2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game Preview

Match-Up: #1 Notre Dame vs. #2 Alabama
Date/Time: January 7, 2013/7:30pm CT
Location: Miami Gardens, FL (Sun Life Stadium)
Bowl Life: 7 years (2006)
Line: Alabama by 10
National TV: ESPN (HD, 3D)
2012 BCS National Championship Game: Alabama 21, LSU 0




Breaking Down the Teams:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish-
2012 Record: 12-0 (Independent)
School Bowl Record: 15-16
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Champs Sports Bowl (Florida State 18, Notre Dame 14)
BCS National Championship Game Appearances: None

Alabama Crimson Tide-
2012 Record: 12-1 (7-1 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 34-22-3
Last Bowl Game: 2012 BCS National Championship Game (Alabama 21, LSU 0)
BCS National Championship Game Appearances: 2-0 (Last: 2012)

Game Notes: The Fighting Irish and Crimson Tide have two of the largest fan bases in all of American sports because they've combined to win 25 football National Championships in their storied histories.  This should be the most watched BCS National Championship Game since Texas defeated USC at the 2006 Rose Bowl.

Prediction: Alabama

2013 Go Daddy.com Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #25 Kent State vs. Arkansas State
Date/Time: January 6, 2013/8pm CT
Location: Mobile, AL (Ladd Peebles Stadium)
Bowl Life: 14 years (1999)
Line: Arkansas State by 4
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl: Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20
Breaking Down the Teams:
Kent State Golden Flashes-
2012 Record: 11-2 (8-0 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 0-1
Last Bowl Game: 1972 Tangerine Bowl (Tampa 21, Kent State 18)
GoDaddy.com Bowl Appearances: None

Arkansas State-
2012 Record: 9-3 (7-1 Sun Belt)
School Bowl Record: 4-5
Last Bowl Game: 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl (Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20)
GoDaddy.com Bowl Appearances: 0-1 (Last: 2012)

Game Notes: Even though an upset in the MAC Championship Game knocked the Golden Flashes out of contention for a BCS berth, they hope to win their first bowl game in school history.

Prediction: Kent State

2013 BBVA Compass Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Pittsburgh vs. Ole Miss
Date/Time: January 5, 2013/Noon CT
Location: Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)
Bowl Life: 7 years (2006)
Line: Ole Miss by 3
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 BBVA Compass Bowl: SMU 28, Pittsburgh 6


Breaking Down the Teams:
Pittsburgh Panthers-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-4 Big East)
School Bowl Record: 12-16
Last Bowl Game: 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl (SMU, 28, Pittsburgh 6)
BBVA Compass Bowl Appearances: 1-1 (Last: 2012)

Ole Miss Rebels-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-5 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 21-12
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Cotton Bowl (Mississippi 21, Oklahoma State 7)
BBVA Compass Bowl Appearances: None

Game Notes: The Panthers are the only team with multiple trips to this bowl game with a third consecutive appearance and are looking to become the first team with two victories at it.

Prediction: Ole Miss

2013 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Preview

Match-Up: #9 Texas A&M vs. #11 Oklahoma
Date/Time: January 4, 2013/7pm CT
Location: Arlington, TX (Cowboys Stadium)
Bowl Life: 77 years (1937)
Line: Texas A&M by 4
National TV: Fox (HD)
2012 Cotton Bowl: Arkansas 29, Kansas State 16





Breaking Down the Teams:
Texas A&M Aggies-
2012 Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 14-19
Last Bowl Game: Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas (Texas A&M 33, Northwestern 22)
Cotton Bowl Appearances: 4-8 (Last: 2010)

Oklahoma Sooners-
2012 Record: 10-2 (8-1 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 27-17-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Insight Bowl (Oklahoma 31, Iowa 14)
Cotton Bowl Appearances: 1-0 (Last: 2002)

Game Notes: The Aggies had a spectacular inaugural season in the SEC led by freshman sensation Johnny "Football" Manziel, who became the first Freshman to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.  After a shocking turn of events left the Sooners without a BCS berth, they look to finish their season with a six-game win streak and bowl victory over a former Big 12 rival at "Jerry's World".

Prediction: Texas A&M

2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #4 Oregon vs. #5 Kansas State
Date/Time: January 3, 2013/7:30pm CT
Location: Glendale, AZ (University of Phoenix Stadium)
Bowl Life: 42 years (1971)
Line: Oregon by 8
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State 41, Stanford 38



Breaking Down the Teams:
Oregon Ducks-
2012 Record: 11-1 (8-1 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 10-15
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Rose Bowl (Oregon 45, Wisconsin 38)
Fiesta Bowl Appearances: 1-0 (Last: 2002)

Kansas State Wildcats-
2012 Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 6-9
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Cotton Bowl (Arkansas 29, Kansas State 16)
Fiesta Bowl Appearances: 1-1 (Last: 2004)

Game Notes: These teams were positioned to face off in the BCS National Championship before their respective upset losses in November (#1 KSU upset by Baylor and #2 OU to #14 Stanford).  This BCS Bowl will showcase two high-powered offenses.

Prediction: Oregon

2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #21 Louisville vs. #3 Florida
Date/Time: January 2, 2013/7:30pm CT
Location: New Orleans, LA (Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Bowl Life: 79 years (1935)
Line: Florida by 13 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD, 3D)
2012 Sugar Bowl: Michigan 23, Virginia Tech 20



Breaking Down the Teams:
Louisville Cardinals-
2012 Record: 10-2 (5-2 Big East)
School Bowl Record: 7-8-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Belk Bowl (North Carolina State 31, Louisville 24)
Sugar Bowl Appearances: None

Florida Gators-
2012 Record: 11-1 (7-1 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 20-19
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Gator Bowl (Florida 24, Ohio State 17)
Sugar Bowl Appearances: 3-5 (Last: 2009)

Game Notes: Florida finished third in the final BCS Rankings and believed they were deserving to play for the National Championship this season. Finishing the season with an impressive BCS Bowl victory will be a confidence booster for the Gators and step towards a National Championship in 2013.

