2012 bowl projections: West Virginia makes list despite decline

The bowl season is almost upon us, as the 2012 college football regular season only has a few weeks left.

It's been a turbulent ride for many, perhaps for the West Virginia Mountaineers more than any other.

Geno Smith and company looked like national title contenders early in the campaign, ripping off five straight wins to start the year. However, things have gone seriously south since, as they've dropped four consecutive contests and fell from the rankings.

Now, West Virginia is slated to play in the Meineke Car Care bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the Big Ten. The Mountaineers should feel lucky to play any bowl game at this point, considering their downward spinal.

Nationally, the BCS Championship Game is expected to be the Kansas State Wildcats and Oregon Ducks, while the Rose Bowl features the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

For a full look at Jason Kirk's projections, please click here.