Here are my slightly too early BCS bowl predictions.
National title: Alabama (SEC champ) vs. Florida State (ACC champ)
As much I would love to see an upset in the SEC, and see one of the other hopefuls creep up into the top two, I can't logically pick against Alabama until that happens. Also, can we come up with a bowl name for this game already?
Rose Bowl: Ohio State (B1G champ) vs. Oregon (Pac-12 champ)
There are still chances for upsets in the conference title games, though, as the leaders of all four divisions look really good.
Orange Bowl: Clemson (ACC, at-large) vs. Michigan State (B1G, at-large)
I think the Orange Bowl will stick with an ACC team to replace Florida State. The only two options are an 11-1 Clemson or a 10-3 Duke, and Clemson gets the edge. Clemson is also an attractive option despite their conference affiliation. For the at-large opponent, since the Orange Bowl gets the first pick, I think they might just look down the BCS standings and find the highest ranked team that is qualified. Currently, Stanford is above MSU, but I could see Michigan State jumping them as they keep winning. Also, geography could play a role.
Sugar Bowl: Missouri (SEC, at-large) vs. Louisville (American champ)
I'm assuming that Missouri will win out and play in the SEC championship game. If not, Auburn would be an attractive option as well. I'm taking a chance that Louisville can win the conference, but they are clearly the most attractive team in the American. The other big question is if UCF would be more attractive than the non-AQ.
Fiesta Bowl: Baylor (Big 12 champ) vs. Fresno State (non-AQ)
I'm going with Fresno as the non-AQ at this point since they are currently ranked higher. I really think that these bowls play a game of hot potato with the American champ and the non-AQ. It could work out in the Fiesta Bowl's favor, though, as they could have another matchup of undefeated teams not playing in the national title.
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