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OSU football: BCS dreaming
What will it take for OSU to earn an at-large spot?

OSU coach Mike Gundy. STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World

 
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/24/2009  2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2009  11:30 AM
Related Story: How BCS at-large selection works

STILLWATER — For Oklahoma State, this week's Bedlam game provides two layers of motivation.

The Cowboys are determined to savor their first victory over Oklahoma since 2002. And if they win, they remain a candidate for a berth in the Jan. 4 Fiesta Bowl at Glendale, Ariz. It would be OSU's first appearance in a BCS game.

"People would say, 'Four years ago, they were in the Independence Bowl. Now, they're in the BCS,' " Cowboy linebacker Andre Sexton said on Monday. "It would do so much for our program."

There are several variables, but sources indicate that if OSU can win at OU on Saturday — and if Texas remains unbeaten, captures the Big 12 title and qualifies for the BCS national championship game — the Cowboys likely would be selected for the Fiesta Bowl.

"There's always talk about some games being bigger than another," OSU coach Mike Gundy said. "I would never want to downplay a Bedlam game, but I've said this a bunch — it was a big game when we played Rice and everybody else if you don't win. They're all big games for us."

The Fiesta Bowl and Big 12 have a solidly established relationship. In the 13 seasons since the Big 12 was formed, the conference was represented in the Fiesta Bowl eight times.

Among other contenders for two available BCS at-large berths are Boise State, Iowa, Penn State and the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh loser.

"I think it's in the back of everybody's mind," OSU defensive coordinator Bill Young said. "You'd be foolish not to think so, but we're trying to stay as focused as possible on OU and doing as well as we can against them.

"If we lose to OU, (the BCS) is a moot subject."

The Cowboys, who are 12th in the BCS standings and 11th in the Associated Press Top 25, face OU at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Norman. A victory would give Oklahoma State its first 10-win season since 1988.

Last week, while the Cowboys rallied for a 31-28 triumph over Colorado, the Sooners were routed 41-13 at Texas Tech. On Nov. 14, OSU recorded a 24-17 home victory over the Red Raiders.

In order to qualify as a BCS at-large participant, a team must be in the top 14 of the BCS standings and have at least nine victories. OSU is 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the Big 12. OSU is hoping that Texas can win at Texas A&M on Thursday and defeat Nebraska in the Dec. 5 Big 12 championship game. That scenario likely would vault the Longhorns to the BCS national championship game. If the Huskers were to upset Texas, Nebraska would get the Big 12's automatic BCS berth and Texas would be an at-large selection. Oklahoma State would be eliminated from the conversation.

But if Texas sweeps A&M and Nebraska, OSU would be clearly defined as the Big 12's No. 2 team, armed with BCS at-large qualifications and a recent history of heavy fan attendance at bowl games.

If the Cowboys fall short of a BCS appearance, it is believed they probably will be destined for the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

During Monday's OSU news conference, however, there was a palpable BCS buzz.

"(Bedlam) is our last game of the season. Everything is on the line," Sexton said. "To get that respect that we want in the Big 12, we have to beat an OU or a Texas. We didn't beat Texas, so we have to get OU.

"When you make it to a BCS bowl, that's the top. That's when you start thinking about USC, Florida, LSU and Texas, all those teams. For us to make it to a game like that, with an opportunity to win a game like that, just puts us with the top teams."

The Contenders

Florida or Alabama are a virtual lock for a BCS at-large bid. TCU likely will secure an automatic bid if it wins its final game. As the BCS race unfolds, these eight teams appear most likely to be in the mix for two remaining at-large positions.

— MIKE STRAIN, World Sports Editor

Cincinnati

(10-0, No. 5 BCS)

The scenario: Bearcats still face Pitt. A loss could leave them hoping for atlarge bid.

BCS pros: Bearcats played in the Orange Bowl a year ago and have gained national attention so far with an undefeated season.

BCS cons: Bearcats aren’t a traditional power, and their BCS game last year had bad TV ratings. Bowl officials could worry about whether this team would generate interest from fans or on television.

Remaining schedule: vs. Illinois (Friday); at Pittsburgh (Dec. 5).

Boise State

(11-0, No. 6 BCS)

The scenario: TCU seems destined to be a BCS buster. Could undefeated Boise State be a second non-BCS school in a BCS bowl?

BCS pros: An unbeaten record and the flagship for college football’s little guy after the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over OU. Bowl officials might like that.

BCS cons: Unbeaten record against mostly bad teams. Bowl officials could use that as an excuse if they needed one for not picking the Broncos.

Remaining schedule: vs. Nevada (Friday); vs. New Mexico State (Dec. 5).

Oregon

(9-2, No. 8 BCS)

The scenario: A win over Oregon State would mean automatic Rose Bowl bid. Ducks wouldn’t need at-large bid.

BCS pros: It’s been awhile since Oregon was in a BCS game and Ducks fans might be willing to travel. Bowl officials would like that.

BCS cons: If the Ducks lose to Oregon State, there is a chance they could fall out of the top 14 and be ineligible for at-large selection. They would only be an at-large team with a loss.

