Penn State will likely be in the Capital One Bowl, facing LSU Mississippi. And they will get slaughtered.

Apparently lacydog spent the weekend watching Twilight instead of football.

PSU will probably be the Outback Bowl, as PSU is the #3 Big 10 team behind OSU and Iowa. And with two mediocre interconference teams playing, I would hardly predict either team to "slaughter" the other.

Maybe I am just dreaming here, but I think PSU will play in the Orange Bowl against Pitt.

colin-: Apparently lacydog spent the weekend watching Twilight instead of football.

PSU will probably be the Outback Bowl, as PSU is the #3 Big 10 team behind OSU and Iowa. And with two mediocre interconference teams playing, I would hardly predict either team to "slaughter" the other.

All depends on who the at-larges are for the BCS. Remember, there are technically four of them, so assuming it's Alabama and at least one between TCU & BSU, there's a good shot we're looking at Iowa, maaaybe whoever loses between Cincy and Pitt too, assuming both do the same thing next week.

Point being, projecting them to move up a spot from Outback to Cap One is not too far-fetched, considering that any of the twelve teams above them drop, especially Pitt, TCU or BSU. As far as I can see it, the biggest obstacles to Penn State playing in Orlando are Nebraska and Clemson, because either of them will shoot Iowa out of the mix if they win their conference championships.

A bowl game for PSU might mean going up against a ranked opponent instead of Southwest Michigan Agricultural Junior College. The money spends the same though.

My guess is that if PSU actually gets a bid to a BCS bowl, or even the Cap One Bowl, they get plastered. They're just not that good. The only two teams they played that were any good beat them soundly... in Beaver Stadium. I just don't see them winning against a 2nd or 3rd place team in pretty much any other major conference.

/alum
//at least they're trying to get some good OOC down the road. Like Bama coming up
///Bring back Pitt
////EVERY team would lose to slashies

Meatschool: ///Bring back Pitt

THIS. It's Penn State's own fault for wanting too much money to play an in-state rivalry that they had for a billion friggin' years. Everyone wants it, just farking give it to them, Joe Pa.

FriarReb98: Meatschool: ///Bring back Pitt

THIS. It's Penn State's own fault for wanting too much money to play an in-state rivalry that they had for a billion friggin' years. Everyone wants it, just farking give it to them, Joe Pa.

I just find it hard to believe they make more money playing coastal carolina than by playing Pitt. I think we should just start boycotting all DII schools and non BCS conference games(except notre dame). If it really is about the money then we should see the results we want.

spacechicken170am: FriarReb98: Meatschool: ///Bring back Pitt

THIS. It's Penn State's own fault for wanting too much money to play an in-state rivalry that they had for a billion friggin' years. Everyone wants it, just farking give it to them, Joe Pa.

I just find it hard to believe they make more money playing coastal carolina than by playing Pitt. I think we should just start boycotting all DII schools and non BCS conference games(except notre dame). If it really is about the money then we should see the results we want.

They don't want to give up a home gam to travel to Pitt. That would be a loss of revenue.

Hillbilly Jim: spacechicken170am: FriarReb98: Meatschool: ///Bring back Pitt

THIS. It's Penn State's own fault for wanting too much money to play an in-state rivalry that they had for a billion friggin' years. Everyone wants it, just farking give it to them, Joe Pa.

I just find it hard to believe they make more money playing coastal carolina than by playing Pitt. I think we should just start boycotting all DII schools and non BCS conference games(except notre dame). If it really is about the money then we should see the results we want.

They don't want to give up a home gam to travel to Pitt. That would be a loss of revenue.

I think that giving up that 1 road game but taking revenue from a home game against Pitt is better than revenue from 2 home games against Coastal Carolinas. Are they really making money off these crappy teams?

Penn State's biggest problem may be that ESPN seems to be actively campaigning for Oklahoma State to get one of the at large slots.

Not that I really have a problem with that.

/Go Pokes.

I know it will never happen because of the way these bowls are set up - but I would LOVE to see Penn State v Virginia Tech in a bowl game this year.

Penn State will not get a BCS bowl berth because they did not defeat Ohio State, Iowa lost to Ohio State and Northwestern, and Ohio State defeated both Penn State and Iowa.

So please Joe Pa; don't mind us, we're going to the Rose Bowl.

Funk Brothers: Penn State will not get a BCS bowl berth because they did not defeat Ohio State, Iowa lost to Ohio State and Northwestern, and Ohio State defeated both Penn State and Iowa.

So please Joe Pa; don't mind us, we're going to the Rose Bowl.

What the fark does any of that have to do with anything? As long as a team has 3 or less losses ranked in the top 14 they can be selected as an at large team.

Funk Brothers: Penn State will not get a BCS bowl berth because they did not defeat Ohio State, Iowa lost to Ohio State and Northwestern, and Ohio State defeated both Penn State and Iowa.

So please Joe Pa; don't mind us, we're going to the Rose Bowl.

He very well could get a BCS bid. It's down to PSU, Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech. You could argue that PSU should go instead of Iowa because Iowa lost their QB and isn't nearly as good as they were when they beat PSU. Personally, I think I'd go with Oklahoma state but PSU defintely has a chance. If they go for the team that will make the most money then I PSU gets it. I guess you just wanted to do a little ocryo state suckeye chest pounding while you can so enjoy it. We'll be here to mock you endlessly after you lose another bowl game.

spacechicken170am: Funk Brothers: Penn State will not get a BCS bowl berth because they did not defeat Ohio State, Iowa lost to Ohio State and Northwestern, and Ohio State defeated both Penn State and Iowa.

So please Joe Pa; don't mind us, we're going to the Rose Bowl.

He very well could get a BCS bid. It's down to PSU, Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech. You could argue that PSU should go instead of Iowa because Iowa lost their QB and isn't nearly as good as they were when they beat PSU. Personally, I think I'd go with Oklahoma state but PSU defintely has a chance. If they go for the team that will make the most money then I PSU gets it. I guess you just wanted to do a little ocryo state suckeye chest pounding while you can so enjoy it. We'll be here to mock you endlessly after you lose another bowl game.

Penn St is the perfect hedge against choosing Pitt in a BCS bowl game. It's guaranteed to fill up the stadium.Even if it's 70% PSU.

Ewwwwwww naked old guy image

/steps off his lawn
JC

Oklahoma State can blow me.

PSU is getting the at large bid. The #1 concern for every BCS bowl is making money. PSU has by far the best following of all the teams being considered, and they will be a guaranteed sell out for whichever bowl takes them.

GOB: I know it will never happen because of the way these bowls are set up - but I would LOVE to see Penn State v Virginia Tech in a bowl game this year.

I'd love to see a game that will never happen too. JoePa knows better, even though Tech has been spotty this year.

SigmaAlgebra: PSU is getting the at large bid. The #1 concern for every BCS bowl is making money. PSU has by far the best following of all the teams being considered, and they will be a guaranteed sell out for whichever bowl takes them.

You have a good point. I don't think we deserve it this year because of the Ohio State meltdown (the rain-sotted Iowa loss was just bizarro and not indicative of their strength), but really I just want us to be in a competitive match-up, and win of course.

Also: the article is Farked. LAME

SigmaAlgebra: PSU is getting the at large bid. The #1 concern for every BCS bowl is making money. PSU has by far the best following of all the teams being considered, and they will be a guaranteed sell out for whichever bowl takes them.

^ THIS ^

spacechicken170am: I think that giving up that 1 road game but taking revenue from a home game against Pitt is better than revenue from 2 home games against Coastal Carolinas. Are they really making money off these crappy teams?

Yes. You need to remember that over 100,000 people come to the town for the game. People that don't even have tickets come just to tailgate and then flood the downtown bars to watch.

Tickets to games are ~$20/gm (face value), but parking can range from $20 (flower garden fields) -> $5000 (Gold Parking next to the stadium). That's 50,000+ paying $20 - $5000 just for the privilege to tailgate. Add that to the gate, the concessions, the added merchandise sales (both at the stadium and down town) and yeah, playing Directional Carolina/Michigan/Illinois at home nets them a LOT more money than Pitt on the road.

There's more than just football at stake here. Football pays for ALL of the other NCAA sports on campus. If you want PSU to play the Pitts, the Alabamas, the Oregons every year, then say good bye to the fencing, gymnastics, men's soccer, etc. Otherwise, deal with the Temples, Syracuses, Akrons, Toledos, and Sister Mary of the Sacred Blood's School for the Deaf and Blind.

abmoraz: spacechicken170am: I think that giving up that 1 road game but taking revenue from a home game against Pitt is better than revenue from 2 home games against Coastal Carolinas. Are they really making money off these crappy teams?

Yes. You need to remember that over 100,000 people come to the town for the game. People that don't even have tickets come just to tailgate and then flood the downtown bars to watch.

Tickets to games are ~$20/gm (face value), but parking can range from $20 (flower garden fields) -> $5000 (Gold Parking next to the stadium). That's 50,000+ paying $20 - $5000 just for the privilege to tailgate. Add that to the gate, the concessions, the added merchandise sales (both at the stadium and down town) and yeah, playing Directional Carolina/Michigan/Illinois at home nets them a LOT more money than Pitt on the road.

There's more than just football at stake here. Football pays for ALL of the other NCAA sports on campus. If you want PSU to play the Pitts, the Alabamas, the Oregons every year, then say good bye to the fencing, gymnastics, men's soccer, etc. Otherwise, deal with the Temples, Syracuses, Akrons, Toledos, and Sister Mary of the Sacred Blood's School for the Deaf and Blind.

Did you say Toledo?



24-6 Toledo, September 2, 2000.

PSU shouldn't get anywhere near a BCS bowl this year. They are not very good at all.

That said they'll likely get in on name value.

KiwDaWabbit: Oklahoma State can blow me.

Wow, such an ironclad argument. Can't argue with that.

I'm glad that we've come far enough in the last 10 years to be relevant enough to be hated. Hate on, bro.

/OU fan, perchance?
//Nice home winning streak they've got going, would be a shame if something happened to it...

abmoraz: There's more than just football at stake here. Football pays for ALL of the other NCAA sports on campus. If you want PSU to play the Pitts, the Alabamas, the Oregons every year, then say good bye to the fencing, gymnastics, men's soccer, etc. Otherwise, deal with the Temples, Syracuses, Akrons, Toledos, and Sister Mary of the Sacred Blood's School for the Deaf and Blind.

I don't understand the argument. Are you saying that they'd rather play games that many don't show up to watch than play decent ranked teams that will bring a crowd with them plus bring out the home supporters?

Schrodinger's Casserole: PSU shouldn't get anywhere near a BCS bowl this year. They are not very good at all.

That said they'll likely get in on name value.

"Name value"? Count us in.
Signed
Coach Weis

GoodyearPimp: I don't understand the argument. Are you saying that they'd rather play games that many don't show up to watch than play decent ranked teams that will bring a crowd with them plus bring out the home supporters?

Home games in Happy Valley sell out every time... 100,000 plus seats. The trade-off to improving our strength of schedule out of conference is that good teams want home-field reciprocity. That would mean every other year we go on the road to play, say, Oregon which removes a huge-dollar home game from the program and adds a phenomenal expense that is flying the football team and organization, ground transport, lodging, meals... you know the drill.

Now, as a fan I'd be happy to see us NEVER play another FCS team, and if we could avoid scheduling a known, dogsh*t FBS opponent I'd be happy with that as well... Indiana notwithstanding as they are in-conference.

