Let's count down the top 10 most interesting bowl games and see which teams are going to end the year on a high note. You might notice that Louisville against Wake Forest didn't even make this list, despite playing each other in the Orange Bowl. I don't care what you want to call the game; it's still going to be a snoozer.
10) Iowa vs. Texas
(Alamo Bowl, Dec. 30)
This might look like a matchup of two underperforming teams at first glance; both teams began the year with top 10 aspirations and neither got there, but I still want to see this one. I don't think Iowa is as bad as its 6-6 record — with losses to Indiana and Northwestern — would lead any sane person to believe, and I don't think Texas is as good as its 9-3 record shows. With or without Colt McCoy in the game, I think Iowa can keep this one close.
9) Rutgers vs. Kansas State (Texas Bowl, Dec. 28)
Rutgers and Kansas State both exceeded expectations this year. This bowl will be a good measuring stick between the conferences this year. Is a top-tier Big East team better than a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team? This game could help to solidify the new Big East as a legitimate conference, or it could do a lot to erode the respect the conference has managed to earn this year. My call is that Rutgers runs away with this one, but I still need to watch to be sure.
8) West Virginia vs. Georgia Tech
(Gator Bowl, Jan. 1)
West Virginia fans are not only celebrating their retention of head coach Rich Rodriguez because of the positive impact he has had, and can have, on their team, but they are also trumpeting his decision as a reflection that WVU has reached the big time. The Mountaineers can beat the other team from Georgia this year to complete a two-year sweep of the Peach State in bowl games. I think WVU gets it done, but I'm still not sold on it being any better than a middle-of-the-pack SEC team.
7) Georgia vs. Virginia Tech
(Peach Bowl, Dec. 30)
Georgia might not score a point. I'm not even joking. I would bet more money on a Virginia Tech shutout than I would on a Georgia win. Here's my prediction: UGA throws for under 100 yards and doesn't run for much more. They just might score, but they surely won't win.
6) Penn State vs. Tennessee (Outback Bowl, Jan. 1)
I'm incapable of picking this game without bias, so I won't even try. All four of Penn State's losses this year — Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin — were to teams that Tennessee could not have beaten either. That's enough room to give me hope that my boys can pull this one out. If the Penn State offense scores 20 points, then this one will be in the bag, but if the Nittany Lions score their typical one offensive TD, it will be all Tennessee.
5) Boise State vs. Oklahoma
(Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 1)
This game is this high for comedic value only. If people think for one second that Boise State will actually stick with Oklahoma for more than a quarter, then they are insane. Remember when preseason top 15 Boise State went down to Georgia two years ago and got steamrolled? This one is going to be more of the same.
4) Arkansas vs. Wisconsin (Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1)
I caught a little flak last week for putting Darren McFadden above Brady Quinn on my Heisman list. I won't smirk for too long about being right, but I will tell you to take the time to see McFadden play if you haven't already. We'll find out pretty quickly if Wisconsin is for real or not; I'm guessing not.
3) USC vs. Michigan
(Rose Bowl, Jan. 1)
Kiper has been saying that there will be more NFL talent on display in this game than in the title game. It's close, but I have to agree with him. The talent in the senior classes is similar, but USC and Michigan are both loaded with underclass talent. This could be a preview of next year's championship game.
2) Notre Dame vs. LSU (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 3)
I should put this game at No. 1 because it will be the most fun. It's that time of year again; an overrated Notre Dame team is going to extend its record for consecutive losses in bowl games by one. I hope it gets ugly.
1) Ohio State vs. Florida
(BCS National Championship, Jan. 8)
I think Ohio State will win. Florida hasn't looked really impressive all year, and I don't know if the Gators will be able to come out and put their best performance of the year on the field. That being said, a small part of me is going to be rooting for Florida. I'll be rooting for Florida because I get tired of the idea that a team has to be undefeated to be considered for the national championship. A Florida win, coupled with a Michigan win, will do a lot to help us move closer to a playoff.
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