The Penn State Football Show

Drew and Pete, I understand that Iowa beat us, but they lost two games in November. They had the opportunity to take care of business, and they didn't do it. They most likely will still get the nod ahead of Penn State, but if not, they can only look at their November performance. Meanwhile, Penn State ended its season with its best played game of the year. Iowa beat Penn State early in the season and bowls look at who will provide a competitive game. Do you think that Penn State could hang with TCU or Oklahoma State? I think that's a no doubter. Alabama/Florida will be in the Sugar Bowl and will not play a Big Ten team. The next selection from the bowls will go to the Fiesta, and they will most likely select a Big Ten team with their first pick to ensure that they will get a team that travels well. That means that they won't get another pick until the Orange and Sugar select (my feeling is that Orange will select Big East champion if Big Ten is already claimed) and that leaves Oklahoma State, Boise and TCU to be selected by the Sugar and Fiesta.

So why does PSU deserve this? Its because they have won 10 games, because they have earned this standing over the past century, because people care about Penn State, and because their last game of the season was an impressive knockout of a legitimate opponent on the road. Meanwhile Iowa had the chance to crush an inferior Minnesota team, and what do they do? They compile 171 yards of total offense, convert 1 of 13 third downs, and get a PAT blocked. Sure they beat Penn State and Wisconsin on the road, and played Ohio State tough, but who provides a better game against TCU? Iowa's starting QB is injured and might return in time for the bowl game, and that's a tough break. Penn State has proven over the years that they play well in bowl games, and money is a consideration, but would you honestly want Penn State to decline the invitation? What kind of message does that send to your fan base, to you players who have worked hard all season for the opportunity to play in a BCS game? This isn't like Penn State was given a win because of a referee's error that gave them a fifth down. Penn State won 10 games. Iowa won 10 games.

If Penn State was in Iowa's position, I can see myself arguing your points, saying oh, we beat them, we should go over them. But my parents have told me since I was 3 years old that life isn't fair. Iowa could have made this decision easy by putting away Minnesota, but now they've left it in the hands of the bowl committees. Iowa has screwed us over in football the last two years, and even basketball last year. Now it's our turn....and we can do it without even playing them, but by using the tradition of excellence and coaching that has defined Penn State. It's a tough situation, and maybe Penn State doesn't deserve the BCS bowl, but hey, remember those undefeated seasons when we were not declared National Champions? You gotta catch a break sometime, and maybe this is it.

Plus everyone from Iowa lives like 10 hours from an airport that has planes with jet engines...how are they gonna get to Arizona/Florida?