GoodyearPimp: abmoraz: There's more than just football at stake here. Football pays for ALL of the other NCAA sports on campus. If you want PSU to play the Pitts, the Alabamas, the Oregons every year, then say good bye to the fencing, gymnastics, men's soccer, etc. Otherwise, deal with the Temples, Syracuses, Akrons, Toledos, and Sister Mary of the Sacred Blood's School for the Deaf and Blind.

I don't understand the argument. Are you saying that they'd rather play games that many don't show up to watch than play decent ranked teams that will bring a crowd with them plus bring out the home supporters?

You realize that these 'games that many don't show up to watch" generally have an attendance of over 100k people. They know they'll get 100k no matter who they play so why play teams that like Pitt who want a 1 & 1 (and will require PSU fans to buy a ticket to that game plus one to 2 other shiatty games).

\\PSU Alum
\\We Are!

factoryconnection: Home games in Happy Valley sell out every time... 100,000 plus seats.

The stadium generally looks pretty empty (as it does for most FBS teams playing patsies at home).

Zeppelinster: so why play teams that like Pitt who want a 1 & 1

Because it would make their schedule stronger and give them a more legit chip in the BCS? Apparently JoePa is happy to collect checks and do the minimum these days.

abmoraz:
Tickets to games are ~$20/gm (face value)

Where are you getting your tickets? Tickets are usually $55 to $65. Students are paying like $30 now I think. But the rest of your point is correct. A sell out crowd vs. Coastal Carolina makes PSU just as much money as getting Pitt to drive over.

GoodyearPimp: factoryconnection: Home games in Happy Valley sell out every time... 100,000 plus seats.

The stadium generally looks pretty empty (as it does for most FBS teams playing patsies at home).

Zeppelinster: so why play teams that like Pitt who want a 1 & 1

Because it would make their schedule stronger and give them a more legit chip in the BCS? Apparently JoePa is happy to collect checks and do the minimum these days.

According to the PSU athletics website, the attendance for Akron was 104,968 and the attendance for Eastern Illinois was 104,488 this year. For Coastal Carolina last year, the attendance was 106,577. I don't know where you got the idea that the stadium was half full. Maybe not everyone who had tickets showed up, but they bought tickets, and that is what matters.

As far as a more legit chip in the BCS, have you taken a look at Florida's or Texas' OOC schedule? Like those schools, PSU is a name brand in college football, so they don't need to play a tough OOC schedule. They will go to a BCS bowl this year over more deserving teams because they are a big draw. Why risk more losses and a big payday by scheduling tough OOC games?

So tired of, what might be the worst BCS conference, getting two teams into the BCS.

It must be nice to have such a high number of voters from your conference.

There isn't a Big 10 team that belongs in the top 20.

None would have finished as high as 2nd in the SEC or Pac 10...maybe even not as high as third.

spacechicken170am: You could argue that PSU should go instead of Iowa because Iowa lost their QB and isn't nearly as good as they were when they beat PSU.

Didn't Iowa lose to tOSU on the road IN OVERTIME with their back up QB? So why would that have anything to do with it?

Nate57Dawg: Penn State's biggest problem may be that ESPN seems to be actively campaigning for Oklahoma State to get one of the at large slotsthey have 0 quality victories.

FTFY. Northwestern and Temple would be their best victories. I had to look up whether or not Temple was FBS or FCS.

/Embarrassing
//At least OK State played UGA

I know it is not based on the best teams etc, but if Penn State beats out Iowa, let alone BSU and TCU (assuming they both remain undefeated), this will be BS

Iowa beat Penn State and AZ

srhp29: So tired of, what might be the worst BCS conference, getting two teams into the BCS.

It must be nice to have such a high number of voters from your conference.

There isn't a Big 10 team that belongs in the top 20.

None would have finished as high as 2nd in the SEC or Pac 10...maybe even not as high as third.

So the conference with the #1 and #2 team in the country (SEC) and you are saying that tOSU would not be first or second in that conference....big leap.

