MrBCS.com

As we wind down the regular season, this weekend starts with a couple of key College Football rivalry games.

Ohio State at Michigan: Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez could definitely use this win to close on a high note and earn a bowl bid. Won’t happen as the Buckeyes overpower their interstate rivals who are a year away. Ohio State 28, Michigan 13

Connecticut at Notre Dame: The Huskies have been on the short end if too many losses this season, both on and off the field. Charlie Weis’ fate is sealed at the conclusion of this game. Connecticut 24, Notre Dame 20

Ole miss at LSU: The Tigers were in a stupor last week against Louisiana Tech, trailing at the half before coming back to win. The Rebels wrap up a Cotton Bowl berth with Dexter McCluster running wild. Ole Miss 30, LSU 27

Clemson at Virginia: Two years ago, Clemson was a win away from the ACC Championship game before letting it slip away. C.J. Spiller won’t let that happen on Saturday and solidifies an invitation to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Clemson 41, Virginia 20

Cal at Stanford: Tobey Gerhart is the nation’s best player that fans on the East Coast are just hearing about. Problems at QB for Jeff Tedford and the Golden Bears continue as the Cardinal stay alive for a Rose Bowl berth. Stanford 35, Cal 17

Oregon at Arizona: The winner of this game will emerge as the odds on favorite to earn a Rose Bowl berth versus Ohio State. Jeremiah Masoli gets back on track in Tucson. Oregon 30, Arizona 20

Minnesota at Iowa: Although the Hawkeyes won’t be headed to the Rose Bowl, they still have an opportunity to play in a premier bowl game – likely the Orange Bowl or Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Kirk Ferentz’s squad makes their case for the BCS. Iowa 24, Minnesota 10

Oklahoma at Texas Tech: Both teams are 6-4 and playing for a “better” bowl position. The Sooners maintain their poise and make it happen against the Red Raiders in Lubbock. Oklahoma 27, Texas Tech 24

Agree or disagree? Let me know – and why – below.

Although there wasn’t a huge shake up in our College Football BCS Bowl Projections this week, a number of Saturday’s games impacted some of the other 29 bowls including:

• Cal’s win against Arizona
• Stanford’s blowout over Southern Cal
• Georgia’s victory against Auburn
• Ole Miss’ drubbing of Tennessee
• Central Florida’s win against Houston

Here’s our latest BCS bowl predictions:

BCS National Championship Game: Florida vs. Texas

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati

FedEx Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. TCU

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Iowa vs. Boise State

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Agree?  Disagree?  Let us know below.

The latest college football bowl projections are now up to date for MrBCS.com, ESPN and CBS Sportsline.

With losses by Oregon and Iowa as well as Ohio State’s victory over Penn State there are several significant changes in this week’s predictions.

Here’s our latest picks for the BCS and 2010 BCS National Championship Game.

BCS National Championship: Florida vs. Texas

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. TCU

Agree?  Disagree?  Leave your comments below.

LSU at Alabama: It’s hard for the two head coaches, Les Miles and Nick Saban, to not be the headline story on this game. That’s impressive given that the winner is a virtual lock for the SEC Championship Game. In Tuscaloosa, Mark Ingram and the Tide roll on. Alabama 24, LSU 20.

Florida State at Clemson: Amazingly, these two teams are both in the running to still make an appearance in the ACC Title Game. Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, who should be a significant Heisman candidate, has been a difference maker all season. Saturday is no exception. Clemson 34, FSU 31.

Ohio State at Penn State: Has anyone’s stock fallen faster than Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor? Once a rising star, now many around the program question if he can still lead the team. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions continue their quest for a BCS berth. Penn State 27, Ohio State 17.

Oklahoma at Nebraska: This game used to be one of the season’s biggest. Now, the loser is out of the running for the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma 30, Nebraska 24.

Navy at Notre Dame: With the Big XII, ACC and Pac-10 all sending (likely) one team to the BCS, the door could be opened for Notre Dame – if they can win out. Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Stanford still pose threats, but the Irish earn some redemption. Notre Dame 30, Navy 23.

Oregon at Stanford: Early in the season it appeared that Stanford would be the better team in this matchup. The Ducks and Jeremiah Masoli need to keep winning big in the hopes of earning a BCS Championship bid. Oregon 41, Stanford 24.

