SEC Bowl Predictions
Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Nick Gentry (58) kisses the BCS National Championship Trophy after defeating the LSU Tigers at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE
Discover BCS National Championship Game: Alabama
The winner of the Crimson Tide and #3 Georgia Bulldogs will play in college football’s marquee event. Georgia kept it close for awhile last year against LSU and this team is undoubtedly better than last year’s UGA team. With that being said, you can never bet against three-time national champ Nick Saban. Due to the Crimson Tide’s experience, offensive line, and advantage in clutch quarterback play, I would be shocked if the Tide fell.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Florida
Georgia would fall past #4 Florida with a loss to Alabama, putting college football’s best resume into the title game. Florida has defeated four of the top thirteen teams in the country in #7 LSU, #9 Texas A&M, #10 South Carolina, and #13 Florida State with Texas A&M and FSU being road wins. If it weren’t for a late fumble against Georgia and a terrific defensive gameplan by the Dawgs, Will Muschamp’s team would be playing for a shot at it all in Atlanta this Saturday.
AT&T Cotton Bowl: LSU
If the Seminoles were able to topple the Gators last week, the Tigers would be New Orleans bound. With the one at-large bid per conference limit, Les Miles’ club will have to take a pay cut and head to Jerry World. The SEC always seems to be plagued by this rule, whether it is Alabama in 2010, Arkansas in 2011, and LSU this year. While many believe that the Tigers are a top 5 team, they will have to settle and hope for some better quarterback play next season.
Capitol One Bowl: Texas A&M
Despite Georgia always bringing a large crowd to Orlando, the Capitol One Bowl committee cannot pass up a chance to offer a spot to a team that defeated Alabama, has a loyal fan base, and has the possible Heisman winner. That is too good to pass up here and with Florida off the board early, expect the Aggies here.
Outback Bowl: South Carolina
Steve Spurrier returning to Florida? That will bring non-partisan fans out for the contest as he remains a much maligned and beloved coach in the state from his time in Gainesville. A Florida bowl always helps in recruiting and it will be a big get for the Gamecocks.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: Vanderbilt
The Gator Bowl will have their pick of Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. A win by the Bulldogs in the Egg Bowl likely would have slotted them here, but a blowout loss to a rival does not sit well with a committee. Ole Miss is on the rise and the fan base would be overjoyed with a trip to Jacksonville, but at 6-6, the appeal dampens as it was hard enough to explain an invite to 6-6 Florida State a few years ago. That leaves the upstart Commodores with a trip and that would be an intriguing get for the Gator Bowl as the Commodores are riding the wave of one of their best years in history.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Georgia
It’s a little crazy to think that it is likely BCS title game or CFA for the Dawgs, but that appears to be the case. While this would be a disappointment for the red and black, this is a dream scenario for Truett Cathy and the Georgia Dome. With many UGA grads hanging around the Atlanta area, there won’t be an empty seat from the fan base. Pitting them against a historical rival in Clemson could make this one of the better bowl games of the season.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Ole Miss
Rebel fans come up to Nashville in groves each time a road trip presents itself. Hearing the tales of bar tabs and lavish hotel bookings in the recent Cotton Bowl stints make the tourist aspect very appealing to the committee. The chairman also voiced the importance of the Egg Bowl victory in choosing between the two Mississippi schools. If Vanderbilt wins up here, there is very little shot they take the Rebels over the hometown team despite the lack of revenue for the city.
BBVA Compass Bowl: Mississippi State
Well, Dan Mullen has long said that he wants to play in January? Here’s his shot as the Bulldogs could be playing on January 5th against a Big East foe. This could very easily be the Rebels in this game, but the grumblings around the Music City appear to be favoring the Rebels. Maybe there will be some good Birmingham Barons apparel in the swag bags?