Orange Bowl

[thwgjacket]

Are we in? I would think we are since we lost to FSU by 2 points with Winston and Clemson lost to them without Winston by 6 and got crushed by Georgia. Only way I think we aren't in is if they pull a crazy and keep FSU out or DRad screws us. If we somehow fall behind Clemson in the rankings I will personally lead the mob to wherever the committee is.

 

[DC Bee]

We're in. It's a lock.

 

[RyanS12]

Who are we playing? MSU north or MSU south?!? Mich State will be a tough out. Miss State I think we run through...

 

[BabyJacket1990]

It would surprise me if we drop more than 2 spots in the rankings. We should stay put which I think we will , which means we will book our date with miss st in the Orange bowl.

 

[thwgjacket]

It would surprise me if we drop more than 2 spots in the rankings. We should stay put which I think we will , which means we will book our date with miss st in the Orange bowl.

Wouldn't it be Michigan State?

 

[SavannahBee]

Michigan state. Rematch of the 85 All-American Bowl which we won 17-14. That was my first bowl game as a student.

 

[BerryGT]

I think, at worst, we fall 1 spot, behind Ole Miss. We want MSU north. Perception is they have a strong defense but they're actually not all that great.

 

[Tempest_12]

I think, at worst, we fall 1 spot, behind Ole Miss. We want MSU north. Perception is they have a strong defense but they're actually not all that great.

Don't care about who they have on Defense. I want to know how good their offense is. The answer to that question is I have no idea.

 

[BerryGT]

Don't care about who they have on Defense. I want to know how good their offense is. The answer to that question is I have no idea.

Ranking:
Mich St: 8
Miss St: 10

F/+ Rankings:
Overall:
Mich St: 15
Miss St: 6

Offense:
Mich St: 17
Miss St: 12

Defense:
Mich St: 25
Miss St: 8

 

[thwgjacket]

F/+ Rankings:
Overall:
Mich St: 15
Miss St: 6

Offense:
Mich St: 17
Miss St: 12

Defense:
Mich St: 25
Miss St: 8

Michigan State is a good team that went under the radar for most of the year like us. From reading their message board fans seem worried about stopping our offense.

 

[BerryGT]

Their best win is Nebraska. Their schedule is really weak. Only good teams they played were Oregon and Ohio State, and let's just say they didn't go well.

 

[GTBandit22]

I think Narduzzi vs PJ would be an epic chess match. Michigan St is a good program.

 

[JacketTrain]

Why would it not be Ohio State? I thought the Orange Bowl had first pick of the highest ranked team not going to the playoffs...which should be OSU when all is said and done.

 

[iggymcfly]

Yeah, people are projecting Michigan State on the assumption of Ohio State making the playoff, but I really don't see it. The committee said there was a "big gap" between 4 and 5 last week, and with #3 TCU winning by 50 and #4 Florida State remaining undefeated, I don't see how Ohio State could possibly make up the ground even with that very impressive scoreline. We should get the Buckeyes, and Georgia Tech/Ohio State in the Orange Bowl should easily be the top New Years Six bowl other than the two semifinals.

 

[33jacket]

F--- osu. We will kill em. Trust me.

 

[iggymcfly]

Current sportsbook lines on the chances of different teams qualifying for the last 2 spots:
Florida State: -45000
Ohio State: -210
TCU: +150
Baylor: +800

When you take out the juice, that gives the following probabilities:
Florida State: 100%
Ohio State: 57%
TCU: 34%
Baylor: 9%

I think the line here's likely being swayed by all the talking heads in the media backing Ohio State. If you look at what the committee's said, and what the committee's done, TCU still looks like the more likely choice IMO which would make Ohio State our opponent in the Orange Bowl.

 

[iggymcfly]

Wait, I was wrong about Ohio State. Apparently the Orange Bowl, only has the choice of the #2 SEC or #2 Big Ten team, but not the champion. Here's the relevant rule:

If the Big Ten or SEC champion is available for a non-playoff bowl in a year when the Rose and Sugar Bowls are hosting semifinals, that team will appear in either the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Peach Bowl, but not the Orange Bowl.[51]

 

[Buzz Saw]

We can handle Michigan State. Their calling card is always their defense and it's not as good this year as it has been. If the offense plays like it did these last few games and the D doesn't make any stupid mistakes we should handle them without to much trouble.

 

[iggymcfly]

I like our chances against Michigan State too. More in a "53% to win" type way, then a "we'll handle them without any trouble" type way, but I still like our chances.

 

[SidewalkJacket]

Are we really guaranteed the OB? With the playoff, I thougt the OB didn't have to take an ACC if it's champ is in the CFP.