I like USC, but that's because I think they are overrated. Alabama and Florida's D's are really good, and defense wins championships. My preference in playing order of the teams that have a shot:
1. Boise State - No Huddle doesn't scare me. Likes to line up and slap you in the mouth, then throw a few trick plays. Matches up well with Hawkeyes style of D.
2. LSU - Overrated. No offense, D on par with Arkansas/Tennessee.
3. TCU - Run the ball every play against Hawkeye D = loss.
4. USC - Freshman QB against best pass efficiency d in the nation. Disadvantage is that it is a home game for USC.
5. Florida - Contain the QB and stop the big play (bend but don't break)...get field goals on offense. Worked for Arkansas. Plus, Timmy likes to force passes. Could get a few turnovers.
6. Alabama - Thier D is sick. Hawks could stop the O, but really have to be a great at reading to know what D they are in. Plus Bulaga vs. their elephant they have on D-line could be embarrassing. First game I don't think the Hawks would win the best of 7 of.
7. Cincinnati - Huge playmakers on offense. D a little suspect, but when you put up 40 a game it doesn't matter. Can't be clock-managed out of the game. Next man in is their philosophy as well and they are deep at the skill positions. Pike and backup are accurate, backup is a running QB Tommy Frazier style. Matchups are bad for Hawk D, and Iowa simply doesn't score enough points to win this type of a game very often.
8. Texas - Accurate and patient QB picks apart the underneath stuff. D is good, (not great). Coach is an excellent game-planner who just doesn't lose bowl games. Teams that don't see Texas year in and year out have a difficult time beating them.
9. Oregon - the spread on steroids. This is another game where you've got to be able to put up points big time to win.
