Bowl possibilities

its_the_sauce

Junior
May 29, 2001
4,523
327
83
I would love Detroit. I'm already there a lot and know all the places, not to mention free parking as my office is there, Only downside is day after Christmas.
 

phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
18,908
1,060
113
I can't believe I'm rooting for Detroit but it will save me thousands and fits my schedule. I have a mandatory family commit on Jan 1 made back when we were expecting 3-9
 

zeek55

Junior
Nov 21, 2010
3,651
277
83
I don't have a problem with any of those options:

Clemson or NC State will probably be in the mix for NYC

TCU, Baylor, Kansas/State probably in the mix for Phoenix

Miami (Ohio), Toledo, CMU probably in the mix for Detroit
 

NU'06er

Sophomore
May 2, 2024
176
115
43
Not a year where I'm going to be able to attend, but I would want anything but Detroit if only to avoid a MAC opponent everyone will expect us to beat but will be just as tricky as a more "name" brand that we could take down in Arizona or elsewhere.
 

NU'06er

Sophomore
May 2, 2024
176
115
43
I know it doesn't work this way, but Penn State should be sent to Detroit for losing to us. Just sayin'.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alaskawildkat

Baz = Heisman

Junior
Aug 15, 2025
546
326
63
Penn State will almost certainly go to the Pinstripe bc of proximity and I don’t think they’ve ever been. Illinois is likely for Music City given drivable. Minnesota probably to Phoenix given they’ve been to Detroit recently and do have a better record than us. Nebraska to Vegas. It’s perfect for their fanbase. I think we’re headed to Detroit.
 

phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
18,908
1,060
113
Penn State will almost certainly go to the Pinstripe bc of proximity and I don’t think they’ve ever been. Illinois is likely for Music City given drivable. Minnesota probably to Phoenix given they’ve been to Detroit recently and do have a better record than us. Nebraska to Vegas. It’s perfect for their fanbase. I think we’re headed to Detroit.
I prefer Detroit due to proximity and cost, but Ill have to either leave Christmas night and stay over, or leave around 430am central on the 26th. Pretty tight window
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alaskawildkat

Sheffielder

Senior
Sep 1, 2004
9,900
704
113
Late Sunday afternoon, maybe a bit before.
The nice part about this season - it's pretty clear that Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are going regardless of the outcome of the championship game, and no other Big Ten team is really close to consideration, so all bowl bids should be finalized relatively early this year barring any behind-the-scenes drama between the league office and the bowls themselves.
 

IMC Cat

Redshirt
Jun 14, 2020
453
28
23
Yep, Rate Bowl is essentially "on the clock" and choosing between NU and Minnesota. Hoping they choose us. Bowl games vs MAC teams offer no upside
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alaskawildkat

Alaskawildkat

Senior
Dec 28, 2005
20,800
553
113
I know it doesn't work that way, but we do have the tie breaker with regard to having won against Minnesota so by rights we should be placed above them in the bowl picking order getting us to Phoenix rather than Detroit.

At least a talking point for Jackson in making NU's case for Phoenix.
 

JustGary

Sophomore
Oct 7, 2025
124
189
43
I know it doesn't work that way, but we do have the tie breaker with regard to having won against Minnesota so by rights we should be placed above them in the bowl picking order getting us to Phoenix rather than Detroit.

At least a talking point for Jackson in making NU's case for Phoenix.
Tie breaker works if the teams are tied. Minny finished 5-4 7-5?and we finished 4-5 6-6. However, there is no tie-breaker rules for the Phoenix selection anyway.

I know it sounds strange but Minny may want Detroit. Their fanbase is more Midwest centric and many won’t want to spend their money to head to Phoenix but for some, it is easy to drive to Detroit. I’m sure our AD pointed out the fact that NU has a lot of west coast alums.

I am hoping the delay means we have a good shot at Phoenix, since that’s where I live now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alaskawildkat

Alaskawildkat

Senior
Dec 28, 2005
20,800
553
113
Tie breaker works if the teams are tied. Minny finished 5-4 7-5?and we finished 4-5 6-6. However, there is no tie-breaker rules for the Phoenix selection anyway.

I know it sounds strange but Minny may want Detroit. Their fanbase is more Midwest centric and many won’t want to spend their money to head to Phoenix but for some, it is easy to drive to Detroit. I’m sure our AD pointed out the fact that NU has a lot of west coast alums.

I am hoping the delay means we have a good shot at Phoenix, since that’s where I live now.
I am aware that one of the "in the know" posters on the pay board claims inside info that we are headed to Detroit, but I am encouraged that NU bowl guru Hailtopurple.com reports that Phoenix remains in play.

A lot might depend on the opponent. The bowl committee will be looking for the better match-up and that just might be us.

Oh as to the tiebreaker you are completely correct but Jackson can still point out that between NU and Minny we are the better team having beat them. In addition the point can be made that almost all of our losses were one score losses with our game against Michigan being exhibit A. (Did Manny play Michigan and if so what was the score differential? Any other same opponent games and their comparative score differentials?)
 
Last edited:

zeek55

Junior
Nov 21, 2010
3,651
277
83
Have to imagine our AD is lobbying for the warmer place right now.
Yeah you always do try to get to the "better bowl game" when possible.

I think the delay may be that Pinstripe picked Penn State which had been expected to fall to Phoenix, so Phoenix has a different choice than they originally expected (probably had expected to pick between Penn State and Northwestern as opposed to Minnesota and Northwestern).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Baz = Heisman

ToledoCat

Freshman
Dec 7, 2007
1,584
51
48
Rate Bowl would probably want the 7-5 team although the money and turnout drive thevdecision. Minn is guaranteed a winning record while the 6-6 team is not to be obvious. NU win in any bowl is better than expectations. At least Detroit is driving distance so I will go.
 

ricko6543211

Junior
Nov 15, 2006
4,231
229
47
Rate Bowl would probably want the 7-5 team although the money and turnout drive thevdecision. Minn is guaranteed a winning record while the 6-6 team is not to be obvious. NU win in any bowl is better than expectations. At least Detroit is driving distance so I will go.
Welp Minn vs New Mexico in Rate Bowl AZ. We goin to Detroit.
 
Last edited: