I think CFN is trying to break the idea that they just pull names out of a hat to select bowl games. They now have NIU playing Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl and their disclaimer is that Virginia will be selected for the Champs sports bowl but have to decline it because of exams. Maybe they do some research there, either that or the webmaster is a Virginia alum and knows their exam dates.

Six MAC teams are now projected for bowls:

GMAC: Toledo vs. Memphis

Hawaii: Marshall vs. UAB

MPC: Northern Illinois vs Virginia

Motor City: Miami (Ohio) vs. Minn.

Silicon Valley: Akron vs. Fresno State

Music City: Bowling Green vs. Alabama

I did a little homework yesterday. Southwest has flights from Midway to Boise, I imagine I'll take a non-stop on Northwest from MSP to BOI.

If they are right, Toledo gets screwed. BG and us lucky on who we play. I do wonder though, why would they put BG vs Alabama instead of us? I would think the bowl reps would love to see a Alabama/NIU rematch. I think Bama fans would too.

Sports Illustrated shows 5 MAC teams going bowling. Since Northwestern lost, Minnesota must be trying for the Music City Bowl against Alabama.


Dec. 31 Music City Minnesota (Big Ten No. 6) vs. Alabama (SEC)

Dec. 29 Silicon Valley Fresno State (WAC) vs. Bowling Green (MAC)

Dec. 27 Motor City Miami of Ohio (MAC) vs. Connecticut (at-large*******)

Dec. 27 MPC Computers Northern Illinois (at-large*****) vs. Virginia (ACC)

Dec. 23 Fort Worth Cincinnati (C-USA) vs. Marshall (at-large******)

Dec. 22 GMAC Memphis (C-USA) vs. Toledo (MAC)

I'm pretty sure that the Music City Bowl gets a Big 10 choice before the Motor City Bowl, so Minny will go to Nashville and Detroit will have to use their backup plan of a Big East team - Syracuse, I would guess.

BG won't be in the Music City Bowl. But the gem right now might be the Independence Bowl - big payout, good opponent. Can you say Shreveport = gem?