Prediction: Florida

2013 Discover Orange Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #15 Northern Illinois vs. #12 Florida State
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/7:30pm CT
Location: Miami Gardens, FL (Sun Life Stadium)
Bowl Life: 79 years (1935)
Line: Forida State by 13 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 Orange Bowl: West Virginia 70, Clemson 33




Breaking Down the Teams:
Northern Illinois Huskies-
2012 Record: 12-1 (8-0 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 5-7
Last Bowl Game: 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl (Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20)
Orange Bowl Appearances: None

Florida State Seminoles-
2012 Record: 11-2 (7-1 ACC)
School Bowl Record: 25-14-2
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Champs Sports Bowl (Florida State 18, Notre Dame 14)
Orange Bowl Appearances: 3-5 (Last: 2006)

Game Notes: Northern Illinois is the first MAC school to play in a BCS Bowl and sixth school from a non-AQ conference (Boise State, Hawaii, Notre Dame, Utah, TCU).

Prediction: Florida State

2013 Rose Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Wisconsin vs. #6 Stanford
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/4pm CT
Location: Pasadena, CA (Rose Bowl)
Bowl Life: 99 years (1902)
Line: Stanford by 6 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 Rose Bowl: Oregon 45, Wisconsin 38





Breaking Down the Teams:
Wisconsin Badgers-
2012 Record: 8-5 (4-4 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 11-12
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Rose Bowl (Oregon 45, Wisconsin 38)
Rose Bowl Game Appearances: 3-5 (Last: 2012)

Stanford Cardinal-
2012 Record: 11-2 (8-1 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 10-12-1
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Fiesta Bowl (Oklahoma State 41, Stanford 38)
Rose Bowl Game Appearances: 5-6-1 (Last: 2000)

Game Notes: Don't overlook the Badgers! Legendary coach Barry Alvarez returns to coach a team that won the Big Ten Championship and earned a BCS berth with five losses this season, plus is making a third consecutive appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Prediction: Stanford

2013 Outback Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #10 South Carolina vs. #18 Michigan
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/Noon CT
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Bowl Life: 27 years (1986)
Line: South Carolina by 5
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2012 Outback Bowl: Michigan State 33, Georgia 30

Breaking Down the Teams:
South Carolina Gamecocks-
2012 Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 6-12
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Capital One Bowl (South Carolina 30, Nebraska 13)
Outback Bowl Appearances: 2-1 (Last: 2009)

Michigan Wolverines-
2012 Record: 8-4 (6-2 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 20-21
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Sugar Bowl (Michigan 23, Virginia Tech 20)
Outback Bowl Appearances: 3-1 (Last: 2003)

Game Notes: This is the third all-time meeting between the Gamecocks and Wolverines with both schools winning a game.

Prediction: South Carolina

2013 Capital One Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #7 Georgia vs. #16 Nebraska
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/Noon CT
Location: Orlando, FL (Citrus Bowl)
Bowl Life: 67 years (1947)
Line: Georgia by 10
National TV: ABC (HD)
2012 Capital One Bowl: South Carolina 30, Nebraska 13




Breaking Down the Teams:
Georgia Bulldogs-
2012 Record: 11-2 (7-1 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 26-18-3
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Outback Bowl (Michigan State 33, Georgia 30)
Capital One Bowl Appearances: 3-1-1 (Last: 2009)

Nebraska Cornhuskers-
2012 Record: 10-3 (7-1 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 24-24
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Capital One Bowl (South Carolina 30, Nebraska 13)
Capital One Bowl Appearances: 0-2 (Last: 2012)

Game Notes: Both teams look to finish their season with a victory after a loss in the conference championship game.

Prediction: Georgia

2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Purdue vs. Oklahoma State
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/11am CT
Location: Dallas, TX (Cotton Bowl)
Bowl Life: 3 years (2011)
Line: Oklahoma State by 16
National TV: ESPNU (HD)
2012 Heart of Dallas Bowl: Houston 30, Penn State 14





Breaking Down the Teams:
Purdue Boilermakers-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-5 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 9-7
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Purdue 37, Western Michigan 32)
Heart of Dallas Bowl Appearances: None

Oklahoma State Cowboys-
2012 Record: 7-6 (5-4 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 14-8
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Fiesta Bowl (Oklahoma State 41, Stanford 38)
Heart of Dallas Bowl Appearances: None

Game Notes: Both teams are looking to win their third consecutive bowl game.

Prediction: Oklahoma State

2013 TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Mississippi State vs. #20 Northwestern
Date/Time: January 1, 2013/11am CT
Location: Jacksonville, FL (EverBank Field)
Bowl Life: 68 years (1946)
Line: Mississippi State by 2
National TV: ESPN2 (HD)
2012 Gator Bowl: Florida 24, Ohio State 17



Breaking Down the Teams:
Mississippi State Bulldogs-
2012 Record: 8-4 (4-4 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 10-6
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Music City Bowl (Mississippi State 23, Wake Forest 17)
Gator Bowl Appearances: 1-0 (Last: 2011)

Northwestern Wildcats-
2012 Record: 9-3 (5-3 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 1-9
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl (Texas Tech 45, Northwestern 38)
Gator Bowl Appearances: None

Game Notes: The Wildcats look to win their first bowl game since 1948 and avoid the longest bowl losing streak in NCAA history.

Prediction: Northwestern

2012 Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #8 LSU vs. #14 Clemson
Date/Time: December 31, 2012/6:30pm CT
Location: Atlanta, GA (Georgia Dome)
Bowl Life: 45 years (1968)
Line: LSU by 4
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn 43, Virginia 24



Breaking Down the Teams:
LSU Tigers-
2012 Record: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 23-20-1
Last Bowl Game: 2012 BCS National Championship Game (Alabama 21, LSU 0)
Chick-Fil-A Bowl Appearances: 5-0 (Last: 2008)

Clemson Tigers-
2012 Record: 10-2 ( ACC)
School Bowl Record: 16-18
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Orange Bowl (West Virginia 70, Clemson 33)
Chick-Fil-A Bowl Appearances: 2-5 (Last: 2007)

Game Notes: "Battle of the Tiger" and "Battle of Death Valley" will occur in Atlanta for the second time in history (1996 Peach Bowl).

