Advertisement

Dr. Saturday’s bowl projections: Big change at the top

Before last weekend, the one thing that seemed clear about the bowl picture was that Alabama could be locked into the BCS Championship Game, and the other 69 teams could be filled in from there.

After Alabama's loss, it seems Kansas State has taken that firm grip on the top spot.

Anything can happen. And Texas, which Kansas State finishes the season with, has been playing much better. We also remember 1998, when the Wildcats had their heart broken in the Big 12 title game when it seemed like they would be playing for the national championship. But Kansas State has the easiest road of the three eligible undefeated teams, and there hasn't been any reason to believe this Wildcats team will slip up.

Oregon is next in line, but a rash of defensive injuries and a pretty tough remaining schedule means they probably shouldn't book those tickets to Miami just yet.

Aside from the BCS Championship Game, the biggest change was for the Sugar Bowl, which is now looking at the possibility of having Alabama. The Rose Bowl also gets a change, as it's becoming apparent with Oregon State's loss last week that a second Pac-12 team probably won't be in the top 14 of the BCS standings, so the Rose Bowl will have to look elsewhere for an Oregon replacement, if the Ducks play in the BCS title game. The Rose Bowl has to be thrilled with the possibility of inviting Notre Dame, however.

There's still plenty of games to be played and this picture will change before it becomes official in a few weeks, but here's our bowl projections at the moment:

- - -
Got a tip for Dr. Saturday? Email us at dr.saturday@ymail.com . You can also connect with us via Twitter @YahooDrSaturday and be sure to "Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog.

More college football news from Yahoo! Sports: