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Gator Bowl Preview

Virginia ranked third in the ACC in scoring defense, allowing just under 19 points per game. It's unlikely it will hold its opponent in the Gator Bowl to that low a total.

The Cavaliers and top defensive end Chris Long will try to contain the spread offense of Texas Tech on New Year's Day when the schools play for the first time.

Sun Bowl Preview

Oregon and South Florida both had their sights set on a national championship this season, but the stakes won't be nearly that high when they square off in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Dec. 31.

Both teams reached No. 2 in the rankings, but Oregon has since dropped out of the Top 25 while South Florida fell to 23rd. The Ducks (8-4) and the Bulls (9-3) were two of six No. 2 teams to lose in a topsy-turvy college football season.

Championship Preview

Last year, there was little doubt Ohio State belonged in the BCS title game - even after the Buckeyes were stunningly routed by Florida, the team whose selection was hotly debated leading up to the contest.

Ohio State is back in the championship game this season, and the Buckeyes hardly care that some feel they're only making the repeat trip due to luck.

Hungry to avenge last season's lopsided loss, No. 1 Ohio State (11-1) takes on second-ranked LSU (11-2) on Jan. 7 at the Louisiana Superdome, a championship matchup fitting in a season of stunning upsets and the lack of a clearly dominant team.

Emerald Bowl Preview

For the second consecutive season, Oregon State lost its first two conference games to fall under .500 through five contests.

And just like in 2006, the Beavers finished the regular season with just four losses and a bowl invitation.

Capping another strong turnaround with an Emerald Bowl win on Dec. 28 might not come easily, however, as the Beavers head to San Francisco's AT&T Park to meet Maryland, which has earned a reputation for stepping up in big games.

Texas Bowl Preview

Houston will play in its fourth bowl game in five seasons Dec. 28, but its first without the man responsible for making that run possible.

The Cougars will face a TCU team that needed to win its final two games to extend its impressive run of postseason appearances when the schools meet in the Texas Bowl.