Prediction: LSU

2012 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Iowa State vs. Tulsa
Date/Time: December 31, 2012
Location: Memphis, TN (Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium)
Bowl Life: 54 years (1959)
Line: Tulsa by 1
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati 31, Vanderbilt 24





Breaking Down the Teams:
Iowa State Cyclones-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 3-8
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Pinstripe Bowl (Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13)
Liberty Bowl Appearances: 0-1 (Last: 1972)

Tulsa Golden Hurricane-
2012 Record: 10-3 (7-1 C-USA)
School Bowl Record: 8-10
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Armed Forces Bowl (BYU 24, Tulsa 21)
Liberty Bowl Appearances: 1-0 (Tulsa 31, Fresno State 24)

Game Notes: The Golden Hurricane look to avenge the season-opener loss to the Cyclones after winning the conference championship.

Prediction: Tulsa

2012 Hyundai Sun Bowl Preview

Match-Up: USC vs. Georgia Tech
Date/Time: December 31, 2012/1pm CT
Location: El Paso, TX (Sun Bowl)
Bowl Life: 79 years (1934)
Line: USC by 10
National TV: CBS (HD)
2011 Sun Bowl: Utah 30, Georgia Tech 27



Breaking Down the Teams:
USC Trojans-
2012 Record: 7-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 31-16
Last Bowl Game: 2009 Emerald Bowl (USC 24, Boston College 13)
Sun Bowl Appearances: 0-2 (Last: 1998)

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-
2012 Record: 6-7 (5-3 ACC)
School Bowl Record:
Last Bowl Game: 22-18
Sun Bowl Appearances: 1-1 (Last: 2011)

Game Notes: This will be the third appearance in the Sun Bowl for both the Trojans and Yellow Jackets.

Prediction: USC

2012 Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl Preview

Match-Up: North Carolina State vs. Vanderbilt
Date/Time: December 31, 2012/11am CT
Location: Nashville, TN (LP Field)
Bowl Life: 15 years (1998)
Line: Vanderbilt by 6
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Music City Bowl: Mississippi State 23, Wake Forest 17)





Breaking Down the Teams:
North Carolina State Wolfpack-
2012 Record: 7-5 (4-4 ACC)
School Bowl Record: 14-11-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Belk Bowl (North Carolina State 31, Louisville 24)
Appearances at Music City Bowl: None

Vanderbilt Commodores-
2012 Record: 8-4 (5-3 SEC)
School Bowl Record: 2-2-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Liberty Bowl (Cincinnati 31, Vanderbilt 24)
Appearances at Music City Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2008)

Game Notes: Both the Wolfpack and Commodores are coming off losses in bowl games last season.

Prediction: North Carolina State

2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Preview

Match-Up: TCU vs. Michigan State
Date/Time: December 29, 2012/9:15pm CT
Location: Tempe, AZ (Sun Devil Stadium)
Bowl Life: 24 years (1989)
Line: TCU by 2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Insight Bowl: Oklahoma 31, Iowa 14

Breaking Down the Teams:
TCU Horned Frogs-
2012 Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 13-14-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Poinsettia Bowl (TCU 31, Louisiana Tech 24)
Appearances at Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: None

Michigan State Spartans-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-5 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 8-14
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Outback Bowl (Michigan State 33, Georgia 30)
Appearances at Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: None

Game Notes: Second meeting all-time between the Horned Frogs and Spartans (1953: Michigan State 26, TCU 19 in East Lansing).

Prediction: TCU

2012 Valero Alamo Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #23 Texas vs. #13 Oregon State
Date/Time: December 29, 2012/5:45pm CT
Location: San Antonio, TX (Alamodome)
Bowl Life: 20 years (1993)
Line: Oregon State by 3 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Alamo Bowl: Baylor 67, Washington 56



Breaking Down the Teams:
Texas Longhorns-
2012 Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 26-22-2
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Holiday Bowl (Texas 21, California 10)
Appearances at Alamo Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2006)

Oregon State Beavers-
2012 Record: 9-3 (6-3 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 11-5
Last Bowl Game: 2009 Las Vegas Bowl (BYU 44, Oregon State 20)
Appearances at Alamo Bowl: None

Game Notes: Both teams had BCS aspirations this season, but did not take care of business in key games and landed in the 20th edition of the Alamo Bowl.

Prediction: Oregon State

2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Navy vs. Arizona State
Date/Time: December 29, 2012/3pm CT
Location: San Francisco, CA (AT&T Park)
Bowl Life: 11 years (2002)
Line: Arizona by 14 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Illinois 20, UCLA 14


Breaking Down the Teams:
Navy Midshipmen-
2012 Record: 8-4 (Independent)
School Bowl Record: 7-9-1
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Poinsettia Bowl (San Diego State 35, Navy 14)
Appearances at Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2004)

Arizona State Sun Devils-
2012 Record: 7-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 12-12-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Las Vegas Bowl (Boise State 56, Arizona State 24)
Appearances at Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: None

Game Notes: Both the Midshipmen and Sun Devils are looking for their first bowl victory in multiple seasons.

Prediction: Arizona State

2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl Preview

Match-Up: West Virginia vs. Syracuse
Date/Time: December 29, 2012/2:15pm CT
Location: Bronx, NY (Yankee Stadium)
Bowl Life: 3 years (2010)
Line: Pick
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13
Breaking Down the Teams:
West Virginia Mountaineers-
2012 Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 14-17
Last Bowl Game: 2012 Orange Bowl (West Virginia 70, Clemson 33)
Appearances at Pinstripe Bowl: None

Syracuse Orange-
2012 Record: 7-5 (5-2 Big East)
School Bowl Record: 13-9-1
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Pinstripe Bowl (Syracuse 36, Kansas 34)
Appearances at Pinstripe Bowl: 1-0 (2010)

Game Notes: This meeting renews the Syrcause-West Virginia rivalry for the 58th consecutive season, even though the Mountaineers left the Big East for the Big 12 this summer.

Prediction: West Virginia

2012 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Rice vs. Air Force
Date/Time: December 29, 2012/10:45am CT
Location: Fort Worth, TX (Amon G. Carter Stadium)
Bowl Life: 10 years (2003)
Line: Pick
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Armed Forces Bowl: BYU 24, Tulsa 21




Breaking Down the Teams:
Rice Owls-
2012 Record: 6-6 (4-4 C-USA)
School Bowl Record: 6-3
Last Bowl Game: 2008 Texas Bowl (Rice 38, Western Michigan 14)
Appearances at Armed Forces Bowl: None

Air Force Falcons-
2012 Record: 6-6 (5-3 MWC)
School Bowl Record: 10-11-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Military Bowl (Toledo 42, Air Force 41)
Appearances at Armed Forces Bowl: 1-2 (Last: 2009)

Game Notes: Both teams hope to finish the season with a winning record and bowl victory...What an awesome logo for the bowl game.

Prediction: Rice

2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas Preview

Match-Up: Minnesota vs. Texas Tech
Date/Time: December 28, 2012/8pm CT
Location: Houston, TX (Reliant Stadium)
Bowl Life: 7 years (2006)
Line: Texas Tech by 13 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas A&M 33, Northwestern 22

Breaking Down the Teams:
Minnesota Golden Gophers-
2012 Record: 6-6 (2-6 Big Ten)
School Bowl Record: 5-9
Last Bowl Game: 2009 Insight Bowl (Iowa State 14, Minnesota 13)
Appearances at Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: None

Texas Tech Red Raiders-
2012 Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)
School Bowl Record: 12-21-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 TicketCity Bowl (Texas Tech 41, Northwestern 31)
Appearances at Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: None

Game Notes: In a rematch of the 2006 Insight Bowl, the Red Raiders will be playing without head coach Tommy Tuberville, who became Cincinnati's head coach on December 8th.

Prediction: Texas Tech

2012 Russell Athletic Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech
Date/Time: December 28, 2012/4:30pm CT
Location: Orlando, FL (Citrus Bowl)
Bowl Life: 23 years (1990)
Line: Virginia Tech by 2 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State 18, Notre Dame 14





Breaking Down the Teams:
Rutgers Scarlet Knights-
2012 Record: 9-3 (5-2 Big East)
School Bowl Record: 5-2
Last Bowl Game: 2011 New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13)
Appearances at Russell Athletic Bowl: None

Virginia Tech Hokies-
2012 Record: 6-6 (4-4 ACC)
School Bowl Record: 9-16
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Sugar Bowl (Michigan 23, Virginia Tech 20)
Appearances at Russell Athletic Bowl: None

Game Notes: The Scarlet Knights look to extend the nation's longest bowl win streak (5 games).

Prediction: Rutgers

2012 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Ohio vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Date/Time: December 28, 2012/1pm CT
Location: Shreveport, LA
Bowl Life: 37 years (1976)
Line: Louisiana-Monroe by 6
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Independence Bowl: Missouri 41, North Carolina 24
Breaking Down the Teams:
Ohio Bobcats-
2012 Record: 8-4 (4-4 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 1-5
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Ohio 24, Utah State 23)
Appearances at Independence Bowl: None

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks-
2012 Record: 8-4 (6-2 Sun Belt)
School Bowl Record: 0-0
Last Bowl Game: None
Appearances at Independence Bowl: None

Game Notes: For the second consecutive season, a school from Louisiana will play its first bowl game in-state (2011: Louisiana-Lafayette in New Orleans Bowl).

Prediction: Louisiana-Monroe

2012 Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Baylor vs. #17 UCLA

Date/Time: December 27, 2012/8:45pm CT

Location: San Diego, CA (Qualcomm Stadium)

Bowl Life: 35 years (1978)

Line: UCLA by 1

National TV: ESPN (HD, 3D)

2011 Holiday Bowl: Texas 21, California 10

Breaking Down the Teams:

Baylor Bears-

2012 Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)

School Bowl Record: 10-8

Last Bowl Game: 2011 Alamo Bowl (Baylor 67, Washington 56)

Appearances at Holiday Bowl: None

UCLA Bruins-

2012 Record: 9-4 (6-3 Pac-12)

School Bowl Record: 15-16-1

Last Bowl Game: 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Illinois 20, UCLA 14)

Appearances at Holiday Bowl: None

Game Notes: Baylor and UCLA overcame offseason uncertainties and a lot went right for both teams this season. "The Battle of the Bear" will be one to remember.

Prediction: UCLA

2012 Belk Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Cincinnati vs. Duke
Date/Time: December 27, 2012/5:30pm CT
Location: Charlotte, NC (Bank of America Stadium)
Bowl Life: 11 years (2002)
Line: Cincinnati by 11
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Belk Bowl: North Carolina State 31, Louisville 24




Breaking Down the Teams:
Cincinnati Bearcats-
2012 Record: 9-3 (5-2 Big East)
School Bowl Record: 7-6
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Liberty Bowl (Cincinnati 31, Vanderbilt 24)
Appearances at Belk Bowl: None

Duke Blue Devils-
2012 Record: 6-6 (3-5 ACC)
School Bowl Record: 3-5
Last Bowl Game: 1995 Hall of Fame Bowl (Wisconsin 34, Duke 20)
Appearances at Belk Bowl: None

Game Notes: The Blue Devils look to finish this "comeback" season with a bowl victory and winning record.

Prediction: Duke

2012 Military Bowl Preview

Match-Up: #24 San Jose State vs. Bowling Green
Date/Time: December 27, 2012/2pm CT
Location: Washington D.C. (RFK Stadium)
Bowl Life: 5 Years (2008)
Line: San Jose State by 7 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Military Bowl: Toledo 42, Air Force 41





Breaking Down the Teams:
San Jose State Spartans-
2012 Record: 10-2 (5-1 WAC)
School Bowl Record: 5-3
Last Bowl Game: 2006 New Mexico Bowl (San Jose State 20, New Mexico 12)
Appearances at the Military Bowl: None

Bowling Green Falcons-
2012 Record: 8-4 (6-2 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 4-5
Last Bowl Game: 2009 Humanitarian Bowl (Idaho 43, Bowling Green 42)
Appearances at the Military Bowl: None

Game Notes: Both teams are coming off bowl droughts and will appear in first Military Bowl.