USC at Arizona State: After last week’s destruction at Autzen against the Ducks, the Trojans need some big wins to get back into the BCS conversation instead of being relegated to the Holiday Bowl. It will be anything but a holiday on Saturday for the Sun Devils. Southern Cal 38, Arizona State 17.

Our college football bowl projections are now updated.

The biggest change is we now project two non-BCS conferences (WAC and MWC) will have teams make the Bowl Championship Series (TCU and Boise State).

The complete list is shown below:

BCS Championship: Florida vs. Texas

Rose Bowl: Iowa vs. Oregon

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. TCU

Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State

Need information on when your favorite team will be playing?  Here’s the 2009-2010 bowl schedule.

Indiana at Iowa: These two teams have split the last four meetings with the Hawkeyes winning the 2008 contest 45-9. Statistically, this game should be close, but the Hawkeyes finally have a game that doesn’t go down to the wire. Iowa 35, Indiana 17.

Georgia at Florida: The last two times Georgia had a week off before the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”, they won the game. Florida has won 16 of the past 19 contests, with the two most recent circled with controversy. Georgia head coach Mark Richt had his team storm the field in the 2007 victory. Urban Meyer, meanwhile, called two late timeouts at the end of last season’s 49-10 destruction of the Dogs. Although it won’t be the same margin as 2008, the Gators march on towards Atlanta. Florida 31, Georgia 20.

Miami at Wake Forest: With Virginia Tech’s loss on Thursday night, the Hurricanes can earn a spot in the ACC Championship Game should Georgia Tech slip up. With ‘Canes RB Javarris James out for the game, Wake QB Riley Skinner will all but assure the Yellow Jackets the Coastal Division title. Wake Forest 20, Miami 17.

Kansas at Texas Tech: If you’re looking for offense on Saturday, this is your game. Kansas QB Todd Reesing and Red Raiders QB Taylor Potts have combined to throw for 30 touchdowns in 2009. Both of these squads need a victory to get back on track heading down the stretch. Kansas 34, Texas Tech 31.

Kansas State at Oklahoma: Bill Snyder’s return to Manhattan, Kansas was met with a great deal of skepticism, but he has delivered unexpected results so far leading the Wildcats to a 5-3 start. Meanwhile the Sooners have officially begun life after Sam Bradford who announced this week he’s heading to the NFL. Although we expect KSU RB Daniel Thomas to have a big game, Sooners QB Landry Jones will make Synder wish he hadn’t returned to the College Football scene. Oklahoma 42, Kansas State 21.

South Carolina at Tennessee: Every coach has exacted their revenge on Vols head coach Lane Kiffin for his offseason remarks. Watching Spurrier’s offense match up with Monte Kiffin’s defense will be intriguing throughout four quarters. After playing several close games, Jonathan Compton and the Tennessee rushing attack finally get over the hump. Tennessee 20, South Carolina 17.

Texas at Oklahoma State: Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is a difference maker. The problem is he won’t be playing in this game as he continues to serve a suspension for lying to the NCAA. The Longhorns clear their biggest remaining regular season hurdle in Stillwater. Texas 38, Oklahoma State 24.

USC at Oregon: Barring a late season collapse, the winner of this game will play in the Rose Bowl, if not the BCS National Championship Game. The loser likely earns a berth to a BCS game as well. Oregon’s Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places in the country to play, but after being battle tested at Ohio State, Notre Dame and Cal, the Trojans have the moxie to “fight on” for the win. USC 28, Oregon 20.

Florida at Mississippi State: Gators head coach Urban Meyer this week stated that even though his team looks good on paper “we still don’t feel like we’re operating at the highest level of efficiency.” Mississippi State seems to help teams with that problem. It’s a dangerous game, though, with Florida’s former offensive coordinator, Dan Mullen, now leading the Bulldogs (see Washington vs. USC) Tim Tebow leads the Gators to their first victory in Starkville since 1985. Florida 34, Miss State 13.

Tennessee at Alabama: This rivalry was big before Lane Kiffin arrived in Knoxville. Jonathan Compton gets gobbled up by the Tide defense. Alabama 30, Tennessee 17.

Oregon State at USC: Pete Carroll says he’s not into revenge for one happened last year. He just wants his team to play up to their ability. Mission accomplished. USC 28, Oregon State 14.

