Week 8 Bowl Projections For Louisville

Someone grow some nads and put us in the national championship game. Pretty sure you're not going to lose your job, and you'll probably get some additional page views.

ESPN (Schlabach): Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

ESPN (Edwards): Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

SB Nation: Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

The Orange is up next, and would have its choice of Louisville, Northern Illinois (if the Huskies go unbeaten, they're back, since they're likely already within striking distance of that No. 12 BCS spot they'll need*), or another at-large. The Cardinals will boast potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick Teddy Bridgewater and a decent fanbase, plus the Orange (which will essentially be owned by the ACC moving forward) could showcase two 2014 ACC teams. Since it won't likely go for a rematch game, and only two teams per conference can make the BCS, there aren't many other options unless a Big Ten team like Wisconsin or Michigan State runs the table or someone like Oklahoma can reach 10 or 11 wins.

* Also, I have fellow undefeated mid-major Fresno State losing at Wyoming.

Which means the Sugar's either getting Louisville or an at-large. In addition to those potential at-large teams mentioned above, Clemson has virtually already locked up at least 10 wins. Close losses to Florida State and South Carolina would still mean a successful season. The Tigers are the best bet. And last year's LSU-Clemson Chick-fil-A Bowl was awesome.

CBS: Sugar Bowl vs. South Carolina

USA Today: Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

College Football News: Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

Projected Matchup: Florida State vs. Louisville

Top Three Other Options: 1) Clemson, 2) Virginia Tech, 3) Miami 

Why? Barring a major upset, which almost happened in the Clemson-Boston College game, the Florida State-Clemson winner will end up which almost happened in the Clemson-Boston College game, the Florida State-Clemson winner will end up here to face a Louisville team that all but ended the AAC race with a win over Rutgers.

Orlando Sentinel: Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

Sporting News: Orange Bowl vs. Florida State

NFL.com: Fiesta Bowl vs. Baylor

Note: The Big 12 champ is contractually obligated to the Fiesta if it is not in the national title game. This season, the Fiesta gets the last pick among the at-large teams; hence, the AAC champ (Louisville) being picked to go here. Louisville went to the Sugar Bowl last season. Baylor is our pick to win the Big 12, which might be the most wide open of any league race. Baylor hasn't been in a "major" bowl since the Cotton Bowl following the 1980 season; the Bears have made just four major bowl appearances in their history.

Athlon: Orange Bowl vs. Clemson