Newsday's BCS bowl predictions

A look at how we think the 2010 college football season will end up playing out in January 2011.

BCS National Championship Game
Jan. 10, 2011, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN), At Glendale, Ariz.

Alabama (SEC champion) vs. Ohio State (Big Ten champion)

Alabama, led by reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram, will find its way back to the national title game with a more balanced offensive attack. The Crimson Tide should have no problem restocking the lost talent on defense. Waiting in Glendale will be a tough Ohio State defense and an emerging Terrelle Pryor. But can Ohio State get over its SEC troubles in title games?

Sugar Bowl
Jan. 4, 2011, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN), At New Orleans

Florida (BCS at-large) vs. Nebraska (BCS at-large)

Even without Tim Tebow, the Gators have way too much talent and should win 11 games (with two losses to Alabama) before earning a BCS at-large bid. Nebraska has plenty of momentum after last season's run. Remember, the Cornhuskers lost by a point to both Virginia Tech and Texas last season. Nebraska is ready for a BCS bowl against a quality opponent this season.

Orange Bowl
Jan. 3, 2011, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN), At Miami

Pittsburgh (Big East champion/BCS at-large) vs. Virginia Tech (ACC champion)

This would be a very intriguing matchup with the Hokies' running attack of Ryan Williams, Darren Evans and Tyrod Taylor against what should be a pretty good Pitt defense. On the flip side, sophomore Dion Lewis would go up against what is usually a solid Bud Foster defense.

Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 1, 2011, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN), At Glendale, Ariz.

Iowa (BCS at-large) vs. Texas (Big 12 champion)

Texas will stumble at Nebraska during the season, but beat the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 title game. Garrett Gilbert will settle in nicely as Colt McCoy's replacement. Iowa has a ton of talent returning and is certainly capable of winning 10 or 11 games this season (the Hawkeyes get Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State at home).

Rose Bowl
Jan. 1, 2011, 5:10 p.m. (ESPN), At Pasadena, Calif.

Boise State (BCS at-large) vs. Oregon (Pac-10 champion)

There is a Rose Bowl caveat to consider this season. If the Big Ten champion plays for the BCS title, the Rose Bowl is obligated to take a team from a non-BCS conference ranked in the top 12 of the final BCS rankings. Boise State should be 11-1 or even 12-0 when the final rankings come out. So the Broncos, in my view, get a Rose Bowl invite.