re: ESPN Ranks Bowls

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1. Discover BCS National Championship Game

Notre Dame vs. Alabama

Jan. 7: ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET, Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Fla.

Undefeated Notre Dame tries to end No. 2 Alabama's attempt at winning back-to-back BCS national championships and the SEC's streak of six BCS titles in a row. The Crimson Tide is 1-5 against the Fighting Irish, including four losses by legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

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Alabama is definitely going to win this game.

I can't put a predicted spread because I already know what it is.

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3. AT&T Cotton Bowl

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma
Jan. 4: Fox, 8 p.m. ET, Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Most Texas A&M fans probably would have preferred a bowl game against longtime rival Texas, but they'll settle for playing former Big 12 foe Oklahoma. Aggies quarterback Johnny "Football" Manziel is expected to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday

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TAMU will definitely win this game.

Predicted spread: TAMU-4.5

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4. Chick-fil-A Bowl

LSU vs. Clemson
Dec. 31: ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET, Georgia Dome, Atlanta

No. 14 Clemson will try to put last season's Orange Bowl debacle -- a 70-33 loss to West Virginia -- in its rearview mirror for good. No. 8 LSU is 5-0 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, including a 38-3 rout of Georgia Tech in 2008.

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I think Clemson has a puncher's chance in this game, but Les Miles' bowl record is outstanding.

Predicted spread: LSU-5.5

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5. Outback Bowl

South Carolina vs. Michigan
Jan. 1: ESPN, 1 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Who can't wait to watch Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney chasing Wolverines quarterback/running back Denard Robinson all over the field? The No. 10 Gamecocks will be making their fourth appearance in the Outback Bowl since 2001.

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I cannot imagine a set of circumstances where South Carolina loses this game.

Predicted spread: South Carolina-8.5

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7. Allstate Sugar Bowl

Louisville vs. Florida
Jan. 2: ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

The No. 3 Gators' only defeat was a 17-9 loss to Georgia on Oct. 27. Cardinals coach Charlie Strong is a former Florida defensive coordinator, who helped the Gators win BCS national championships in 2006 and '08.

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Louisville has no business being on the same field as Florida. So long as Florida takes this game seriously, they should completely dominate UL.

Predicted spread: Florida-13.5

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9. Capital One Bowl

Georgia vs. Nebraska
Jan. 1: ABC, 1 p.m. ET, Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.

Which is going to put up more resistance on New Year's Day? Nebraska's defense, which allowed 539 rushing yards in a 70-31 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game? Or the Bulldogs, who had their hearts ripped out in a 32-28 loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game?

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Similarly, Nebraska really shouldn't be able to keep this game competitive. UGA is better at every position. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Predicted spread: UGA-12.5

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12. TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

Mississippi State vs. Northwestern
Jan. 1, ESPN2, 12 p.m. ET, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

The No. 20 Wildcats are still looking for their first bowl victory since winning the 1949 Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs have lost four of their last five games, but blasted Michigan 52-14 in the 2011 Gator Bowl.

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Mississippi State might lose this game.

predicted spread: MSU-3.5

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21. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

NC State vs. Vanderbilt
Dec. 31: ESPN, noon ET, LP Field, Nashville, Tenn.

The Wolfpack are excited to have a new coach; the Commodores are happy they're keeping theirs. Vanderbilt's James Franklin signed a contract extension Sunday after leading the Commodores to back-to-back bowl games for the first time in school history. They won't have to travel far to play the Wolfpack, who will be led by interim coach Dana Bible. Former Northern Illinois coach Dave Doeren was hired as Tom O'Brien's replacement on Saturday.

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I expect Vandy to win this game, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility for NC State to pull off what would definitely be an upset.

Predicted spread: Vandy-3.5

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24. BBVA Compass Bowl

Pittsburgh vs. Ole Miss
Jan. 5: ESPN, 1 p.m. ET, Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala.

Despite finishing 6-6, the Panthers and Rebels were pretty competitive under their first-year coaches. Paul Chryst nearly guided the Panthers to an upset of Notre Dame before falling 29-26 in three overtimes. Hugh Freeze nearly pulled off two upsets at Ole Miss, losing to Texas A&M 30-27 and LSU 41-35.

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There is zero chance of Ole Miss losing this game.

Predicted spread: Ole Miss-7.5