Bob McCarty Writes

Though many in the Southeast Conference expected it to go the other way, it was the Utah Utes who rolled to a 31-17 victory over Alabama Friday night in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Jumping out to an early 21-0 lead and never looking back, the Mountain West champions ended their season undefeated, 13-0, and raising my bowl season predictions record to 5-3.  Though I had predicted a 42-27 outcomes, I’ll take the win in either case.

Only two games remain on my schedule:

#3 Texas vs. #10 Ohio State, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.
Monday at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.
My Prediction: Texas wins, 56-21.

and

#1 Oklahoma vs. #2 Florida, FedEx BCS Championship in Miami.
Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. EDT, also on Fox.
My prediction:  Oklahoma wins, 42-30.

Should both Big 12 teams win, as I predict they will, the nation’s strongest conference will end the bowl season with a 5-2 mark.

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UPDATED — See also:

With Big Game Only Hours Away, Former Oklahoma QB Reflects on College Football Bowl Season (1/08/09)