Prediction: San Jose State

2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
Date/Time: December 26, 2012/6:30pm CT
Location: Detroit, MI (Ford Field)
Bowl Life: 16 years (1997)
Line: Western Kentucky by 5
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Purdue 37, Western Michigan 32





Breaking Down the Teams:
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers-
2012 Record: 7-5 (4-4 Sun Belt)
School Bowl Record: 2-0
Last Bowl Game: 1963 Tangerine Bowl (Western Kentucky 27, U.S. Coast Guard Academy 0)
Appearances at the Little Caesars Bowl: None

Central Michigan-
2012 Record: 6-6 (4-4 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 2-4
Last Bowl Game: 2009 GMAC Bowl (Central Michigan 44, Troy 41)
Appearances at the Little Caesars Bowl: 1-2 (Last: 2008)

Game Notes: Western Kentucky's first bowl game in 50 years; Central Michigan's 4th appearance in Motor City/Little Caesars Bowl since 2006.

Prediction: Central Michigan

2012 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Fresno State vs. Southern Methodist
Date/Time: December 24, 2012/7pm CT
Location: Honolulu, HI (Aloha Stadium)
Bowl Life: 11 years (2002)
Line: Fresno State by 11 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Hawai'i Bowl: Southern Miss 24, Nevada 17



Breaking Down the Teams:
Fresno State Bulldogs-
2012 Record: 9-3 (7-1 MWC)
School Bowl Record: 12-11
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Humanitarian Bowl (Fresno State 40, Georgia Tech 28)
Appearances at the Hawai'i Bowl: None

Southern Methodist Mustangs-
2012 Record: 6-6 (5-3 C-USA)
School Bowl Record: 6-7-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl (SMU 28, Pittsburgh 6)
Appearances at the Hawai'i Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2009)

Game Notes: 4th consecutive bowl appearance for the Mustangs after a 25 year bowl drought.

Prediction: Fresno State

2012 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas Preview

Match-Up: Washington vs. #19 Boise State
Date/Time: December 22, 2012/2:30pm CT
Location: Las Vegas, NV (Sam Boyd Stadium)
Bowl Life: 21 years (1992)
Line: Boise State by 7 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas: Boise State 56, Arizona State 24

Breaking Down the Teams:
Washington Huskies-
2012 Record: 7-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
School Bowl Record: 16-15-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Alamo Bowl (Baylor 67, Washington 56)
Appearances in the Maaco Bowl: None

Boise State Broncos-
2012 Record: 10-2 (7-1 MWC)
School Bowl Record: 8-4
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Maaco Bowl (Boise State 56, Arizona State 24)
Appearances in the Maaco Bowl: 2-0 (Last: 2011)

Game Notes: The Broncos are going for a three-peat at the Maaco Bowl in third consecutive appearance.

Prediction: Boise State

2012 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Preview

Match-Up: East Carolina vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Date/Time: December 22, 2012/11am CT
Location: New Orleans, LA (Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Bowl Life: 12 years (2001)
Line: Louisiana-Lafayette by 4 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana-Lafayette 32, San Diego State 30

Breaking Down the Teams:
East Carolina Pirates-
2012 Record: 8-4 (7-1 C-USA)
School Bowl Record: 8-9
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Military Bowl (Maryland 51, East Carolina 20)
Appearances in the New Orleans Bowl: None

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns-
2012 Record: 8-4 (6-2 Sun Belt)
School Bowl Record: 1-0
Last Bowl Game: 2011 New Orleans Bowl (Louisiana-Lafayette 32, San Diego State 30)
Appearances in the New Orleans Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2011)

Game Notes: First time in Louisiana-Lafayette school history with back-to-back bowl appearances

Prediction: East Carolina

2012 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Preview

Match-Up: Central Florida vs. Ball State
Date/Time: December 21, 2012/6:30pm CT
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Tropicana Field)
Bowl Life: 5 years (2008)
Line: Central Florida by 7
National TV: ESPN (HD)
2011 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Marshall 20, Florida International 10

Breaking Down the Teams:
Central Florida Knights-
2012 Record: 9-4 (7-1 C-USA)
School Bowl Record: 1-3
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Liberty Bowl (Central Florida 10, Georgia 6)
Appearances at the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: 0-1 (Last: 2009)

Ball State Cardinals-
2012 Record: 9-3 (6-2 MAC)
School Bowl Record: 0-5
Last Bowl Game: 2009 GMAC Bowl (Tulsa 45, Ball State 13)
Appearances at the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: None

Game Notes: Central Florida becomes first school to return to the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl

Prediction: Central Florida

2012 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Preview

Match-up: Brigham Young vs San Diego State
Date/Time: December 20, 2012/7pm CT
Location: San Diego, CA (Qualcomm Stadium)
Bowl Life: 8 years (2005)
Line: BYU by 2 1/2
National TV: ESPN (HD/3D)
2011 Poinsettia Bowl: TCU 31, Louisiana Tech 24

Breaking Down the Teams:
Brigham Young Cougars-
2012 Record: 7-5 (Independent)
School Bowl Record: 12-17-1
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Armed Forces Bowl (BYU 24, Tulsa 21)
Appearances at the Poinsettia Bowl: None

San Diego State Aztecs-
2012 Record: 9-3 (7-1 MWC)
School Bowl Record: 2-5
Last Bowl Game: 2011 New Orleans Bowl (Louisiana-Lafayette 32, San Diego State 30)
Appearances at the Poinsettia Bowl: 1-0 (Last: 2010)

Game Notes: San Diego State is hosting bowl game for second time in program history.

Prediction: San Diego State

2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Match-up: Toledo vs. #22 Utah State

Date/Time: December 15, 2012/3:30pm CT

Location: Boise, ID (Bronco Stadium)

Bowl Life: 16 years (1997)

Line: Utah State by 8 1/2

National TV: ESPN (HD)

2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio 24, Utah State 23

Breaking Down the Teams:

Toledo Rockets-

2012 Record: 9-3 (6-2 MAC)

School Bowl Record: 8-4

Last Bowl Game: 2011 Military Bowl (Toledo 42, Air Force 41)

Appearances at the 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: None

Utah State Aggies-

2012 Record: 10-2 (6-0 WAC)

School Bowl Record: 1-6

Last Bowl Game: 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Ohio 24, Utah State 23)

Appearances at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: 0-2 (Last 2011)

Game Notes: Utah State is chasing first 11 win season in program history and first victory at this bowl.

