Post-spring Pac-12 2016 bowl projections: Stanford to Rose Bowl, again

Rose Bowl - Stanford vs. Michigan - The Cardinal face a lot of questions going into 2016, but have a proven track record of reloading, a strong system/coaching and a boatload of talent. With no real other expected elite contender in the Pac-12, they deserve to be the odds on favorite to get to the Rose Bowl. I think the Cardinal lose at least a couple games so miss out on the Playoff but would get the most-hyped of match-ups against a Big Ten winning or runner-up Michigan and Jim Harbaugh.

Alamo Bowl - USC vs. TCU - The Trojans look like the best option after Stanford in a cloudy field and I'm sure the Alamo Bowl would love to have them, having never hosting them before. Not the New Year's bowl I think Trojan fans want, but another step in the right direction towards a Rose Bowl.

Holiday Bowl - Oregon vs. Penn State - Most signs point to the Ducks taking another small step back in 2015. I think they still finish near the top of the conference though and the Holiday Bowl would love to grab them for the first time in nearly 10 years.

Foster Farms Bowl - Washington vs. Wisconsin - I think the Huskies continue to climb in the North, but don't quite make a run for the Roses yet. Getting to the Foster Farms Bowl would be a nice move up for them and give them a chance to show off for 2017 preseason rankings in a nice bowl game against a big name opponent.

Sun Bowl - UCLA vs. Louisville - The Bruins will be right there with Oregon and Washington, but fall a little bit since they were recently in the California bowls. They would be a very good team playing in El Paso.

Las Vegas Bowl - Washington State vs. BYU - The Cougars should win eight or nine games and test the top of the North. They won't get to the top and will end up in the shuffle with Oregon, Washington and UCLA, dropping to the Las Vegas Bowl which will choose BYU over a rematch with Boise State.

Cactus Bowl - Utah vs. Texas Tech - The Utes should have another strong year in 2016, but might not be able to keep up with the pack above them. They would be an excellent choice for the last Pac-12 tie-in.

Poinsettia Bowl - Arizona State vs. San Diego State - The Sun Devils will make it to bowl eligibility again and get scooped up as an at-large.

Arizona Bowl - Arizona vs. Air Force - The Wildcats will crawl to six wins at least as well and the hometown bowl would be wise to grab them.