An updated set of bowl game predictions.
First, the easier predictions.
CFP: Clemson
Orange: Louisville
Citrus: Florida State
Russell Athletic: Virginia Tech
Taxslayer: Miami
Then it gets a little tougher…
Belk: UNC (or VT?)
I’d thought that UNC was a lock here, however there is an N&O reporter saying this morning that the Belk Bowl could host Virginia Tech.
Pinstripe Bowl: Pitt (or UNC?)
Pitt seems to make the most sense geographically, but there is a News & Observer reporter saying that UNC is likely headed here.
Then it starts to get even more difficult. Hopefully these bowls will begin to clear up within a few days. A lot hinges on whether Georgia Tech beats Georgia. Because of the 8-win rule, a Georgia Tech win today means that the Sun Bowl would not be able to select NCSU over GT.
IF GEORGIA TECH LOSES:
Sun Bowl (El Paso): N.C. State
I understand that there were radio reports that N.C. State was offered a bowl bid from the Independence Bowl, however the Sun Bowl gets to pick first. The radio report may mean that the Independence Bowl knows that the Sun has their eyes on someone else, but I think it is likely just wishful thinking for the guys in Shreveport. As pointed out by PhDeac, Georgia Tech has been to the Sun Bowl in both 2011 and 2012, so they might not be the best fit. However, I think the Wuffies will be too attractive for the Sun to pass up.
Military Bowl (Annapolis): Wake Forest / Boston College winner
There is conflicting info out there regarding whether the Military Bowl selects before the Independence Bowl. Either way, there is lots of reason to believe that the Tier 2 bowls will work together to come up with some assignments that make sense geographically. So while, Georgia Tech would be a possibility here if they lose to Georgia, my best guess is that the Wake/Boston College winner settles in here.
Independence Bowl (Shreveport): Georgia Tech
Quick Lane (Detroit): Wake Forest / Boston College loser
IF GEORGIA TECH WINS:
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech
**Very important note**: Because of the 8-win rule, in this scenario the Sun's only other option would be a 7-win Wake Forest team (if Wake beats BC).
Military Bowl: N.C. State
Independence Bowl: Wake Forest / Boston College winner
Quick Lane: Wake Forest / Boston College loser
Bottom Line for Wake fans
If Wake beats BC, then the most likely destinations are (in order): 1. Annapolis, 2. Shreveport and 3. El Paso. The most important thing to know here is that, with a Wake win, the Sun Bowl would be free to take Wake in any scenario if the Deacons are the preferred option over NCSU or GT. If the Sun Bowl passes on Wake, then it would be Annapolis or Shreveport.
If Wake loses to BC then the most likely destinations are (in order): 1, Detroit, 2. Annapolis and 3. Shreveport. To avoid Detroit, a bowl would probably need to prefer Wake over BC despite having just lost to them.
