Our complete Bowl Projections, along with those from our friends at ESPN and CBS Sportsline are now updated.

The Biggest Question left to answer?

Who will be “The Biggest Loser” on Saturday night after the SEC Championship – Florida or Alabama.

We believe it will be Florida emerging victorious.  CBS agrees.  Mark Schlabach from ESPN says Alabama will cause some alligator tears.

Either way, it should be a great one between #1 Florida and #2 Alabama.

Nebraska could cause problems for the Texas Longhorns, who will earn a spot opposite the SEC Champion in the BCS Championship Game with a win.  If the Longhorns lose, can TCU, Cincinnati or Boise State earn a place in the title game?

Surely Texas will roll…..but that’s what keeps this game exciting.

Here’s our current picks:

BCS National Championship: Florida vs. Texas

FedEx Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. TCU

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Iowa vs. Boise State

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Need to know when your team is playing?  Here’s the complete BCS and college football bowl schedule.

Who do you think will play in the BCS National Championship Game on January 7th in Pasadena?

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 regular season is winding down and late-season losses can make the difference between playing for the National Championship, a BCS football game or missing the postseason altogether.

Here’s our picks for this weekend’s games.

Georgia Tech at Duke: Last week’s heroics by Jonathan Dwyer (not to mention a great 4th down call by Paul Johnson) let the Jackets slim BCS title hopes alive. A victory this weekend would secure a spot in the ACC Title Game and likely an Orange Bowl berth. No other motivation required. Georgia Tech 30, Duke 13

Alabama at Miss State: The Bulldogs have played very well at home this season and easily could have posted victories over Florida and LSU. This should be close fir a half, but Mark Ingram will be too much for the boys from Starkville to handle. Alabama 34, Miss State 17

Florida at South Carolina: South Carolina always starts the year with a flurry and seems to fade late in the year. No Black Magic for the Gamecocks, just fade to black. Florida 24, South Carolina 13

Utah at TCU: There wont be a more exciting game on Saturday than this one. Win, and the Horned Frogs have cleared their biggest remaining hurdle to a BCS bowl game. Should Texas lose, the BCS rankings will get interesting for the 4th ranked Horned Frogs. TCU 23, Utah 17

Iowa at Ohio State. Two weeks ago, the Hawkeyes had arguably the Big 10′s best QB. Now, Ricky Stanzi is injured and Terrelle Pryor has found his mojo once more. That doesn’t bode well for Iowa. Ohio State 30, Iowa 10

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh: Lose this one and the Irish are looking for a new coach – likely named Nick Saban or Urban Meyer. Panthers RB Dion Lewis runs wild and creates a ton of headaches in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa. Pitt 28, Notre Dame 24

Stanford at USC: Two years ago, the Cardinal pulled off one of the most improbable victories ever against the Trojans. Both of these teams are still alive for a Rose Bowl berth, but need some help. Pete Carroll and the Trojans will keep Tobey Gerhart in check as USC stays on track for an at-large BCS berth. USC 27, Stanford 17

Agree? Disagree? Let me know your thought below.

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….

This is absolutely my favorite time of year, when all the predictions, dialogue and analysis ends and we get to see it all play out on the field.

Here’s our predictions for a few of this weekend’s games.

#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State. For all the talk about the Cowboys and the raucous environment in Stillwater, keep in mind the Georgia Bulldogs are a team who have been extremely successful on the road under Mark Richt, compiling a 30-4 record during his tenure. Despite losing their starting QB and RB to the NFL Draft, I think Richt will have his team ready, but Zac Robinson and 60,000 strong will be waiting. In a close one, Oklahoma State emerges victorious 24-20.

#20 Brigham Young vs. #3 Oklahoma (Dallas). BYU wants to prove they belong in the BCS discussion. Oklahoma will prove they aren’t ready for prime time just yet. Oklahoma 35, BYU 20.

#5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech. If Darren Evans were healthy, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick the Hokies. Alabama has to replace their starting quarterback, three offensive linemen and, until Wednesday night, looked like they might be without their top wide receiver, Julio Jones, and starting running back, Mark Ingram until the NCAA ruled they could play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Frank Beamer and company emerge victorious, but something tells me Alabama is ready for this game. Alabama 24, Virginia Tech 14.

Maryland at #12 California. Last season, Maryland upended the Bears in College Park. This season, Cal welcomes the Terps to the West Coast as they kickoff what they hope will be a BIG season, led by Heisman candidate Jahvid Best. It’s payback by the Bay for Maryland. California 34, Maryland 17.

#11 LSU at Washington. Unlike the past several seasons, LSU is flying far below the radar to begin 2009. New Washington head coach, Steve Sarkisian, will get the Husky program headed back on the right track, just not this season. LSU 34, Washington 13.

