Bob's bowl forecast: Notre Dame in the Fiesta

Check out Bob's video preview of Minnesota here

Bob's bowl forecast

The BCS pairings come out in December. We can't wait that long. Each Thursday, News-Gazette college football writer Bob Asmussen will give us his guesses:

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP

Alabama vs. Texas

Don't be fooled by Florida's romp against Georgia. The Bulldogs aren't very good. So, we're going back to the Crimson Tide winning the SEC title game in a defensive battle against Florida. Texas did its usual road romp at Oklahoma State, earning all sorts of credit from the voters in the national polls. We were already impressed.

ROSE BOWL

Oregon vs. Iowa

Hate to say we told you so, but ... No way Oregon was going to lose at home to Southern Cal. Not with one of the nation's most talented teams. Not with the fans at Autzen Stadium getting worked up 10 hours before the game (did you see them on "College Gameday"?) The Hawkeyes looked pretty average against Indiana, but they got the win. It's going to be hard for them to avoid the Rose Bowl.

SUGAR BOWL

Florida vs. TCU

Last time an undefeated team from the Mountain West met an SEC power in New Orleans, it didn't go so well for the SEC. Maybe, once and for all, the Mountain West can earn itself the respect it deserves by whipping up on another SEC school. Seriously, it's a joke that the league doesn't get an automatic bid and the Big East does. No offense, Big East.

FIESTA BOWL

Notre Dame vs. Boise State

We were all set to put Penn State in this spot. But what happens if Ohio State beats the Nittany Lions this weekend, then loses at Michigan State in the season finale? Then, it's off to the Capital One Bowl for JoePa. Which leaves an open spot in the BCS for the Irish. But only if they win the rest of their games to get to 10-2. That means winning at Pitt and Stanford. Possible.

ORANGE BOWL

Cincinnati vs. Georgia Tech

Hundreds upon hundreds of fans will flock to Miami to see the Bearcats and Yellow Jackets. Just kidding. But don't be surprised if the stadium is less than full. Cincinnati wants to play for the national title, but might get held back by its league and its schedule. Georgia Tech made a wise decision when it hired Paul Johnson, who is building a power in Atlanta.

Comments

Add a Comment