It would be ratings bonanza for these smaller schools to play as there is a huge buzz and demand for them

Nate57Dawg: KiwDaWabbit: Oklahoma State can blow me.

Wow, such an ironclad argument. Can't argue with that.

I'm glad that we've come far enough in the last 10 years to be relevant enough to be hated. Hate on, bro.

/OU fan, perchance?
//Nice home winning streak they've got going, would be a shame if something happened to it...

Nah, it was actually kind of random. Maybe it would feel good (I mean for Oklahoma State to blow me).

My actual thoughts go something like:

Oklahoma State shouldn't be in a BCS game. It's nice to see that they've had some success, but I don't think that they're quite BCS material this year. The exact same goes for Iowa (I'm an Iowa fan). I think that both the Big Ten and Big XII are one-bid conferences this year, even though the math probably isn't going to work out that way (i.e., at least one team will get a bid they probably don't quite deserve). LSU shouldn't be in a BCS game for that matter (even though I don't think they can be).

Man, I'm hoping PSU doesn't get a BCS birth. I think we'd be outmatched this year. We got ripped by both Iowa and OSU at home, for cryin' out loud. I'd rather we win a lesser bowl than get blown out in a better bowl.

colin-: Apparently lacydog spent the weekend watching Twilight instead of football.

PSU will probably be the Outback Bowl, as PSU is the #3 Big 10 team behind OSU and Iowa. And with two mediocre interconference teams playing, I would hardly predict either team to "slaughter" the other.

I was assuming Iowa gets into a BCS game, likely the Fiesta Bowl (as stated above). I don't see why they wouldn't. 6 BCS champs + Alabama + 2 undefeated non-BCS teams + Iowa. Unless you think Oklahoma State or Pitt deserves the nod. I think people will largely excuse Iowa's losses on their lack of Stanzi (and it was still a good game against OSU). Last I checked, Iowa was still saying Stanzi could still make the bowl game. I think that makes them a more attractive option than either Ok State or Pitt.

Though, as someone noted, they're the first to get bumped out if Nebraska beats Texas or Clemson beats GA Tech.

KiwDaWabbit: Oklahoma State shouldn't be in a BCS game. It's nice to see that they've had some success, but I don't think that they're quite BCS material this year. The exact same goes for Iowa (I'm an Iowa fan). I think that both the Big Ten and Big XII are one-bid conferences this year, even though the math probably isn't going to work out that way (i.e., at least one team will get a bid they probably don't quite deserve). LSU shouldn't be in a BCS game for that matter (even though I don't think they can be).

Ah, no problem then. I can understand this argument, certainly the Big 12 was slightly below standard this year (and "slightly below standard" may mean "god-awful, especially the North"). A quick glance through Iowa's schedule looks pretty similar to OSU actually, both have a decent non-conference win (Iowa vs. Arizona, OSU vs. UGA), a loss to a BCS team in conference, and both have lost a game they shouldn't have. Boise is probably more deserving than either, but I have a tough time seeing two non-Big Six teams getting invited. How does Iowa usually travel? I could see the Fiesta Bowl taking OSU with everything else being equal just because we're closer and might get more people to make the trip.

devilsnight: Man, I'm hoping PSU doesn't get a BCS birth. I think we'd be outmatched this year. We got ripped by both Iowa and OSU at home, for cryin' out loud. I'd rather we win a lesser bowl than get blown out in a better bowl.

I hope, for the sake of the team and the Blue Band, that we get the Outback Bowl... my buddies in the Blue Band told me that the feast that Outback lays out for everyone is of imperial Roman proportions. Plus, when all the red dye from the giant "Outback" at mid-field gets all over the uniforms, the players look as if they're drenched in blood!

lacydog: colin-: Apparently lacydog spent the weekend watching Twilight instead of football.

PSU will probably be the Outback Bowl, as PSU is the #3 Big 10 team behind OSU and Iowa. And with two mediocre interconference teams playing, I would hardly predict either team to "slaughter" the other.

