Waiting for the Invitation

While it's possible (probable?) that the bowl invitation won't be extended until this time next week, I think we can pretty well triangulate where we're heading for the holidays.

Starting at the top:

Orange Bowl
This bid goes to the ACC champs, which ain't us.  VT or Clemson, probably VT.  Probable matchup: Louisville.

BCS At-Large
I list this here because I suppose it's possible the turkeys could lose in Charlotte and still get a BCS invitation.  It's an extreme outside shot, though.  If it happens, it slides all the rest of the teams up a tier.

Chick-fil-A Bowl
The loser of VT/Clemson.  Probably Clemson.  Not UVA.  (Note: The loser of the ACC championship game can slide no further than the Sun Bowl.)  Probable matchup: Auburn.

Champs Sports Bowl
Florida State.  Book it.  The Seminoles haven't played in Orlando since 2008.  This is a slam dunk for FSU and for the bowl game itself.  Probable matchup: Notre Dame.

Sun Bowl
Apparently, the Sun Bowl has tweeted that they will take Georgia Tech if the Yellow Jackets are available at this pick.  Fantastic.  Enjoy El Paso, Wreck fans.  Then again, if they know nobody will travel to attend this game, might the other ACC bowls sweeten the pot to have the Sun take the worst-traveling ACC option at this selection?  That would be Wake Forest, who barely nudges us out.  Probable matchup: California.

Belk Bowl
They have to choose between what's left from Virginia, Wake, and NC State.  I'm guessing they go with State, to draw the big local audience.  Wake would also be a decent option in this regard, but the Deacs don't have nearly the traveling fanbase of the Wolfpack.  Probable matchup: Rutgers.

Music City Bowl
UVA or Wake?  It sounds like this game has a laser-lock on hometown Vanderbilt for the game, a team that Wake Forest just played.  So guess what?  The Hoos are heading to Nashville to face what is essentially a home game for an SEC team.  I like the challenge and I like the matchup, and I love Nashvegas.  Probable matchup: Vanderbilt.

Independence Bowl
This game is officially the furthest we can slide.  I hope we don't slide here.  Sorry Wake.  Probable matchup: Wyoming.

Military Bowl
This is North Carolina's bowl game, due to their 3-5 conference record.  Probable matchup: Air Force.


Virginia's Bowl Game Odds:
Sun -- 15%
Belk -- 20%
Music City -- 50%
Independence -- 20%