Prediction: Utah State

2012 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Preview

Match-up: Nevada vs. Arizona

Date/Time: December 15, 2012/Noon CT

Location: Albuquerque, NM (University Stadium)

Bowl Life: 7 years (2006)

Line: Arizona by 8

National TV: ESPN (HD, 3D)

2011 New Mexico Bowl: Temple 37, Wyoming 15

Breaking Down the Teams:

Nevada Wolf Pack-

2012 Record: 7-4 (4-3 MWC)

School Bowl Record: 4-8
Last Bowl Game: 2011 Hawaii Bowl (Southern Miss 24, Nevada 17)

Appearances at the New Mexico Bowl: 0-1 (Last: 2007)

Arizona Wildcats-

2012 Record: 7-5 (4-5 Pac-12)

School Bowl Record: 6-9-1
Last Bowl Game: 2010 Alamo Bowl (Oklahoma State 36, Arizona 10)

Appearances at the New Mexico Bowl: None

Game Notes: Arizona becomes first Pac-12 school to play in New Mexico Bowl.

Prediction: Arizona

Texas Football Program: Not Up To Par

It's been a tough rebuilding
period at the University of Texas.

The University of Texas has the reputation of being one of the nation's top collegiate athletic programs with many top recruited athletes.  In 2002, Sports Illustrated named Texas number one among "America's Best Sports Colleges", but this is not the same program we have come to know in the past decade.  (Texas Football averaged eleven victories per season and won the 2006 BCS National Championship, two Big 12 conference championships in 2005 and 2009, and three of their four BCS bowl appearances from 2001 to 2009.)  The football program is experiencing one of their worst periods in its storied history and has a 21-16 record since the 2010 BCS National Championship loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.  That game was the end of a memorable decade of Texas Longhorn football and the beginning of an unexpected rebuilding period.

The Texas Longhorns always have high expectations entering a season because they have been a successful team in the past and are second among NCAA football programs in victories.  Beginning with the 2010 season, Texas entered an unexpected rebuilding period.  Five-star recruit Garrett Gilbert was expected to be the next great Longhorn quarterback, following in the footsteps of Vince Young and Colt McCoy.  He was recognized as the top prospect in the 2009 senior class and had an impressive performance as a true freshman against #1 Alabama in the 2010 BCS National Championship, replacing the injured McCoy.  Unfortunately, he did not pan out and the team suffered its worst season in fourteen years, finishing with a 5-7 record with no bowl eligibility.

The Texas Longhorns needed a starting quarterback when the 2011 season began.  Three quarterbacks were fighting for the starting job, including Sophomore Case McCoy, Freshman David Ash and the 2010 starter Garrett Gilbert.  Each player started a game during the season, but none of the candidates established themselves as leaders for the team.  The team struggled on the gridiron throughout the season and finished the inconsistent 8-5 season with a victory over Cal in the Holiday Bowl.

David Ash's impressive performance in the bowl game separated himself from McCoy and Gilbert in the quarterback battle and was expected to be named the starter in 2012.  The team began the season like 2011 with four consecutive victories, but struggled against conference foes and ranked opponents.  They were inconsistent throughout the season and tonight's 42-24 road loss to #6 Kansas State is a good example.  McCoy started the game in place of the injured Ash and had an impressive first half performance.  He overcame an early interception and finished the half completing 17 of 18 with a touchdown.  His Horns outscored the Wildcats by ten in the second quarter and led 10-7 at halftime, but they could not finish the job.  The teams traded touchdowns and the Longhorns led 17-14 with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter, but Kansas State's twenty-eight unanswered points in the second half trumped Texas.  The Wildcats won their fifth consecutive game against the Longhorns and won their first Big 12 Championship since 2003.  The Longhorns, on the other hand, finished third in the conference after losing their final two regular season games against TCU and Kansas State.

The Longhorns' bowl game will be announced Sunday night, but their main attention and concern should be on their future and resolving their many unnecessary issues, including a quarterback dilemma, coaching uncertainties and an unproductive defense.  This pathetic play cannot continue for the great football program at the University of Texas.

2012-2013 BCS Bowl Projections/Scenarios

BCS National Championship Game

                1. #1 Notre Dame

                2. SEC Champion (#2 Alabama/#3 Georgia)

Rose Bowl

                1. Big Ten Champion (#12 Nebraska/Wisconsin)

                2. Pac-12 Champion (#8 Stanford/#16 UCLA)

Fiesta Bowl

                1. Big 12 Champion (#6 Kansas State/#11 Oklahoma)      

                2. BCS at-large

Orange Bowl

                1. ACC Champion (#13 Florida State/North Carolina)

                2. BCS at-large

Sugar Bowl

                1. BCS at-large

                2. BCS at-large

BCS AQ bids:

ACC Champion (#13 Florida State/North Carolina)

Big 12 Champion (#6 Kansas State/#11 Oklahoma)

Big East Champion (Rutgers/Louisville)

Big Ten Champion (#12 Nebraska/Wisconsin)

Pac-12 Champion (#8 Stanford/#16 UCLA)

SEC Champion (#2 Alabama/#3 Georgia)

Scenarios for BCS at-large bids:

#4 Florida: Needs to finish ahead of SEC Championship Game loser in final BCS Rankings

#5 Oregon: Needs Stanford victory in Pac-12 Championship Game

#11 Oklahoma: Beat TCU and/or Kansas State loss

#14 Clemson: Needs to finish 14th in final BCS Rankings and a Florida State victory in ACC Championship Game

#15 Oregon State: Needs to finish 14th in final BCS Rankings and Week 14 victory

Mid-American Champion (#17 Kent State/#21 Northern Illinois): Needs to finish 16th and ahead of Big East Champion in final BCS Rankings

Key Week 14 Games (All Times Central):

Louisville at Rutgers (Thursday 6:30pm)

Mid-American Championship Game (Friday 6pm)

Pac-12 Championship Game (Friday 7pm)

Oklahoma at TCU (Saturday 11am)

Nicholls State at Oregon State (Saturday 1:30pm)

SEC Championship Game (Saturday 3pm)

Texas at Kansas State (Saturday 7pm)

ACC Championship Game (Saturday 7pm)

Big Ten Championship Game (Saturday 7:17pm)

Longhorns Throw Away BCS, Big 12 Title Aspirations

The Texas Longhorns are pathetic this season and are once again underperforming.  The 8-3 Longhorns discontinued their annual Thanksgiving rivalry with Texas A&M when the Aggies left the Big 12 for the SEC this summer and replaced the Lone Star Showdown with an in-state matchup with TCU.  Texas entered the game with four consecutive victories after two tough weeks in October against West Virginia and Oklahoma.  Things were flying high in Austin and the team's winning ways put the team in position to receive a BCS berth or win the Big 12 Championship.  That was before everything was thrown out the window with Thursday's devastating loss to the Horned Frogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.  The Longhorns were shutdown by the nationally-ranked TCU defense and upset 20-13 in the first Big 12 matchup between the former Southwest Conference foes.  The Longhorns were tied down by four turnovers, including three by Quarterback David Ash in the first half (a fumble and two interceptions).  The team faces a tough task in Manhattan in the regular season finale against Kansas State and, like the Dallas Cowboys, the culture around Texas Longhorn football needs to change.

