By Teddy Greenstein
Not to go all negative on a glorious college football Saturday, but Northwestern fans should know that some early (and mid-afternoon) games could influence where the Wildcats go bowling. And if all falls wrong, Northwestern still could end up in Detroit for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
So before heading out to Ryan Field to check out NU's 2:30 p.m. clash with Wisconsin, keep these rooting interests in mind.
Here's what you want:
* Ohio State to beat Michigan. That way, the Wolverines won't become bowl-eligible and have a shot to jump a seven-win Northwestern team.
* Iowa to beat Minnesota. That would keep the Gophers at six wins AND make it likely that Iowa gets a bid to a BCS bowl game. If that happens, the Wildcats could move up the bowl ladder.
* Penn State to beat Michigan State. To keep Sparty at six wins, one behind the Wildcats. Also good BCS bowl insurance if Iowa loses.
* Northwestern to hammer Wisconsin. A huge NU victory gives the Wildcats eight wins and a chance for the New Year's Day Outback Bowl. But be careful what you wish for: NU's opponent would likely be the loser of the LSU-Ole Miss game.
Northwestern can avoid the doomsday scenario -- the greasy pizza bowl -- if one of those four things happens.
The most likely landing spot for Northwestern remains Orlando, for the Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl.
I'll check back later from Ryan Field.
Not to go all negative on a glorious college football Saturday, but Northwestern fans should know that some early (and mid-afternoon) games could influence where the Wildcats go bowling. And if all falls wrong, Northwestern still could end up in Detroit for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
So before heading out to Ryan Field to check out NU's 2:30 p.m. clash with Wisconsin, keep these rooting interests in mind.
Here's what you want:
* Ohio State to beat Michigan. That way, the Wolverines won't become bowl-eligible and have a shot to jump a seven-win Northwestern team.
* Iowa to beat Minnesota. That would keep the Gophers at six wins AND make it likely that Iowa gets a bid to a BCS bowl game. If that happens, the Wildcats could move up the bowl ladder.
* Penn State to beat Michigan State. To keep Sparty at six wins, one behind the Wildcats. Also good BCS bowl insurance if Iowa loses.
* Northwestern to hammer Wisconsin. A huge NU victory gives the Wildcats eight wins and a chance for the New Year's Day Outback Bowl. But be careful what you wish for: NU's opponent would likely be the loser of the LSU-Ole Miss game.
Northwestern can avoid the doomsday scenario -- the greasy pizza bowl -- if one of those four things happens.
The most likely landing spot for Northwestern remains Orlando, for the Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl.
I'll check back later from Ryan Field.
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