Pac-12 bowl projections 10/18: Washington to Rose, Washington State to Alamo

Rose Bowl - Washington vs. Michigan

Part of me really wants to put Washington in the Peach Bowl, but I just can’t pick them running the table in the Pac-12 AND winning the Pac-12 Championship Game, and I think that is the only way they make the Playoffs. Their first Rose Bowl in nearly 20 years, against a scary Michigan team for a high-profile showdown will be fine.

Alamo Bowl - Washington State vs. Oklahoma State

It’s crowded after Washington between WSU, Utah and USC in my opinion, so I will take the Cougars to get Mike Leach back in Texas and because the Cougars won’t have to take another loss in a championship game like other schools.

Holiday Bowl - Utah vs. Iowa

The Utes won’t win the Pac-12, maybe not even the South, but I think their overall record will land them in a very nice bowl. This will be a nice marquee match-up for them against a very beatable Big Ten opponent.

Foster Farms Bowl - Stanford vs. Penn State

The Cardinal will be back playing down the road after another disappointing season and will get a chance to have a nice finish against a solid, but also beatable, Big Ten squad.

Sun Bowl - USC vs. Pittsburgh

Does the Sun Bowl want USC back after that stinker in the Lane Kiffin era? I don’t know, but I think they will have a hard time passing on a prestige program like that with eight or nine wins.

Las Vegas Bowl - Colorado vs. UNLV

The Buffs get to celebrate their coming of age season in Vegas. This would be a major step forward for the program.

Cactus Bowl - UCLA vs. Air Force

And now to a step backward. The Bruins seem like they are very close to being a very, very good team, but they just can’t put it together this year, especially with Josh Rosen banged up.

Arizona Bowl - Arizona State vs. Nevada

Since they already have five wins, I am going to say the Sun Devils find a way to win another and get a non-slotted bowl bid.