Big 12             Conf. Record Overall Record  Yesterday's result, Remaining Schedule
*Kansas State        7-1                10-1            Bye Week, vs Texas

*Oklahoma            7-1                 9-2             vs OSU (W), at TCU

Eliminated:

*Texas                   5-3                 8-3             vs TCU (L), at KSU

*Oklahoma State   5-3                 7-4              at OU (L), at BU

*TCU                    4-4                 7-4              at UT (W), vs OU

*Texas Tech          4-5                 7-5              vs BU (L), Bye Week

*West Virginia       3-5                 6-5              at ISU (W), vs KU

*Baylor                  3-5                 6-5             vs TTU (W), vs OSU

*Iowa State           3-6                  6-6             vs WVU (L), Bye Week

Kansas                  0-8                  1-10           Bye Week, at WVU

*-Bowl Eligible

Championship Scenarios:
Kansas State
1. Beat Texas

Oklahoma
1. Beat TCU

2. Kansas State loses to Texas

The New Football Thanksgiving in Texas

Texans expect to watch the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies every Thanksgiving. Unfortunately one of these traditions will not be played this year or in the near future...the Lone Star Showdown.  Texas A&M's move from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference ended the third longest rivalry in the FBS and one of the greatest American sports rivalries.

What does this rivalry mean to Texans?

There's nothing more important to Texans than football and food and when they're put together on Thanksgiving, it's their favorite day of the year.  Texans eat their Thanksgiving meal throughout the day, enjoying some Dallas Cowboy football and the Lone Star Showdown.  The state's inhabitants are born and bred to be Longhorns and Aggies and this football game is on the minds of Texans every Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, this rivalry has been suspended for the near future and Texans, Longhorns and Aggies are adjusting to the change. This Thanksgiving will not feature the annual Texas-Texas A&M rivalry but both schools are in action.  The Longhorns renew a Southwest Conference rivalry with TCU on Thanksgiving and the Aggies continue their acquaintance with Missouri on Saturday.  The schools will not meet on the gridiron until 2019 (at the earliest), but no other traditions were changed at the two schools.  Both schools reference the other in their fight song but there was no change to the lyrics.  The University of Texas continued its annual Hex Rally to "hex" its Thanksgiving Day opponent and Texas A&M continued its weekly Midnight Yell Practice prior to each game of the season.

This in-state rivalry is very important to the State of Texas and a part of the state's history with 118 football duels, 222 men's basketball meetings and 365 baseball games between the schools.  It's also one of the best rivalries in college athletics and hopefully will be restored soon.

Big 12 Football Exciting During Week 12

Week 12 featured some exciting Big 12 contests on Saturday, including Baylor's upset of #1 Kansas State and a high-scoring contest between Oklahoma and West Virginia.  The teams and their fans were scoreboard watching because the Big 12 Championship was still up for grabs, along with an undefeated season and berths in the BCS National Championship and other postseason bowls.  Baylor's upset of #1 Kansas State was Saturday's headliner because the unranked Bears manhandled the Wildcats 52-24 in Waco.  Kansas State's national title aspirations were squashed with the loss and their control dissolved within the conference.

In other action, the Sooners and Mountaineers were involved in a crazy shootout in Morgantown.  It was their first meeting since the 2008 Fiesta Bowl and yesterday's match up came down to the wire.  Oklahoma led 31-17 at halftime, but Quarterback Geno Smith and Wide Receiver Tavon Austin led West Virginia's charge in the second half, scoring on 5 of 7 possessions.  The teams combined for 99 points and 1440 yards, but Oklahoma prevailed 50-49 with a touchdown from Landry Jones to Kenny Stills in the final minute.

Other Big 12 Notes: Seven Big 12 teams are currently bowl eligible with two weeks remaining in the regular season...Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were the victors this week in the Big 12...Texas and TCU were off this week but face each other this Thursday in Austin...Critical match ups the next two weeks will determine the Big 12 Champion with Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas still in contention.

Still in Race      Record   Yesterday's result, Remaining Schedule
Kansas State      7-1        at BU(L), vs Texas

Oklahoma          6-1        at WVU(W), vs OSU, at TCU

Texas                   5-2        Bye Week, vs TCU, at KSU

Eliminated:
Oklahoma State 5-2       vs TTU (W), at OU, at BU

Texas Tech           4-4       at OSU (L), vs BU (Arlington)

TCU                      3-4        Bye Week, at UT, vs OU

Iowa State           3-5        at KU (W), vs WVU

West Virginia      2-5        vs OU (L), at ISU, vs KU

Baylor                  2-5        vs KSU (W), vs TTU (Arlington), vs OSU

Kansas                 0-8        vs ISU (L), at WVU

Championship Scenarios:
Kansas State

1. Beat Texas

Oklahoma
1. Beat Oklahoma State and TCU

2. Kansas State loses to Texas

Texas

1. Beat Kansas State

2. Oklahoma loses final 2 games against Oklahoma State and TCU

BCS Shaken Up After Upsets of #1 and #2

College Football always finds a way to amaze me!  Upsets and record-breaking performances were on tap for Week 12, especially in the Big 12 and Pac-12 today.  The day began with Los Angeles' exciting in-city rivalry between #17 UCLA and #18 USC.  The Bruins entered the game ranked ahead of the Trojans for the first time since 2001 and they stormed to an early 24-0 lead.  UCLA looked great midway through the second quarter, but last season's 50-0 loss to USC remained on the players' minds.  USC's Matt Barkley threw two touchdown passes before halftime and led his Trojans to within four early in the third.  USC was surging, but Barkley left the game in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury.  The UCLA defense ultimately decided the game, as 14 points were scored off three Trojan turnovers in the game.  The 38-28 victory was significant for the Bruins because they knocked off the Trojans for the first time since 2006 and clinched their second consecutive Pac-12 South title.

