It’s redemption time for the SEC. Forget Arkansas’ early season non-conference losses, Ole Miss’ defeat at Memphis and South Carolina’s loss to The Citadel. Or the ACC’s 3-1 record in rivalry week.

The SEC is poised for a successful bowl season. Most of the matchups involving conference teams are favorable and Alabama is within two victories of a national championship.

Here’s a look at the SEC bowl matchups with projected winners:

Texas Bowl, December 29
LSU vs. Texas Tech
The Tigers’ Leonard Fournette should run roughshod over one of the worst defenses against the rush in the country. The only real question is how effective Texas Tech’s passing attack will be against the talented Tigers defense. Red Raiders QB Patrick Mahomes II threw for almost 4,300 yards and 32 touchdowns. But he threw 14 interceptions. DeAndre Washington added 1,455 yards rushing with 14 TDs. Expect the LSU defense to shut down the run, force a few mistakes in the passing game and win a high-scoring duel. Prediction: LSU 48, Texas Tech 31.

Birmingham Bowl, December 30
Auburn vs. Memphis
Neither team is happy to be in Birmingham. Memphis had dreams of a New Year’s Day Six game after knocking off Ole Miss. The loss of coach Justin Fuente was another blow. Memphis QB Paxson Lynch wants to impress the NFL scouts and his teammates would relish a second victory over an SEC team. Auburn might get a boost from playing in front of a big home-state crowd. Was Gus Malzahn able to make some improvement to the offense during bowl preparations? Prediction: Memphis 27, Auburn 24.

Belk Bowl, December 30
Mississippi State vs. N.C. State
The Bulldogs would seem to everything in their favor — from having the stronger team to incentive to avenge last year’s bowl setback and the desire to send Dak Prescott out with a victory. The only winning team the Wolfpack beat was FCS Eastern Kentucky, which went 6-5. No need to overanalyze this game. Prediction: Mississippi State 43, N.C. State 23.

Music City, December 30
Texas A&M vs. Louisville
No need for speculation on who will play quarterback for the Aggies — it’s Jake Hubenak. Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray are gone. Another favorable matchup for the SEC — the Cardinals won five out of their last six, but against weak competition. Quarterback was also a problem at Louisville. Lamar Jackson and Kyle Bolin combined for 17 TD passes with 14 interceptions. The Aggies have plenty of playmakers, from Myles Garrett on defense to Christian Kirk and Tra Carson on offense. Kirk’s also a good bet for a big play on kick returns. Prediction: Texas A&M 45, Louisville 27.

Cotton, December 31
Alabama vs. Michigan State
Perhaps the perfect matchup for the Crimson Tide — the Spartans don’t have much of a rushing attack. The Spartans play great defense. Quarterback Connor Cook is solid with 24 TDs and only 5 interceptions. The Tide should be able to thwart Michigan State’s attempts to run the ball and tee off on Cook.  The Spartans’ defense should keep the score down, but Derrick Henry should have a big day — he’ll carry a heavy workload. Prediction: Alabama 27, Michigan State 13.

Outback, January 1
Tennessee vs. Northwestern
The Volunteers draw a tough assignment. The Wildcats have a stingy defense. Their problem is offense — they were shut out in back-to-back losses to Michigan and Iowa. The Vols should be able to put points on the scoreboard with Joshua Dobbs running and passing and Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara churning up yards on the ground. Both teams are on five-game winning streaks against modest competition. The Vols have a little more offensive punch, but the Wildcats have an effective running game with Justin Jackson, who rushed for 1,344 yards with only four TDs. Prediction: Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17.

Citrus Bowl, January 1
Florida vs. Michigan
The Gators’ offensive problems are well known. The Wolverines haven’t run the ball effectively. Quarterback Jake Rudock has been solid, but unspectacular with 17 TDs and 9 interceptions. Michigan has a big edge in the passing game. Plus, the Wolverines won four straight before losing to Ohio State. The Gators have been in a funk with humbling close victories over Vanderbilt and Florida Atlantic before revealing losses to Florida State and Alabama. Prediction: Michigan 28, Florida 17.

Sugar Bowl, January 1
Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State
Which team is more excited to play? Ole Miss was on track for an SEC title and a possible College Football Playoff berth after beating Alabama. Oklahoma State had the inside track to the Big 12 title and a Playoff spot with an unbeaten record and its conference contenders coming to Stillwater in November. Still, the Sugar Bowl is a nice consolation prize. Will Ole Miss’ big three heading to the NFL — Robert Nkemdiche (questionable after a fall from a hotel window), Laquon Treadwell and Laremy Tunsil — be motivated to play? Can the Cowboys offense succeed without a running game against a tough Rebels defense? This should be an offensive duel between two great passing attacks. Prediction: Ole Miss 47, Oklahoma State 44.

TaxSlayer, January 2
Georgia vs. Penn State
The Bulldogs have an opportunity to audition for Kirby Smart. Though Georgia has struggled on offense, the Bulldogs should get untracked against the struggling Nittany Lions, who have lost three straight against tough foes. The Bulldogs have a strong running game with Sony Michel and a solid offensive line. Penn State RB Sequon Barkley ran for 1,007 yards. Christian Hackenberg was solid at quarterback, yet has never lived up to high expectations. The Bulldogs should be motivated to play. Prediction: Georgia 24, Penn State 16.

Liberty, January 2
Arkansas vs. Kansas State
This looks like a mismatch. Arkansas’ powerful running game with Alex Collins combined with Brandon Allen’s passing game should overwhelm the Wildcats. The biggest threat to the Razorbacks would be a last-minute retirement announcement by Kansas State coach and legend Bill Snyder that might whip the Wildcats into a frenzy. Otherwise, Kansas State doesn’t have the firepower to stay competitive against the Hogs, who have won five of their last six — losing only in overtime to Mississippi State. Prediction: Arkansas 34, Kansas State 14.