Bowl Predictions

We should know by tomorrow where all of our MWC teams are playing their bowls games, so let's get some predictions out there of where and against whom our boys will be playing.

This year the Utes have five bowls linked to the conference and five teams that have qualified for bowl games, however because TCU will going to a BCS game the MWC will not be filling it's Humanitarian Bowl commitment. We'll review the bowl scenario's from first place to last place in the conference.

1. TCU will either be playing in the Orange Bowl or Fiesta Bowl. Part of me thinks the Fiesta Bowl would love to have TCU because of their Texas connection, despite not being a member of the big-12. On the other hand, I can see TCU being the last team chosen because of their lack of fanbase. It is likely that not many TCU fans will go to the game. I think the Orange bowl could be interested in TCU, just to break up the annual Big East - ACC mediocrity championship (though Cinci this year is for real). All in all, I see the Fiesta Bowl being more interested in Boise State because more fans will travel and they probably bring in more TV viewers because they are a known quantity. Thuse TCU heads to Miami. The only way this changes is if Clemson wins the ACC, will the Orange want a Clemson-TCU rematch. In that case, I think the Orange goes after Cinci or Boise. If Cinci, TCU goes to the Sugar, if Boise, to the Fiesta. Prediction: TCU v Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

2. Technically the MWC champ goes to the Las Vegas Bowl, in this case, like last year, it would be the 2nd place team, which is BYU. However, I think neither BYU nor the LVB is particularly interested in each other when there are other viable options available for each party. BYU goes to the Poinsettia Bowl. The question is, who is the opponent. With Oregon's win on Thursday, that will mean Oregon to the Rose, likely USC (unless they lose today) to the Holiday, Cal to the Sun, Stanford to the Emerald. Leaving Oregon State and Arizona for the LVB and Poinsettia. LVB gets first choice and chooses Oregon State, they bring more to the table. So for the second straight year, it's BYU v Arizona in a bowl game, but this time in San Diego.

3. The above scenario makes Utah's situation easy. They will be playing in Las Vegas against Oregon State. LVB is in a win-win with having the choice between Utah and BYU. Both teams' fans will travel and the LVB wants a change of pace from BYU. Utah v. Oregon State.

4. Air Force had another solid, though under-the-radar year. They are already commited to play in the Armed Forces Bowl against a C-USA team. The choice will between either East Carolina or Central Florida. I think UCF would travel better, but East Carolina has some name recognition and might draw more viewers. The choice will almost definitely be East Carolina. Air Force v. East Carolina.

5. Congrats to my 2nd favorite MWC team, Wyoming, for becoming bowl eligible. A great improvement on last year. They are definitely heading to the New Mexico Bowl to play against a WAC team. With Boise in the BCS and second place Nevada heading to Hawaii, the choice is between Idaho and Fresno State. No doubt FSU is a much better choice and the Humanitarian will be dying for Idaho. No brainer, Wyoming v Fresno State.