Alabama managed to hold off LSU, Kenjon Barner torched the USC defense, Notre Dame escaped a scrappy effort by Pittsburgh and Kansas State withstood a barrage from the No. 1 offense in the nation, so with it, how have the BCS Bowl Projections changed as a result?
Let’s take a look!
Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Stanford –
The Cardiac Cornhuskers keep winning despite all evidence that would suggest the contrary is inevitable. Despite not having Rex Burkhead, Nebraska’s receiving corps and Taylor Martinez’s speed appear to be making up for Burkhead’s absence. The Blackshirt defense can be questionable at times, but the secondary’s downright vicious. Their turnover margin will dictate whether or not they’re back in Pasedena this year.
Oregon State’s a tempting pick for the Pac-12 representative, but the Beavers still have to face the Cardinal and a gaggle of Oregon Ducks that are cutting through opposing defenses like a buzz saw. Stanford’s two losses were both on the road, one to the same Washington Husky squad that upended Oregon State and undefeated Notre Dame in overtime.
As of today, look for a rematch of the 1941 Rose Bowl.
Orange Bowl: Louisville vs. Florida State –
Rutgers/Duke would’ve been fun, but the class of the Big East appears to be the Cardinals and only a typical ACC performance could cause Florida State to lose to both Maryland and Virginia Tech. Would you settle for Louisville/Duke?
Sugar Bowl: Clemson vs. Georgia –
Clemson has a home slate of Maryland, North Carolina State and a Marcus Lattimore-less South Carolina to end their regular season. The Tigers could lose two games or go undefeated, but with current contracts in place, if they can knock off the Terrapins and Wolfpack, their resume’s good enough to be considered for a BCS berth.
Georgia’s win over Florida was incredible, but after LSU’s best shot didn’t knock off the Crimson Tide, even the Silver Britches’ “home-field advantage” isn’t going to help them. This isn’t the sexiest matchup, but the ACC is the conference that keeps on giving. Let’s wait and see if Dabo’s boys don’t fall flat.
Fiesta Bowl: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame –
Also known as the “No, You Couldn’t Beat Alabama Bowl,” this is a game that has been brought up before and looks to be a treat on paper. Collin Klein won’t have to worry about Manti Te’o taking too many Heisman votes from him. A few teeth? That’s a different story.
Kansas State knocked off then-No. 6 Oklahoma in Norman and the Irish got a scare from Pittsburgh at home, but they both survived tough spots and that’s what elite teams do. It’s hard to think this wouldn’t be a ratings bonanza.
BCS Championship Game: Oregon vs. Alabama –
Kenjon Barner looks like he may not only overtake Collin Klein’s spot as the Heisman frontrunner, but run away with the award. He’s also on one of the few teams outside of the SEC with a large enough glut of talent to topple the Tide. Alabama’s determination to win their third BCS National Championship in four years seems almost unstoppable. Then again, so does the Oregon offense. Which one would break first?
It’s safe to say that’s something the college football world would watch.
Brandon Cavanaugh is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Feel free to follow him on Twitter and join in on the conversation.