TCU at BYU: The Horned Frogs are gaining more and more respect each week – not to mention a rise in the ratings as they are poised to enter the Top 5 in the weeks ahead. This game looked a lot more dangerous before Florida State went in and exposed the Cougar defense. TCU wins it the old fashioned way – with defense. TCU 20, BYU 10.

Auburn at LSU: The last two games on the Bayou in this series came down to the final play. It’s not going to be that way Saturday night in Death Valley. Auburn’s offense starts to rebound, but not soon enough. LSU 24, Auburn 17.

Clemson at Miami: For all of the mystery surrounding Clemson’s record, they seem to have finally found some answers last weekend against Wake Forest. In the surprise of the ACC season, the Tigers send the Hurricanes out to sea and keep a glimpse of an ACC Championship alive. Clemson 23, Miami 20.

Georgia Tech at Virginia: Amazingly, the Jackets haven’t won in Charlottesville in 19 years – the same season they won the UPI National Championship. After making some early season adjustments, Paul Johnson and his team will roll over a resurgent Cavalier squad. Georgia Tech 34, Virginia 24.

Penn State at Michigan: The Wolverines have one of the most dominating home atmospheres which contributes to a lot of questions regarding their recent home performance. Something’s got to give on Saturday when the Nittany Lions, who haven’t won in Ann Arbor in 13 years, come to town. Penn State 24, Michigan 23.

South Florida at Pittsburgh: With a win on Saturday, the Panthers will match their best start since NFL Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino was under center. The 20th-ranked Pitt squad is also 3-0 in the conference, but have a tough closing stretch with Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincinnati to close out the regular season. But that’s another story. As for Saturday, RB Dion Lewis continues to deliver and puts the Bulls out to pasture. Pitt 27, South Florida 20.

Bad news: We’re halfway through the College Football season.

Great news: We’re now into the meaty part of the conference schedule, with most of the cupcake games out of the way.  Things will start to heat up as the race for the BCS Bowl Games and National Championship moves into full swing.

Starting tonight, we’ll have some big games on the schedule.  Here’s the college football predictions for the weekend of October 17th.

Pittsburgh at Rutgers (Friday): Five of the eight teams in the Big East have only one loss, including both the Panthers and the Scarlet Knights.  Pitt RBs Dion Lewis and Ray Graham will lead the charge as Coach Wannstedt finally gets his first win against Rutgers after five tries.  Pitt 28, Rutgers 20.

Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas): This game was supposed to be for a berth to the Big XII Championship game and for the rights to face Florida in the BCS National Championship game.  Although Sooners QB Sam Bradford is back, he’s too late to stop the Longhorns train to Pasadena.  Texas 30, Oklahoma 20.

Alabama vs. South Carolina: The past king of the SEC, Steve Spurrier, and the Gamecocks take on the future king of the SEC in Nick Saban’s Tide.  This is a classic trap game for Alabama with Lane Kiffin and the Vols rolling into town next weekend.  It will be close early, but look for QB Greg McElroy to make some key throws down the stretch to separate these two squads.  With this win, RB Mark Ingram will continue to keep his name in the Heisman Trophy conversation.  Alabama 21, South Carolina 17.

USC at Notre Dame: Speaking of the Heisman, can you believe it’s been more than 20 years since anyone from Notre Dame has taken home the disctinction?  It’s true, the last was Tim Brown in 1987.  Although the Irish are winning and Jimmy Clausen is getting some love for the award, you get the sense he needs a big win in order to step ahead of Tebow and McCoy.  He’ll give it his best shot, but it won’t be enough.  USC 31, Notre Dame 17.

Cal at UCLA: When the season opened, the Bears had dreams of playing in the Rose Bowl.  Unfortunately, they were talking about the game played in January, not this matchup with the Bruins.  Cal needs this one to keep the season from being a complete disaster.  They’ll get it.  Cal 24, UCLA 21.

Iowa at Wisconsin: The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde show heads to Madison for a big-time showdown against the Badgers.  Iowa out-hustled the Badgers last season.  In a victory for pride everywhere, Wisconsin ends Iowa’s bid for perfection.  Wisconsin 20, Iowa 16.

