The Upside to the Hawaii Bowl - It Could Be Against Boise St

[Metropolis777]

I posted this on the CUSA board and figured it was worth pointing out to y'all here. Good luck with everything and congratulations on the bowl eligibilty.

Something to ponder: In the event that Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma, the Cowboys will finish in the top 14 and eligible for a BCS at large bid. It is highly probable that the Fiesta would continue to honor their Big 12 relationship and select OK State to replace Texas. This would give the Big 12 two bids. With the SEC & Big Ten getting two bids and TCU getting a bid (as long as we survive the trap in Wyoming this week), there would be no room in the BCS for Boise.

This would leave Boise with the option of one of their 3 bowls - Humanitarian in Boise vs. at large (MWC won't fill the spot), New Mexico vs. MWC #5, Hawaii vs. CUSA #2. There also look to be some openings in possibly the Motor City or GMAC Bowl.

So, if SMU wins CUSA and wants to go to Hawaii, it very well could be against Boise pitting CUSA champ vs. WAC champ.

[Stallion]

I noted the same possibility but was shot down by that Hawaii poster. Note Boise still has to beat Nevada in Reno and I just don't think that's going to be a roll-over. I think Nevada is leading the nation in scoring or Total Offense(actually 2nd in Total Offense, 5th in Scoring Offense). The Hawaii poster said SMU would get Idaho but I don't agree. I haven't seen anything concrete but I bet Idaho goes to the Humanatarian and ESPN tries to work a deal to get Boise a prominent bowl game just like they did last year against TCU in that secondary San Diego Bowl. SMU would likely get Nevada or Fresno.

[EastStang]

That would certainly turn the game into a great match-up. Would Boise travel to Hawaii though, when they could stay home and ensure that the snow bowl would have solid attendance?

[Metropolis777]

The Humanitarian is almost certain to have an at large vs the WAC. The MWC signed a deal for that game for this year only. However, we look to have only 5 teams for our 6 bowls as long as we finish the job the next 2 weeks and finally get to the BCS. Obviously, the MWC could choose to fill the Humanitarian instead. But, that would screw over either the New Mexico or Armed Forces Bowl - both of which the MWC has long term commitments to.

It's likely that the MWC leaves the Humanitarian unfilled and the WAC will be forced to face an at large - most likely a 7+ win MAC or Sun Belt team. Unless it's an 11-2 MAC champ Central Michigan, a 13-0 Boise is not going to want to stay home in that game. Boise will want to travel.

If Boise doesn't make the BCS and SMU wins CUSA, it is likely that they will only have 2 quality options:

1. Hawaii vs. CUSA Champ SMU
2. GMAC Bowl vs. MAC Champ Central Michigan

Obviously, ESPN could get involved and broker some moves around since they own the Hawaii, New Mexico, and Armed Forces Bowls. But those are wild card variables at this point.

[mr. pony]

I posted this on the CUSA board and figured it was worth pointing out to y'all here. Good luck with everything and congratulations on the bowl eligibilty.

Something to ponder: In the event that Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma, the Cowboys will finish in the top 14 and eligible for a BCS at large bid. It is highly probable that the Fiesta would continue to honor their Big 12 relationship and select OK State to replace Texas. This would give the Big 12 two bids. With the SEC & Big Ten getting two bids and TCU getting a bid (as long as we survive the trap in Wyoming this week), there would be no room in the BCS for Boise.

This would leave Boise with the option of one of their 3 bowls - Humanitarian in Boise vs. at large (MWC won't fill the spot), New Mexico vs. MWC #5, Hawaii vs. CUSA #2. There also look to be some openings in possibly the Motor City or GMAC Bowl.

So, if SMU wins CUSA and wants to go to Hawaii, it very well could be against Boise pitting CUSA champ vs. WAC champ.

There goes the logic of, 'We're not ready to face an SEC team in Memphis....'