Remaining schedule: vs. Oregon State (Dec. 3).

Pittsburgh

(9-1, No. 9 BCS)

The scenario: A loss to Cincinnati or West Virginia would probably doom Pitt’s at-large BCS hopes.

BCS pros: The Panthers have been to one BCS bowl in the last 25 years, and bowl reps might like the idea of a new team in the mix.

BCS cons: Pitt would have a late-season loss, which would be a strike against it for an at-large bid. Also: How much fan interest would Pitt generate — either on TV or fans going to the game?

Remaining schedule: at West Virginia (Friday), vs. Cincinnati (Dec. 5).

Iowa

(10-2, No. 11 BCS)

The scenario: Narrowly missed the Big Ten title. Now Iowa hopes for an at-large bid.

BCS pros: Big Ten fans seem willing to travel, and Iowa could bring a lot of them. The Hawkeyes would be in only their second BCS bowl in 19 seasons.

BCS cons: Will bowl officials care that Iowa lost two of its last three? Would they be more inclined to take a more tradition-rich Big Ten school (Penn State), even though Iowa beat them?

Remaining schedule: No games remaining.

Oklahoma State

(9-2, No. 12 BCS)

The scenario: Bedlam victory is a must. A loss would almost certainly knock the Cowboys out of BCS contention.

BCS pros: Cowboys’ fans have been known to travel well to bowl games and playing in a BCS game could produce an even bigger turnout. The Fiesta Bowl’s tie to the Big 12 could give OSU an edge.

BCS cons: OSU isn’t tradition rich (like Penn State). And Cowboys aren’t undefeated (like Boise State).

Remaining schedule: At Oklahoma (Saturday).

Penn State

(10-2, No. 13 BCS)

The scenario: Finished tied for second with Iowa in the Big Ten.

BCS pros: Nittany Lions have huge fan base and are a traditional power that could be a big TV draw. Bowl officials notice those things.

BCS cons: Nittany Lions lost their two biggest games of the year (Ohio State and Iowa), and both were at home. Would bowl officials take Penn State ahead of Iowa, which won the head-tohead matchup between the two?

Remaining schedule: No games remaining.

Virginia Tech

(8-3, No. 14 BCS)

The scenario: Hokies hold 14th and final spot in BCS standings for atlarge consideration.

BCS pros: Hokies have become a highly ranked team annually. Could bowl officials believe that Tech’s recent success equals drawing power for fans?

BCS cons: Tech seems like a long shot for an at-large bid. It has three losses, and the Hokies didn’t make the championship game in the ACC — a league without a team in the national-title race.

Remaining schedule: At Virginia (Saturday)

BCS bowls

There are three at-large bids in the BCS system. Texas and the Florida-Alabama winner have the inside track on the BCS title game, which would open up two more at-large spots, for five total. TCU is likely to fill one of those, and the Florida-Alabama loser will probably get another. The Big east champion is guaranteed a berth and fills an at-large spot. That likely leaves two berths to be filled. A look at the BCS games and traditional conference ties:

Rose Bowl
4 p.m. Jan. 1
Big Ten vs. Pac-10

Sugar Bowl
7:30 p.m. Jan. 1
SeC vs. At-large

Fiesta Bowl
7 p.m. Jan. 4
Big 12 vs. At-large

Orange Bowl
7 p.m. Jan. 5
ACC vs. At-large

BCS title game
7:30 p.m. Jan. 7
BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2

Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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Report Comment
Jules09A, Sapulpa (11/24/2009 7:11:36 AM)
I thought OSU's chances were a little far-fetched until reading down the scenario list. Pitt will likely lose to Cincy, and the BCS COULD pick a Big Ten team over OSU, but that conference has been so weak as of late that it makes sense to go with the 2nd BigXII team.
Report Comment
forkandknife, Tulsa (11/24/2009 9:21:35 AM)
Let's not forget, OSU has to get past OU to get to a bowl game. Best of luck boys!
Report Comment
oklahoma8s, Glenpool (11/24/2009 9:40:15 AM)
That picture reminds me of Iceman from Top Gun. Give me a break Gundy. Let's see if you can beat a brokendown Sooner team.
Report Comment
pennpoke, (11/24/2009 10:07:39 AM)
Another con for Penn State...they played just about the most pathetic schedule I've ever seen. Their non-conference games were laughers, and the only good conference teams they played this year were Ohio State and Iowa, both losses. None of their wins were particularly impressive. Probably their best win was blowing out 6-5 Michigan St on the road.

Even all the Penn State fans up here admit that their schedule was a joke.
Report Comment
MexiMike, Tulsa (11/24/2009 10:12:39 AM)
You want Gundy to give you break for how his picture was taken? Are you serious? Wow. How about you give us all a break and create a meaningful comment?