I was assuming Iowa gets into a BCS game, likely the Fiesta Bowl (as stated above). I don't see why they wouldn't. 6 BCS champs + Alabama + 2 undefeated non-BCS teams + Iowa. Unless you think Oklahoma State or Pitt deserves the nod. I think people will largely excuse Iowa's losses on their lack of Stanzi (and it was still a good game against OSU). Last I checked, Iowa was still saying Stanzi could still make the bowl game. I think that makes them a more attractive option than either Ok State or Pitt.

Though, as someone noted, they're the first to get bumped out if Nebraska beats Texas or Clemson beats GA Tech.

No, the Big Ten is down, moreso than usual this year. We saw what happened last year. tOS got in a BCS bowl, damn near won, but every other B10 school was in 1 bowl game too good for them and the conference didn't fare well. IOWA did beat Arizona, but Pitt had a weak schedule outside conf schedule too. It seems tha tno one really wants it and with the Big 12 championship game, Nebraska may get it over Okie STate. Geez, no one deserves it.

Nate57Dawg: Ah, no problem then. I can understand this argument, certainly the Big 12 was slightly below standard this year (and "slightly below standard" may mean "god-awful, especially the North"). A quick glance through Iowa's schedule looks pretty similar to OSU actually, both have a decent non-conference win (Iowa vs. Arizona, OSU vs. UGA), a loss to a BCS team in conference, and both have lost a game they shouldn't have. Boise is probably more deserving than either, but I have a tough time seeing two non-Big Six teams getting invited. How does Iowa usually travel? I could see the Fiesta Bowl taking OSU with everything else being equal just because we're closer and might get more people to make the trip.

Oh, I think one of the two teams will get in (between Iowa and OSU) unless there are any upsets in the conference championships. There will be three at-large spots left if TCU wins at home against New Mexico this week. One is all but guaranteed to the loser of the Florida-Alabama game unless one of them happens to lose out. If we bet against that, this gives us two spots. I personally think the loser of the Cincinatti-Pittsburgh is out, so I'd say that the possibilities are Boise State, Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Penn State. The analysts seem to collectively say that the Fiesta will take Boise State and Penn State or Iowa. It sounds as if Boise State is viewed as in the mix unless they lose. Nevada, New Mexico, and New Mexico State are collectively Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Penn State's best friends right now.

Oklahoma State and Penn State are about even based on performance, but they're both a little better than Iowa (at this stage, I understand that Iowa beat Penn State in Happy Valley). To answer your question, Iowa fans do travel really well. So, who's that tenth team going to be? I'm probably the wrong person to ask, because I'm just not sold that there are actually ten great college football teams this year. It has just been a down year in my view. The records don't necessarily reflect that, though. It looks like, the way things are now projected, that there will be three teams with two losses and the rest will have either none or one. That's pretty good from a record standpoint when you're going ten teams deep if that holds out, especially considering that there was a year when a two-loss team was in the freakin' championship game.

So, to address the initial question, I would still have to stick with "nobody" as an answer for who deserves to get in between Oklahoma State and Penn State. But, if I really must answer, I'd say it's a coin toss, but I'd lean a little toward Oklahoma State because I'm looking at their potential opponent in Boise State and think that's probably a better match up. Plus, there's a little homerism in there as well, I guess, because I absolutely don't want to see a Big Ten team get beat by a WAC team in a BCS bowl. The Big Ten has been subject to enough derision and this will just be another thing that people will ride them about.

SigmaAlgebra: PSU is getting the at large bid. The #1 concern for every BCS bowl is making money. PSU has by far the best following of all the teams being considered, and they will be a guaranteed sell out for whichever bowl takes them.
Two things:
1. The 50,000 Iowa fans who attended the Orange Bowl in 2003.
2. PSU's head to head loss to Iowa.
-have to question your logic.

Two more things:
1. Iowa's QB (Stanzi) will likely be back for the bowl game.
2. PSU got slaughtered by OSU. Iowa took them to the wire WITH A FRESHMAN QB IN HIS FIRST START, WHICH WAS AT THE SHOE.

