Pac-12 bowl projections 10/27: Stanford in Playoff

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

Stanford pretty much controls their own destiny in my opinion. I don't see anyone in the Pac-12 beating them down the stretch as long as they play well. If the Cardinal win out, they would be very unlucky to not be in the Playoff. I think they win out and make it into the Playoff in the last slot.

Rose Bowl - Utah vs. Michigan State

I don't love the Utes and figured they would lose to USC, but they are in a great position with a favorable schedule that should get them the South championship. I think they should only lose two more games and that would be good enough to get them the Pac-12 New Year's Day bowl.

Alamo Bowl - UCLA vs. Oklahoma

I am very tempted to pick UCLA to win the South, but I just can't do it since they play at Utah and have had the worst injury luck of anyone in the conference this year. Still, I think the Bruins only lose one more game the rest of the way and end up being the conference's best non-New Year's bowl candidate.

Holiday Bowl - Oregon vs. Wisconsin

The Ducks are very hard to peg, they looked a lot better against Washington with a healthier Vernon Adams, but we have yet to see if that will be consistent. I think the Ducks at least improve enough to win enough games to finish second in the North and end up in a very good non-New Year's bowl.

Foster Farm's Bowl - USC vs. Penn State

I am tempted to put Cal here, but I have a feeling the Bears might only win one more game from here and might not be as big of even a local draw as it might seem, especially with a prominent program like USC available. The Trojans showed life this week and should end up in a decent bowl game.

Sun Bowl - Arizona State vs. NCState

The Sun Devils have talent and coaching, but something seems to be off this year. They will win a few more games and sliding over into the dreaded Sun Bowl.

Las Vegas Bowl - Cal vs. BYU

The Bears are getting back to a bowl game and will be a fun choice for the Vegas Bowl with Jared Goff leading the way. I think the Vegas Bowl chooses BYU over likely Mountain West champion Boise State or San Diego State.

Cactus Bowl - Arizona vs. Texas Tech

Not sure which game, but the Wildcats will win one more game and crawl to a bowl. Washington State deserves to be here, but the local Cactus Bowl would choose the Wildcats over them.

Poinsettia Bowl - Washington State vs. San Diego State

Another case of I don't know which game they will win, but the Cougars will win at least one more game to get to bowl eligibility. I don't think they get a Pac-12 slot, but will be a nice at large pick for any bowl that needs an at large.