Pac-12 bowl projections 10/20: Stanford in Orange Bowl, Utah Rose Bowl

Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff) - Ohio State vs. Stanford

Stanford looks like the best team in the nation to me right now and while we have a LONG ways to go, I love how their schedule shapes up for them (their toughest remaining game is probably at home against Oregon) and I think they run the table, sneaking them into the Playoffs. What I like most about Stanford this year is their offense is finally good enough again to where their defense won't have to hold every opponent to 17 points for them to win games.

Rose Bowl - Utah vs. Michigan State

Utah's consistency might be their biggest strength next to their defense in a year when every team in the Pac-12 seems to be a different team each week. I think the Utes drop a game or two from here and lost the Pac-12 Championship, but are still in a place to get themselves to a Rose Bowl that will be a massive accomplishment for the program.

I really have no clue how to break it down from here so give me a break please.

Alamo Bowl - Arizona State vs. Oklahoma

Uh... uh... uh... I like how Arizona State's schedule breaks down from here... they get Oregon at home, already have played the LA schools and Utah and get Arizona at home and avoid Stanford. They could easily win out from here or at least only drop one game.

Holiday Bowl - UCLA vs. Wisconsin

Injuries have hit the Bruins hard, but they are still the most talented team in the South to me and get a nice bump from USC falling apart.  I also think they will get better as Josh Rosen improves throughout his freshman season.

Foster Farm's Bowl - Cal vs. Minnesota

Cal's going to a bowl this year and the Foster Farm's Bowl will love to have them drive over.

Sun Bowl - Oregon vs. NCState

I am very tempted to put the Ducks in the Alamo Bowl, but they have a very tough schedule from here, I think people are overvaluing one performance by Vernon Adams who might not be able to avoid injury again and their pass defense will still get them burnt by teams that can throw the ball. They will win a few games from here and be a nice candidate for one of the mid-level bowls.

Las Vegas Bowl - USC vs. BYU

Boy, I don't know what to do with the Trojans. They could bounce back and end up in the Alamo Bowl, but they could also miss a bowl entirely. My guess is they win a few more games, but mostly disappoint. Still, they will be an attractive choice for a nearby bowl game that would create a fun matchup.

Cactus Bowl - Arizona vs. Kansas State

I don't think the Wildcats are very good, but they are going to a bowl game and the nearby Cactus Bowl would love to have them.

Military Bowl - Navy vs. Washington

I think Washington gets to bowl eligible, but doesn't get a Pac-12 automatic slot. They will be an attractive candidate to whatever bowl gets to pick first that has an opening.