#8 Mississippi at Memphis. This has traditionally been a close game for both teams early in the season. Memphis last won 10-6 in 2004, with four of the past five contests being decided by a touchdown or less. Look for Houston Nutt’s Rebels to make a statement against the Tigers that they are ready for big things in 2009. Ole Miss 38, Memphis 17.

Cincinnati at Rutgers. Has any game between two unranked teams meant so much at the beginning of the season? Both are expected to contend for the Big East Championship and a berth in, likely, the AllState Sugar Bowl. Greg Schiano will ride the home crowd to victory on Labor Day. Rutgers 23, Cincinnati 20.

Miami (FL) at #18 Florida State. Remember when this game was dubbed “The Game of the Century” every season? Here’s how far it has fallen…..tickets were still available to this game from the ticket office this week. Either way, this one is still big for FSU and “The U”. Whichever coach, Bobby Bowden or Randy Shannon, is dealt the loss will begin to hear the drumbeat for change. I believe the drumbeats of victory sound for the Seminoles. Florida State 24, Miami Hurricanes 17.

Enjoy the opening weekend of the 2009 College Football season!

Recently, I talked about some teams who are utilizing the 12th game to their advantage by scheduling some non-conference marquee matchups.

But what games – in and out of conference – will have the biggest impact on the perception of the national media, the BCS standings and who plays for the BCS National Championship this season?

Here’s the MrBCS.com Top 10 College Football games for 2009.

September 3rd: Oregon at Boise State. It won’t take long for it to feel like mid-season with these two BCS contenders facing off on opening night. Last year in Eugene, the Ducks fell to Boise State in what some Oregon players called “an embarassment.” They get to do somethig about it on Thursday night. Boise State can, and likely will, make the BCS as an at-large without this win. Oregon will not. This one is huge for the Ducks.

September 5th: Virginia Tech vs. Alabama (Atlanta). Last year, Alabama used this game with Clemson to get their season off to a fast start, eventually running their record to 12-0. The Hokies, who lost their starting running back Darren Evans, will look to do the same and can clear their most significant hurdle between them and the BCS Championship game by emerging victorious at the Georgia Dome.

September 12th: USC at Ohio State. Will it be rout #2 for the Trojans or redemption for the Buckeyes? The winner of this one takes a big, big step in the polls and BCS rankings with a victory in Columbus.

October 3rd: USC at Cal. Will USC’s championship dominance come to an end or will another Pac-10 power emerge in 2009? This game couldn’t come at a worse time for the Bears who will be coming off an emotional road game at Oregon the week before.

October 10th: Florida at LSU. The last time these two teams played in Baton Rouge, the Bengal Tigers won by converting an amazing 5 of 5 fourth downs, all in the 4th quarter. Look for LSU to provide the biggest road test for the Gators in 2009. This one is not for the faint of heart.

October 10th: Alabama at Ole Miss. Houston Nutt always had his teams at Arkansas playing their best when their backs were up against the wall. How will the Rebels fare in their biggest test of the season? The winner of this game will likely play for the SEC Championship.

October 17th: Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas). Don’t plan anything on this Saturday. The 2009 Red River Rivalry will be one for the ages. In addition to two top five teams facing off, this one is juiced by the bad blood following the Longhorns exclusion from the Big XII and BCS title game despite having defeated the Sooners 45-35 in 2008. You won’t want to miss this one.

October 31st: USC at Oregon. If the Trojans survive the trip to Berkeley against Cal, this is their last stop between an undefeated season and a shot at the BCS National Championship.

November 7th: Ohio State at Penn State. The belief here is that the undefeated Nittany Lions will be facing a one-loss Buckeyes squad. This should be Joe Paterno’s biggest challenge to another undefeated season. Should the Buckeyes win, look for the Rose Bowl to deal either USC or Ohio State to another BCS game to avoid a rematch of September 12th.

November 28th: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma. Just when you think the Sooners have wrapped up the (fill in the blank here) the OSU Cowboys seem to disrupt the party. If Oklahoma State can defeat the Georgia Bulldogs on opening weekend, they could be in line for a BCS at-large berth -or more – with a victory here.

One final point to consider. If there are more than two undefeated teams (Florida, Penn State, USC and Texas/Oklahoma), who will be shut out? MrBCS.com believes the storyline of the Gators will be too much to ignore, especially given their current poll position. As for their opponent? Look for it to be the Texas Longhorns (provided they are undefeated) or the USC Trojans. If multiple undefeated teams exist again this season, it should really get the momentum recharged for a playoff and plus one plan.

What do you think? Is there a game you’re especially excited about this season?