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech:  This one is really intriguing.  With a win here, the Jackets create a log jam at the top of the division between themselves, the Hokies and Miami.  If Tyrod Taylor can lead his team to victory, it’s a near guarantee they will reach the ACC Championship Game in Tampa.  Virginia Tech has too much riding on this game to let it slip away.  Virginia Tech 34, Georgia Tech 24.

Arkansas at Florida: The Hogs with QB Ryan Mallett are really firing on all cylinders on offense scoring 48, 44, 41 and 47 points in a 3-2 start to the season.  Unfortunately, they posted only seven points in a 35-7 loss against Alabama.  The Gators defense, led by Brandon Spikes, isn’t quite that good, but close enough.  Florida 31, Arkansas 13.

Missouri at Oklahoma State:  Suspended Cowboys WR Dez Bryant told the NCAA this week he is “very, very sorry.”  Unfortunately, he still isn’t eligible, which is bad because OSU really, really needs him.  Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert gets back on track after a horrendous performance last week against Nebraska.  Missouri 27, Oklahoma State 24.

Kansas at Colorado: The Buffaloes are feeling a little flat after letting a first half lead against Texas eviscerate on the way to a second half beatdown.  Confidence of the Buffs defense is not high after the 38 points they allowed last weekend.  At here comes Todd Reesing and the Jayhawks, who are looking to secure a BCS berth – or more.  When is Reesing going to get more love for the Heisman?  Answer: After they defeat Oklahoma next weekend.  Kansas 41, Colorado 20.

Feel free to leave your comments below and, as always, enjoy the games….

Our 2009 College Football mid-season awards are below.  Agree?  Disagree?  Either way, leave a comment.

Heisman frontrunners:

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

2. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

4. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

5. Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas

Best Coach: Chip Kelly, Oregon.  The season was only a few hours old when it appeared LeGarrette Blount would tear the Oregon Ducks locker room apart and disrupt Kelly’s rookie coaching season.  The Oregon head ball coach acted quickly and decisively booting Blount off the team and leading an us against the world charge.  They’ve been outstanding since then, including a 42-3 tattooing of the then-undefeated Top 5 Cal Bears.  If Kelly’s Ducks can take out USC they will get some serious consideration for the BCS National Championship game.

Best Game: Miami 38, Florida State 34.  A dropped pass on the game’s final play vaulted Miami to victory and provided tremendous momentum for the season, which started with a 3-1 record, all against ranked teams.  The ‘Canes seem to be on their way back and the schedule lines up perfectly for a run at a BCS at-large berth.  That hasn’t happened since January, 2004.

Most Surprising Team: Alabama. After losing a ton of talent including their all everything OT Andre Smith and starting QB John Parker Wilson, most expected Alabama to be good, but not great.  The truth is they’ve been better than great, mauling Virginia Tech in the opener and dismantling Ole Miss, who was ranked in the preseason Top 10.  They have a week off before hosting LSU and barring a stunning turn of events, should return to the SEC Championship game undefeated with a chance to win it all in Pasadena.

Most Disappointing Team: Cal Bears.  This was their season with Heisman frontrunner, RB Jahvid Best, returning.  The schedule was challenging, but manageable with the conference favorite, USC, coming to Berkeley.  The season is on life support and needs substantial improvement from the defense and QB Kevin Riley to keep from imploding any further.

Surprise of the season: The lack of a “true” Heisman favorite.  With Tebow, McCoy and Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford all returning, it appeared to be a three-way duel for the award.  Then Bradford was hurt, Tebow was good, but not great and McCoy has been unimpressive – at least in the media’s eyes.  This year seems a lot like 2001, where Nebraska QB Eric Crouch won the award, more as a lifetime achievement than anything he did that season.  If 2009 unfolds in the same manner, look for Florida QB Tim Tebow to hoist the award on December 12th.

Most Memorable Moment: “Tebow being Tebow.”  After being knocked out of the game against Kentucky and suffering a concussion, Tebow returned and in one of his most memorable games, led the Gators to a 13-3 victory over LSU at Tiger Stadium in Death Valley.

Questions that were answered in the first half:

1. Will Florida State contend for the ACC Championship? Simply put, no.  This season could end up being Bowden’s last.

2. Why does the Big East and ACC still receive automatic berths into the BCS? These conferences have been stout early on, with Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, Cincinnati, Pitt, West Virginia and others all in contention at the halfway point.

