2009 Bowl Projections - Post Week 12

Yes, the Big Ten season is over.  Sure, Wisconsin and Illinois have a game left.  Yes, Illinois has two more chances to let their inner Zook shine.  But, the conference schedule is over and so are the regular seasons of nine teams. As you'll see, not much changed for the Big Ten's slotting.

The Pac-10 had the biggest weekend.  Oregon's win all but assured that the Ducks will line up against Ohio State in Pasadena.  It should be a good matchup - one that the Buckeyes should win.

In the Big 12, there are two upcoming games of note for Big Ten fans.  Oklahoma can end their instate rival's dreams of a BCS at large berth win a win over the Cowboys next weekend.  Texas can do the same for the newly crowned Big 12 North "Champion" (if you prefer, "skinniest fat kid") in two weeks.

We'll have the full projections back next week.  Right now, let's just look at the BCS and Big Ten bowls.

Remember the rules.

1. These are projections.  I am taking into account what will happen in future games, not assigning teams based upon current standings.
2. The best teams don't always go to the best games.  In the end, butts in the seat and eyes to the television are the biggest factors.  
3. The order of BCS selection is 1) Replacement for #1 Team; 2) Replacement for #2 Team; 3) Orange Bowl; 4) Fiesta Bowl; 5) Sugar Bowl.
4. The Champs Bowl picks its Big Ten team ahead of the Alamo Bowl this year.
5. For the full rules on BCS selections, look here. 

			We're just marking time this week.  Assuming that Alabama and Florida get past their instate rivals next week, the Floribama Showdown will be set.
			Be assured, Georgia Tech is not getting an at large bid. Considering the (lack of) a crowd that Cincinnati brought last year, I think that TCU gets picked here.  It might be different if Pitt upsets the Bearcats.
			A 10-2 Big Ten team is going to a BCS Bowl.  With Oklahoma State not finishing 10-2, that means Fiesta.  I think that the Fiesta will take Boise over the Big East Champ.  There aren't any other viable options this year.
			No change here. Floribama the Lesser versus Big East the Greatest.
			I know that they beat USC, but I still feel better about this matchup than I would about a third game in 16 months for Ohio State against the Trojans.
			Well, that settled third place in the SEC, and the Capital One Bowl and Cotton Bowl seem set with their SEC representatives.
			7-5 Tennessee seems like a good fit.  This is another matchup that looks good for the Big Ten.
			I'm not changing this. Barring an upset in the ACC Title Game, I think that this is right.
			We've seen some great teams sent to the Alamo Bowl. We've seen some mediocre teams sent to the Alamo Bowl.  Sometimes, the best performances have come from those mediocre teams.
			The win on Saturday may have settled this on the Big 12 side.
			Unless Texas loses the Big 12 Championship Game and the Fiesta Bowl loses its mind, the Big Ten will not fill this.
			When these teams sit back On the Couch with the Queso Bowl (now sponsored by Ro*Tel), they'll think of the near misses they had.  I also recommend doing less daydreaming and cheese eating and lifting more weights. *But not too much time lifting weights for the Maize and Blue.