Fiesta Bowl? Utah vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m.
Can't call this a Loser Leaves Town game as Urban Meyer and Walt Harris are leaving their respective jobs after the season. Both deserve mention for coach of the year, however Florida's new leader gets to finish up with a victory. Utah 35, Pittsburgh 21.
Sugar Bowl? Auburn vs. Virginia Tech, Jan. 3, 8 p.m.
As much as they've talked about being happy about winning the SEC, Auburn has to be brokenhearted. The Tigers will at least have the motivation of playing for an unbeaten season. Virginia Tech last played in the Sugar Bowl in the national title game against Florida State. Like that contest, the Hokies challenged for four quarters. Wouldn't expect much different this time around. Auburn 24, Virginia Tech 20.
Orange Bowl? Southern Cal vs. Oklahoma, Jan. 4, 8 p.m.
Only Notre Dame may have more tradition than these two schools, starting with their respective fight songs and including a 50 combined bowl victories, nine Heisman winners and numerous national titles. Both the Sooners and Trojans are loaded with offensive talent. The key will be which defense can get off the field. Oklahoma struggled in the middle of the season without Antonio Perkins in the secondary, however his return has made a big difference. USC, on the other hand, has been shaky in its final few games. Edge goes to the Sooners. Oklahoma 27, Southern California 24.
Last week's record: 6-1 (4-3)
Season record: 182-49 (130-105-2)
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Erick Smith is the college football editor at USATODAY.com. Please send questions or comments to him at easmith@usatoday.com .
Can't call this a Loser Leaves Town game as Urban Meyer and Walt Harris are leaving their respective jobs after the season. Both deserve mention for coach of the year, however Florida's new leader gets to finish up with a victory. Utah 35, Pittsburgh 21.
Sugar Bowl? Auburn vs. Virginia Tech, Jan. 3, 8 p.m.
As much as they've talked about being happy about winning the SEC, Auburn has to be brokenhearted. The Tigers will at least have the motivation of playing for an unbeaten season. Virginia Tech last played in the Sugar Bowl in the national title game against Florida State. Like that contest, the Hokies challenged for four quarters. Wouldn't expect much different this time around. Auburn 24, Virginia Tech 20.
Orange Bowl? Southern Cal vs. Oklahoma, Jan. 4, 8 p.m.
Only Notre Dame may have more tradition than these two schools, starting with their respective fight songs and including a 50 combined bowl victories, nine Heisman winners and numerous national titles. Both the Sooners and Trojans are loaded with offensive talent. The key will be which defense can get off the field. Oklahoma struggled in the middle of the season without Antonio Perkins in the secondary, however his return has made a big difference. USC, on the other hand, has been shaky in its final few games. Edge goes to the Sooners. Oklahoma 27, Southern California 24.
Last week's record: 6-1 (4-3)
Season record: 182-49 (130-105-2)
***
Erick Smith is the college football editor at USATODAY.com. Please send questions or comments to him at easmith@usatoday.com .