Just FYI.

Furinkazan: SigmaAlgebra: PSU is getting the at large bid. The #1 concern for every BCS bowl is making money. PSU has by far the best following of all the teams being considered, and they will be a guaranteed sell out for whichever bowl takes them.
Two things:
1. The 50,000 Iowa fans who attended the Orange Bowl in 2003.
2. PSU's head to head loss to Iowa.
-have to question your logic.

Two more things:
1. Iowa's QB (Stanzi) will likely be back for the bowl game.
2. PSU got slaughtered by OSU. Iowa took them to the wire WITH A FRESHMAN QB IN HIS FIRST START, WHICH WAS AT THE SHOE.

Just FYI.

tOSU also helped IOWA as much as they could with botched interceptions, 2 on the game tying drive. That being said, Iowa beat PSU and had a tougher schedule. Screw it, just let Navy in the BCS. I don't think a Big 10 team should getthat last spot, but definitely not PSU.

From a competitive point of view:
I don't think PSU should be in a BCS game. There are too many better teams. Iowa beat them head-2-head. PSU has no quality wins.

From a financial point of view:
PSU is in the top 5 of fans that travel and TV ratings. If you want to make money on a bowl game, they're your team.

To Iowa, Boise St., TCU, OSU, Nebraska, and whatever other teams who are obviously better than PSU but will probably not make the bigger bowls because PSU is sush a financial powerhouse: we're sorry.

Football is entertainment. It's about who puts on the better show that people want to see. Some of the best bands I've ever seen have been in crappy dive bars playing to a crowd of 50 people. No matter how good those bands are, It's unlikely that they are going to headline a tour like Ozfest, HOARDE, or Lollapalooza because the people who sponsor those tours want to make money. The same holds true for BCS games. Until these other teams start to get the number of eyes following their programs that PSU, tOSU, Florida, TX, Notre Dame, USC have watching theirs, they are almost always going to be passed over for the at large bids.

I'm not saying that it's right. I'm just saying that "that's the way it is." The BCS isn't about crowning a champion. it's about making money (and that's a crying shame).

/Full disclosure: PSU alum and still live in Happy Valley

PSU should get in and get slapped around by Boise State. Then TCU can beat up Pitt.

abmoraz: From a competitive point of view:
I don't think PSU should be in a BCS game. There are too many better teams. Iowa beat them head-2-head. PSU has no quality wins.

From a financial point of view:
PSU is in the top 5 of fans that travel and TV ratings. If you want to make money on a bowl game, they're your team.

To Iowa, Boise St., TCU, OSU, Nebraska, and whatever other teams who are obviously better than PSU but will probably not make the bigger bowls because PSU is sush a financial powerhouse: we're sorry.

Football is entertainment. It's about who puts on the better show that people want to see. Some of the best bands I've ever seen have been in crappy dive bars playing to a crowd of 50 people. No matter how good those bands are, It's unlikely that they are going to headline a tour like Ozfest, HOARDE, or Lollapalooza because the people who sponsor those tours want to make money. The same holds true for BCS games. Until these other teams start to get the number of eyes following their programs that PSU, tOSU, Florida, TX, Notre Dame, USC have watching theirs, they are almost always going to be passed over for the at large bids.

I'm not saying that it's right. I'm just saying that "that's the way it is." The BCS isn't about crowning a champion. it's about making money (and that's a crying shame).

/Full disclosure: PSU alum and still live in Happy Valley

I wouldn't count out the Iowa fanbase. We've proven time and again to be good travelers...what Iowan wouldn't want to go south for a short vacation in late December/early January? Iowa will bring the bucks just as well as PSU.

I can see all bets being off if JoePa announces his retirement-(which, by the way, would be a dishonest way (IMO) to get PSU to the BCS). Barring that, if "the system" has an ounce of respectability left, Iowa should get the BCS nod.