Breaking: Penn State to the Capital One
It’s not official, yet, but the word making its way through the interwebs is that the Fiesta Bowl has chosen Iowa, and, as a result, Penn State will be heading to Orlando to take on the Tigers of Louisiana State.
The news was broken by David Jones, at the Patriot News, who indicated at 2:24 that “Penn State sources…believe Iowa is headed for the Fiesta Bowl.” Jones isn’t the only one who’s well connected, though, and the reports came trickling in from other media types. 
Sean Keeler at the Des Moines Register tweeted that BCS expert Jerry Palm told him that Iowa to the Fiesta was “a done deal.” BlackHeartGoldPants, the phenomenal Iowa-centric blog, is calling it too, and in all fairness, it’s probably the right thing for Iowa and its fans. Unlike some, I’m willing to admit that Iowa deserves a BCS bid more than Penn State does. They beat us head-to-head, and, with their starting quarterback healthy, didn’t lose a game all season. I’m not bitter one bit.
In fact, I’m actually pretty thrilled that Penn State will be heading to Orlando for a New Years’ Day showdown with LSU. First and foremost, I’ll actually be in Florida over the break with my family, so there’s no doubt I’m going. But secondly, a matchup with an SEC opponent, especially one who’s won 2 BCS championships this decade, is a lot more intriguing than one against–in all likelihood–a Boise State team that has been getting nothing but heat from college football fans and commentators. I’ve watched them play a bunch of times, and I haven’t been impressed. They’re a decent team, but what’s the upside of beating Boise State? But to take down an SEC opponent, one that’s been ranked in the top 10 for most of the year, now that’s an accomplishment. Plus, I have no doubt that we’d beat LSU, whereas Boise State might actually pose a bigger threat for Penn State, with its dynamic passing game and pages upon pages in the playbook full of tricks.
So, don’t cry for Penn State, Phoenix. We’ll have fun at Disney and beating LSU, while Iowa gets a no-win proposition against a team that doesn’t really impress anyone. Still, I’m more than a little surprised that the Fiesta Bowl chose merit over money, here. Sure, both teams would fill up the stadium, but you can’t argue that Iowa is a more nationally followed team than is Penn State. If you asked a general fan of college football whether he’d rather watch Iowa-Boise State or Boise State-PSU, I’m pretty sure he’d choose the latter. Still, I think they’d rather watch PSU-LSU than either game, and the Capital One Bowl will almost certainly be the marquee non-BCS game of the year.
On one last, non-BCS note: I am thrilled that Texas won last night, and especially in the fashion they did against Nebraska. Did they look like a national championship caliber team to you? So while they’re getting blown out by Alabama, and TCU is beating up on Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, the BCS will take even more heat. I think TCU’s the second best team in the country, but if Texas had lost–and TCU reached the championship game–then the BCS would be vindicated. Sorry, TCU, but you had to get screwed over, this time. It’s for the good of the sport.
Releated Posts:
- Daryll Clark leads Penn State to Capital One Bowl victory
- Regret Passing Up on Penn State Yet?
- Penn State rules the 2009-2010 Non-BCS Bowl Ratings
- Penn State keeps BCS dream alive with big win at Michigan State
- Kevin’s Final Top 25 ballot – Penn State #8
What a disappointment…
If this turns out to be true, I have to admit that I really can't be too bitter. I would love to see a Penn State LSU matchup. You're exactly right, what would beating Boise State really mean other than the fact they were undefeated. Even beating a one loss Florida would mean so muchmore. It's a lose lose situation esp if they end up losing. Good luck to all the Big Ten teams this bowl season.
“I’m willing to admit that Iowa deserves a BCS bid more than Penn State does.”
Thank you, Devon. This is true.
Charlie's “Forget head to head match ups. Penn State beat Northwestern, Iowa did not.” line was absolutely hilarious. I didn't know if the university was paying you guys just to type these things and hype up PSU in hopes of getting a BCS bid or what. I've never heard an argument as insane as that. Same overall record, same conference record, one team won the head-to-head matchup and somehow that is disregarded. Amazing!
I'm curious: “Plus, I have no doubt that we’d beat LSU.”
Like how sure? Over 50%? 75%? 99%?
If the line was PSU -7 or lower, I'd take PSU to cover. That sure. I can't put a percent on it.
OK, just trying to understand. I think it is a good match-up.
Being a degenerate gambler, I only think in terms of lines and odds. Now who do you guys draw in the [snicker] prestigious Meineke Car Care Bowl?
I believe it is down to North Carolina and Miami (Fla). They should announce it soon.
I'd like to see you guys play Miami. That would be a fun game.
Miami is ranked very near us–same record. We have them on our regular season schedule next year in September.
Did u somehow forget when missori beat Kansas head to head lost in the big 12 championship game and Kansas ended up in the Orange Bowl? You obviously also forgot that bowl games used to be determined with backroom deals. There is so much politics and extenuating circumstances with BCS matchups to think otherwise is just naive. But enjoy your meineke car bowl. Sure seems rewarding for one of the best seasons in recent years.
Sure, many of the bowl games are based on politics and not whether the team actually deserves (based on level of play and what they have accomplished during the regular season) to be there.
You can't associate the Kansas/Missouri situation with PSU/Iowa because Kansas and Missouri didn't finish with the same regular season record that year. Sure, if PSU is 10-2 and Iowa is 9-3 (and Iowa owns the head-to-head), then you might have a gripe (and have to look at other factors). Seems like you were really stretching it there.
Sure, many of the bowl games are based on politics and not whether the team actually deserves (based on level of play and what they have accomplished during the regular season) to be there.
You can't associate the Kansas/Missouri situation with PSU/Iowa because Kansas and Missouri didn't finish with the same regular season record that year. Sure, if PSU is 10-2 and Iowa is 9-3 (and Iowa owns the head-to-head), then you might have a gripe (and have to look at other factors). Seems like you were really stretching it there.
So we are all in on the Lions, right? I have seen the line at PSU -2 or -3. With it being that low, you must have no doubt about the outcome.
Looks like you would have had to sell the farm after going all in with PSU against LSU. I bet you were a little more nervous than you thought you would be. I was surprised you were that confident (overconfident) to begin with. I can't wait to see the Capital One bowl write up on here. LOL.