Many expected the #2 Oregon Ducks to win their fourth consecutive Pac-12 Conference Championship because opponents had struggled with their high-powered offense all season.  That was before they faced #13 Stanford, who upset them in overtime tonight.  Marcus Mariota and the Duck offense were held forty points under their season average and were scoreless in their final five possessions, including a missed field goal in overtime.  The nagging Cardinal prevailed in the waning moments of regulation and overtime.  Stanford overcame a 14-7 fourth quarter deficit and knocked off #2 Oregon with a 37 yard field goal by Jordan Williamson in overtime.

The Big 12 Conference entered the day with the nation's best team and a tight race for the conference championship.  #1 Kansas State had a lot on the line entering this Saturday, including its first Big 12 Championship, an appearance in the BCS National Championship and a perfect season, but Heisman hopeful Collin Klein and the Wildcats struggled against Baylor's high-powered offense.  The Bears stormed to an impressive 28-7 lead in the second quarter and never looked back.  Baylor became the first sub-.500 team to beat a BCS #1 team with its 52-24 victory over Kansas State at Floyd Casey Stadium tonight.

The #12 Oklahoma Sooners also faced a tough road test in Morgantown with their season goals on the line.  Oklahoma would not play for the National Championship this season, but a BCS berth and Big 12 Championship remained in sight.  The Sooners took the early lead and were up 31-17 at halftime.  The second half began with the Mountaineers down, but not out.  Quarterback Geno Smith and Wide Receiver Tavon Austin led West Virginia's charge in the second half, scoring on 5/7 possessions.  Smith and Austin combined for 664 yards and 6 touchdowns in the game, but the Mountaineer defense couldn't hold.  Senior Quarterback Landry Jones led the Sooners on a game-winning drive, converting a pivotal 4th and 3 with a touchdown pass to Kenny Stills.  The Sooners prevailed 50-49 and the Mountaineers lost their fifth consecutive game.

The BCS is now in shambles after today's results and conference championships are tightening with two weeks remaining in the regular season.  #3 Notre Dame and #4 Alabama are expected to become the nation's top two teams when the next BCS poll is released Sunday evening, but as we saw today, "Every Week Matters!"

Kansas State Can Not Cruise to Big 12 Crown

The Big 12 Conference is stronger than ever and there's no surprise that the conference championship is coming down to the final weeks of the season. There is no easy week in the conference anymore and the competition level has improved with the additions of TCU and West Virginia. The conference currently holds five spots in this week's BCS rankings, and three of these teams remain in contention for the conference title (#1 Kansas State, #12 Oklahoma and #15 Texas).

Of course, Kansas State controls its own destiny with two games remaining on their conference schedule, but an upset or two may be on the horizon for them. The Wildcats avoided a potential upset in Fort Worth on Saturday and eliminated the Horned Frogs and Cowboys from contention, but they cannot overlook their final two opponents. Texas looks to be finding its stride with four straight victories and Baylor has an explosive offense. A lot is on the line for the Wildcats with two games remaining in their season. The Wildcats are chasing their first National Championship in program history and first Big 12 championship since 2003, but they cannot cruise to the crown with the Longhorns and Sooners in contention.

Still in Race   Record Yesterday's result, Remaining Schedule
Kansas State    7-0    at TCU (W), at BU, vs Texas

Oklahoma        5-1   vs BU (W), at WVU, vs OSU, at TCU

Texas                 5-2   vs ISU (W), vs TCU, at KSU

Eliminated:
Oklahoma State 4-2 vs WVU (W), vs TTU, at OU, at BU

Texas Tech        4-3  vs KU (W), at OSU, vs BU (Arlington)

TCU                    3-4 vs KSU (L), at UT, vs OU

West Virginia    2-4 at OSU (L), vs OU, at ISU, vs KU

Iowa State         2-5 at UT (L), at KU, vs WVU

Baylor                1-5 at OU (L), vs KSU, vs TTU (Arlington), vs OSU

Kansas                0-7 at TTU (L), vs ISU, at WVU

Championship Scenarios:
Kansas State

1. Beat Baylor and Texas

Oklahoma
1. Beat West Virginia, Oklahoma State and TCU

2. Kansas State loses to Baylor and Texas

Texas

1. Beat TCU and Kansas State

2. Kansas State loses final two games against Baylor and Texas

3. Oklahoma loses 2 of final 3 games  against West Virginia, Oklahoma State and TCU

Longhorns Still Alive in Race For Big 12 Championship

Still in Race         Record    Yesterday's result, Remaining Schedule

Kansas State        6-0          vs OSU(W), at TCU, at BU, vs Texas

Oklahoma            4-1          at ISU (W), vs BU, at WVU, vs OSU, at TCU

Texas                    4-2          at TTU (W), vs ISU, vs TCU, at KSU

Oklahoma State 3-2         at KSU(L), vs WVU, vs TTU, at OU, at BU

TCU                       3-3          at WVU(W), vs KSU, at UT, vs OU

Eliminated:

Texas Tech          3-3          vs UT (L), vs KU, at OSU, vs BU (Arlington)

West Virginia     2-3          vs TCU (L), at OSU, vs OU, at ISU, vs KU

Iowa State          2-4          vs OU(L), at UT, at KU, vs WVU

Baylor                  1-4          vs KU (W), at OU, vs KSU, vs TTU (Arlington), vs OSU

Kansas                 0-6          at BU (L), at TTU, vs ISU, at WVU

After upsetting instate rival Texas Tech in Lubbock yesterday, the Texas Longhorns are back in the saddle and kept their slim Big 12 Championship hopes alive.  For Texas to win the Big 12 Championship (Best-Case Scenario):

1. TCU beats both Oklahoma and Kansas State

2. Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma in Bedlam Series

3. Texas wins out: They beat Iowa State, TCU and Kansas State.