Your Big Ten Bowl Matchups

After MSU beat Ohio State last night, we knew MSU was going to the Rose Bowl, and OSU was knocked out of the BCS National Championship.

//lines up 44 shot glasses

//all the bourbon

//rinse, repeat

With the final BCS standings released a little while ago, the bowl picture is now clear for everyone in the B1G.  Let's take a look at who's playing where, when, and who our opponents are.

Texas Bowl: Dec 27th, Minnesota (8-4) vs. Syracuse (6-6)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: This is a very winnable game for Goldy, as they beat Syracuse in year two of Jerry Kill.  Syracuse was .500 in a weak ACC, and lost to Northwestern and Penn State, teams Minnesota beat.

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: Dec 28th, Michigan (7-5) vs. Kansas State (7-5)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: If the Michigan that showed up against Notre Dame and Ohio State shows up against Kansas State, they'll run the Wildcats out of the stadium.  But on the flip side, if the Michigan that showed up for almost all their other games shows up, they'll get run.  I don't know that there's any gray area here.

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: January 1st, Nebraska (8-4) vs. Georgia (8-4)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: Two teams with disappointing seasons get one more chance to end the season on a high note, and they've had parallele seasons.  They've both lost big games at home, have been hammered with injuries, and their coaches are under fire almost every year. Can you spell Pellini with five L's?

Outback Bowl: Jan. 1st, Iowa (8-4) vs. LSU (9-3)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: The last time LSU and Iowa met was, I believe, the Ricky Stanzi Drew Tate miracle hail mary to win a bowl game.  LSU's QB Zach Mettlenberger tore his ACL and is out, and Iowa has a tough defense to begin with.  LSU isn't as good at defending the run as in years past, so this is a game Iowa can win.

Capital One Bowl: Jan 1st, Wisconsin (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: Had Wisconsin beat Penn State, I would've thought they could handle South Carolina...but you've put a lot of doubt in my head, Bucky. The running game is slam dunk awesome, but Joel Stave worries me.  If SC gets to Stave, he'll get rattled, probably turn the ball over, and it could be a long day.  But if Wisconsin can control the ball with their running game, they can win. It'sll be a good game.

Orange Bowl: January 3rd, Ohio State (12-1) vs. Clemson (10-2)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: After what Connor Cook did...and no disrespect to Connor Cook, but when you think of him, you don't think '300 yard passer'...I get kind of a sinking feeling that Tajh Boyd could throw for 500 yards.  Lord, dat OSU secondary, son.  However, Clemson always...ALWAYS...seems to do something in a big game to, well, Clemson it up.  We'll see.  I'm still in a fuck everything forever kind of mood, so I need a few days to get fired up for this game.  Look, I'm not one of those OHMYGODNATTYORBUST fans, but after last night's let down, I need a couple days to re-calibrate and realize that the Orange Bowl is still a big deal, and a great chance for OSU to make a statement.

Rose Bowl: Jan 1st, Michigan State (12-1) vs. Stanford (11-2)

Ted's kneejerk reaction: Hat tip, Sparty.  That's a hell of a defense.  I think they match up well against Stanford.  So do me this one thing, MSU:  Beat the piss out of them.  End the BCS era on a good note for the good guys.  I can't hate you; hell, I love Mark D and his style of football.  Mark D DGAF about Michigan, and was actually pretty funny in his post game interview.  Just win, baby.

My initial reaction is that these are pretty good matchups for the B1G.  Is 5-2 doable?  Yeah, but so is 2-5.  In the BCS bowls, I think Sparty rolls, to be honest, and OSU finds a way against Clemson.  3-2 is very doable in the five remaining bowls, so yeah, let's go 5-2.

I'm drinking the kool aid.