I think the Fiesta Bowl is nearly a lock for OSU if they beat OU. They already have Big 12 ties and the committee LOVES the success story OSU has had this year. Throw in the number of fans that will travel and I'd say this is OSU's bowl....first thing's first though. Beat OU.
Report Comment
oklahoma8s, Glenpool (11/24/2009 10:21:48 AM)
I knew some poke fan would take offense to my comment/joke. They are soooo serious about thier team when they are still a number 4 program in the Big 12. Also I think the stands were pretty empty on senior night as I remember when you barely squeaked by Colorado. Stoops has only lost 2 in Norman, even though they are injured all over the place I think they will give you a run for your money.
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (11/24/2009 10:28:55 AM)
Love the headline. "BCS Dreaming" LOL!
Report Comment
Jules09A, Sapulpa (11/24/2009 10:36:26 AM)
Another 'con' for Oregon: Legarrette Blount :)
Report Comment
WWJD, (11/24/2009 10:39:58 AM)
Number of fans that would travel? They don't even fill their own stadium.
Report Comment
ikesdad, Tahlequah (11/24/2009 11:24:57 AM)
I'm ready for the game so the talking and excuse making will stop. We will see who is the better team Saturday. Both teams has injuries and people out (every team does by this time of year). All this bowl talk is premature but we will go to a bowl, OU will go to a bowl. OU will still be considered a better program than OSU. Blah, blah, blah. This year whoever wins is better this year. End of story.
Report Comment
Carlos, Tulsa (11/24/2009 11:27:48 AM)
Gundy looks a bit like Zoolander in that first pic.
Report Comment
normllikeyou, Tulsa (11/24/2009 11:36:27 AM)
I am so sick of hearing ou fans whining about their injuries and OSU's attendance. Is there some sort of talking points memo that goes out to you whackos that tells you what to say. The fact is OSU has been hurt as bad. They have lost Dez, Kendall and now Robinson. They have also lost Orie Lemon, Jamal Mosley. All starters and probably more than just this. Also, several WR's not welcomed back in the offseason. Their attendance is up this year and they have the nicest stadium in the country. Sure they don't have the fan base because they have not been as successful but times are changing so keep whining about injuries ou fan and realize that is an excuse to you and motivation to OSU. ou folded and OSU has persevered.
Report Comment
CowboyBobDog, Neamh (11/24/2009 11:43:37 AM)
WWJD
We don't have enough to fill your mouth either.

(Bobdog is out the doggie door to check the maple tree.)
Report Comment
yep, Tulsa County (11/24/2009 12:03:16 PM)
OSU fans know that when there looks to be hope, that's when heartbreak happens. It's almost part of being an OSU fan. Let's hope the fortunes turn. OU may be down and wracked with injuries, but OU plays tough at home. I remember when Stoops was the new OU coach, they called plays like the way Boise's coach Peterson does now (remember the wild play that beat OU in the bowl game?). I'm wondering when/if, since the Sooners have lost so many starters, if he'll revert back to that form.
Report Comment
im4osu, Broken Arrow (11/24/2009 12:05:16 PM)
IKESDAD, the only excuses being made are from the OU camp, what a bunch of @#ssies.
Report Comment
Ash, Houston (11/24/2009 12:08:18 PM)
"BobDog" ...I was going to add to your comment but my better judgement kicked in. I'll leave that one alone.
Report Comment
ImfortyoneOSU, Tulsa (11/24/2009 12:10:58 PM)
Lets see who is at home in January, could Stoops stoop so low to the indenpendence bowl or sun bowl.. can anyone fix that flat tires on the Schooner... we have no QB, we have no bla bla bla, just show up in your stadium and WE will watch you leave early...IN YOUR HOUSE...i don't know of anyone taking a 6 game loser...except the toilet bowl...
Report Comment
tulsandn, out in the woods (11/24/2009 12:25:35 PM)
Biggest game of the season for OSU....

Senior Day in Norman....

OSU has to win, OU can't let it's seniors walk off the field losers in their final game in Norman....

It's gonna be a good day for FOOTBALL!!!!
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (11/24/2009 12:34:15 PM)
Average 50 points at home this season. Longest home winning streak in the nation.

Welcome to Norman and the House of Pain.

BOOMER SOONER!!!
Report Comment
PIRANA, Tulsa (11/24/2009 12:40:16 PM)
ORANGE!!!
...POWER!!!

ORANGE!!!
...POWER!!!

Go Pokes!!! Beat OU!!!
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (11/24/2009 12:46:30 PM)
Orange Julious!
Report Comment
ikesdad, Tahlequah (11/24/2009 12:54:30 PM)
im4...yeah thats where I hear them coming from too. If we lose Saturday you won't hear any excuses from me. I am an OSU fan and if there is one thing we don't make excuses for its losing to OU. We think we should win every time no matter what the adversities, and thats what we cheer for. Good season or bad season we bleed orange.
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (11/24/2009 12:58:16 PM)
Prepare to bleed.
Report Comment
ikesdad, Tahlequah (11/24/2009 1:00:31 PM)
We are always prepared. We don't cry about it.
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (11/24/2009 1:08:06 PM)
I am pulling for the Alamo Bowl for the Sooners. I love San Antonio.
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