Chris Pumphrey5. AT&T Cotton Bowl – Oklahoma State vs. Missouri, January 3rd
(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)
This might possibly be the most intriguing non-BCS game of the entire bowl season. You have to remember that both of these teams were just one game away from a BCS appearance. Although it was difficult to tell from performance in the SEC title game, Missouri has a very strong defense that will cause a whole bunch of problems for the Cowboys. I think this game will ultimately come down to which player makers will come up big for their respected teams. Watch out for the Cowboys outstanding cornerback, Justin Gilbert, and Missouri’s Henry Josey for potential game changers.
4. Allstate Sugar Bowl – Oklahoma vs. Alabama, January 2nd
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Any game that Alabama plays in automatically becomes a must-see. But when it’s AJ McCarron’s last collegiate game, you better make sure you’re close to a television. The Sooners quietly played their way into their first BCS bowl since the 2011 Fiesta Bowl after upsetting their arch-rival Oklahoma State in Bedlam. The Tide head into this game with a bit of a chip on their shoulder after losing a heartbreaking Iron Bowl that would have sent them to their second straight SEC Championship Game. Just to add fuel to the fire, Oklahoma head coach, Bob Stoops, took a shot at SEC defenses a few months ago. I’m sure the Alabama defense will have something to say about that.
3. Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO – Stanford vs. Michigan State, January 1st
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
I think it’s fair to say this game could potentially be the most physical bowl game all season. Two of the country’s best defenses anchored by outstanding linebackers and defensive backs will battle it out for the “Grandaddy of Them All” in Pasadena. While the defenses will be on full display, keep an eye out on both the Cardinal and Spartans powerful running backs as they look to break down this talented defenses.
2. Discover Orange Bowl – Clemson vs. Ohio State, January 3rd
(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
I think it’s fair to say you can expect a lot of points coming from this game. Both Clemson and Ohio State feature some of the most efficient offenses in the country. The big headline heading into this game is which quarterback will be able to handle the pressure and deliver in the big game. But keep an eye on each team’s defense as both are stacked with talent from top to bottom, including, Bradley Robey and Ryan Shazier for the Buckeyes and Vic Beasley leading the way for the Tigers.
1. VIZIO BCS National Championship – Auburn vs. Florida State, January 6th
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
No list would be complete without this game. Two high-octane offenses headlined by some of the nation’s best talent. This game pits one of the best defenses in the country up against everyone’s de facto cinderella story of the season. The Auburn Tigers and Florida State Seminoles have put together two of the greatest seasons in recent memory and most certainly this deserve this shot to become national champions. You couldn’t ask for a better way to close out the BCS era.
Check out the rest of the bowl schedule here.
Which game are you most looking forward to?
Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images