN
Mountain West vs. WAC
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.
Birmingham Bowl
Birmingham, AL
Legion Field
December 23, 2006, ESPN2
Conference USA vs. Big East or MAC
Bowl Projection: Houston vs. Pitt
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.
Fort Worth Bowl
Fort Worth, TX
Amon G. Carter Stadium
December 23, 2006, ESPN
Mountain West vs. Conference USA
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 Bowl
Honolulu, HI
Aloha Stadium
December 24, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 vs. WAC
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..
Motor City Bowl
Detroit, MI
Ford Field
December 26, 2006, ESPN
MAC vs. Big Ten No. 7
Bowl Projection: Northern Illinois vs. Colorado (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. Colorado has to go somewhere.
Emerald Bowl
San Francisco, CA
AT&T Park
December 27, 2006, ESPN
ACC No. 7 vs. Pac 10 No. 5
Bowl Projection: Virginia vs. Oregon
Virginia will likely make the trip cross-country for an Oregon or Oregon State home game.
Independence Bowl
Shreveport, LA
Independence Stadium
December 27, 2006, ESPN
Big 12 No. 7 vs. SEC No. 8
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.
Holiday Bowl
San Diego, CA
Qualcomm Stadium
December 28, 2006, ESPN
Pac 10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3
Bowl Projection: California vs. Nebraska
This would be one of the most exciting bowls of the bunch. If the Big 12 only gets two teams in the BCS, Texas Tech could be here in a great game with either California or Arizona State.
MPC Computers Bowl
Boise, ID
Bronco Stadium
December 28, 2006, ESPN
WAC vs. ACC No. 8
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.
Champs Sports Bowl
Orlando, FL
Florida Citrus Bowl
December 29, 2006, ESPN
Big Ten No. 4 or 5 vs. ACC No. 4
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 Bowl
Nashville, TN
The Coliseum
December 29, 2006, ESPN
SEC vs. ACC No. 5
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.
Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
Sun Bowl
December 29, 2006, CBS
Big 12 or Big East vs. Pac 10 No. 3
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.
Insight Bowl
Phoenix, AZ
Chase Field
December 29, 2006, ESPN
Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6
Bowl Projection: Purdue vs. Texas A&M
Purdue, Wisconsin or Michigan State are the likely Big Ten representatives. Take your pick from the Big 12 with Texas A&M, Colorado, Iowa State and Missouri all possibilities.
Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX
Alamodome
December 30, 2006, ESPN
Big 12 No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4 or 5
Bowl Projection: Wisconsin vs. Texas Tech
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 Texas A&M fans, but Texas Tech fans would certainly help fill the place up..
Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN
Liberty Bowl
December 30, 2006, ESPN
Conference USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6
Bowl Projection: Southern Miss vs. Alabama
If this is the matchup, set the over/under at 27.
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, NC
Bank of America Stadium
December 30, 2006, ESPN2
ACC No. 6 vs. Big East or Navy
Bowl Projection: NC State vs. Navy
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. Navy has a deal for a berth here if eligible. South Florida will deserve to go here.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Dome
December 30, 2006, ESPN
ACC No. 2 vs. SEC
Bowl Projection: Clemson vs. Georgia
If this is the matchup, it would sell out faster than any other bowl.
Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium
January 1, 2007, CBS
ACC No. 3 vs. Big 12 or Big East
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.
Cotton Bowl
Dallas, TX
Cotton Bowl
January 1, 2007, Fox
Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC
Bowl Projection: Oklahoma vs. Arkansas
Nebraska could be an attractive option, but Oklahoma would sell out the Cotton Bowl. Arkansas would be a nod back to the old Southwest Conference days, but Alabama could easily be here.
Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL
Raymond James Stadium
January 1, 2007, ESPN
Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC
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.
Capital One Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
Alltel Stadium
January 1, 2007, ABC
SEC No. 2 vs. Big Ten No. 2
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 Bowl
Toronto, Canada
Rogers Centre
January 6, 2007, ESPN
MAC vs. Big East No. 4 or 5
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.
GMAC Bowl
Mobile, AL
Ladd Peebles Stadium
January 7, 2007, ESPN
Conference USA No. 2 vs. MAC
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.
BCS GAMES
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
Rose Bowl
January 1, 2007, ABC
BCS vs. BCS (Big 10 vs. Pac 10 if available)
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.
Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium
January 1, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (Big 12 Champion to play here if available)
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.)
Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
Dolphins Stadium
January 2, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion to play here if available)
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.
Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
Louisiana Superdome
January 3, 2007, Fox
BCS vs. BCS (SEC Champion to play here if available)
Bowl Projection: LSU vs. Louisville
With the projected SEC Champion playing for the national title, LSU playing in New Orleans would make for a good story. The Louisville-West Virginia winner will be here.
BCS Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Stadium
January 8, 2007, Fox
BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2
Bowl Projection: USC vs. Auburn
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.