3. Who is the most likely BCS buster (BYU, TCU, Boise State, etc.)? Houston jumped to the front of the pack on the season’s second weekend after defeating Oklahoma State in Stillwater.  But the cream always rises to the top eventually and with the pair of Cougars (Houston & BYU) falling by the wayside, Boise State and TCU look to be leading the way.  Barring a late-season upset (which nearly happened Wednesday night), look for Boise to reach the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and “bust” the BCS yet again.

4. What will Lane Kiffin do next? He’s certainly not stayed completely away from controversy, but the Vols appear to be on the right track especially in light of last weekend’s 45-19 destruction of Georgia.  He went on to promise his players they would never lose again to Georgia as long as he was there.  In the 1990s, the SEC was all about Tennessee and Florida in the SEC East with Georgia not reaching the title game until the game’s 11th year.  Clearly, Kiffin wants history to repeat itself.

Questions that still need answers:

1. How good is Notre Dame (and Charlie Weis)?

2. Will two undefeated SEC teams play a “national semifinal” in the SEC Championship game?

3. Can a one loss team get into the National Championship (Oregon, Virginia Tech, USC, etc.) or will two undefeated squads play for it all?

What questions do you have about the season’s second act?  Please leave them in the questions below.

UCLA at Stanford: These two Pac-10 foes are trying to break into the upper echelon of the conference this season. Stanford’s Toby Gerhart and the Cardinals #11 rushing attack will find yards tough to come by against the Bruins and their #9 ranked rushing defense. If injured UCLA QB Kevin Prince were back, I’d got with the boys in blue. Instead, look for a big day from Stanford’s freshman quarterback Andrew Luck. Stanford 24, UCLA 20.

Washington at Notre Dame: This game is a lot more interesting than what it appeared in the pre-season. It’s just a matter of which team will show up. The Fighting Irish won a thrilled last Saturday night, defeating Purdue in the final minute, while Washinton lost at Stanford. Jimmy Clausen says he’ll have to battle through his turf toe for the reaminder of the season. As long as he’s playing, they’ve got a chance. Notre Dame 27, Washington 24.

LSU at Georgia: One of the biggest stories for the Tigers and the Bulldogs have been their defensive coordinators. John Chavis, LSU’s new defensive “chief” has been able to get just enough plays to keep the Bengal Tigers undefeated. Meanwhile, Georgia’s DC, Willie Martinez, has been like a sinking boat that continues to take on water. Fans and the media are in an uproar over the team’s performance. They’ll still be upset with the Bulldogs defensive play come Saturday night, but thankful for the offense. Georgia 37, LSU 31.

Auburn at Tennessee: The two most controversial offseason coaching hires face off in Knoxville with both Lane Kiffin and Gene Chizik heaping high praise onto one another. Can Auburn’s high flying offense outwit Tennessee’s Monte Kiffin? Just barely. Auburn 27, Tennessee 24.

USC at California: It’s been a challenging time on the field at Cal this week, while a challenging week off the field at USC. The Bears, who were exposed by Oregon last Saturday are reeling and don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves with the Trojans and undefeated Bruins next up on the schedule. The Trojans, on the other hand, are dealing with the horrific injury to RB Stafon Johnson. Look for SC to keep the pressure on Cal QB Kevin Riley and put an emotional week behind them. USC 38, Cal 24.

Oklahoma at Miami: The big question for this game is whether or not Sam Bradford will return to play for the Sooners. It won’t matter as the Sooners keep the momentum rolling against the Hurricans. Oklahoma 27, Miami 13.

Central Michigan at Buffalo: No team has fallen as far as Turner Gill’s squad. Gill who was one of the nation’s hottest coaches last season is mired in a 1-3 slump to start the season. Unfortunately, it won’t get any better on Saturday. Central Michigan 45, Buffalo 20.

Texas A&M at Arkansas: The upstart Aggies have been a huge surprise to start 2009. With Baylor QB Robert Griffin out for the season, the door is open for Mike Sherman’s squad to earn their first bowl victory since 2001. First, they’ll have to contend with the nation’s 4th best passing offense. Arkansas 38, Texas A&M 31.

What about you? Who are your picks for the weekend?