BCS Results: Texas, 'Bama In Title Game; TCU-Boise State Relegated To Fiesta

BCS Evolution: Gut Reactions, And Why Fiesta Bowl Isn't All Bad

Our resident BCS experts have their instant reaction to the BCS bowls (they’ll have more in-depth previews of each game in the coming days), which includes a different perspective on the Boise State-TCU match-up:

For the first time in BCS history two teams from at large conferences will participate in a BCS bowl in the same year. Pairing these teams against each other will raise questions about whether this was a ploy to produce an easily dismissible game.

Some will say that one benefit of a BCS bowl for at large teams is the ability to face off against one of the top teams from one of the top conferences to prove their worth to the nation.

I would argue that TCU and Boise State have already proven to the nation that they each are comparable to any other team they could have played and they each have an opportunity to play one of the top-of-the-class teams from 2009.

I guess. But the David vs. Goliath BCS games in past years have been some of the best bowls in recent memory (Boise St. over Oklahoma; Utah over Alabama). Having said that, the Fiesta is still a much more intriguing game than Georgia Tech-Iowa and Oregon-Ohio State.

No Surprises: Alabama-Texas Set For BCS Title Game

Nick Saban is smiling, and it doesn’t just look like he’s baring his teeth in a display of aggression: Alabama and Texas are set for the BCS Title Game. Colt McCoy has quite a command of bland pablum for a man his age, since he managed to get through his interview without saying a single word worthy of repetition. (They did show his sweet ’stache from earlier in this year. We still mourn its glory.)

To cap the show, here’s Charles Davis: “I think overall the country is comfortable with the 1-2 matchup.” Charles Davis came to this conclusion by conducting an extremely scientific survey conducted by the research firm of Balderdash and Nonesuch, but that’s the Fox BCS Selection Show: quick, painless, and done with as little research as possible.

Iowa Fans Will Risk Anything To Leave The State in January

The headscratchin’-est matchup of all comes in the Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech versus Iowa. Iowa is ninth in the BCS rankings and a darling of the computers, but a powerful incentive also came in the form of Iowa fans’ willingness to strangle anyone to get out of the state in January. They travel well and in great numbers, and should make up a bit for Georgia Tech’s relatively small traveling army (more of a regiment, really.) The Orange Bowl wins the Mundanity Crown again.

Sugar Bowl: Cincy vs. Florida

Cincy is headed to New Orleans to face Florida, who diverts to the replacement pick in the Sugar Bowl with Alabama headed to the national title game. Given the weaknesses in Florida’s defense revealed in the SEC Championship, this could be a very, very favorable matchup for the Bearcats, but their coach may also be leaving for Notre Dame, and we know what a distraction that was for Urban Meyer when he was at Utah and negotiating with Florida oh wait it wasn’t nevermind.

Boise State/TCU, aka "The Plessy Vs. Ferguson Bowl"

Andy Staples of SI.com has the best instant reaction thus far to the Boise/TCU matchup: “Welcome to Glendale, home of the Separate but Equal Bowl.”

From the Frozen Tundra of Dallas-Fort Worth...

“These guys will get to wear some shorts!” Fox’s reporter on the scene talking about TCU students headed to Tempe. Yes, we’re all familiar with those savage Fort Worth winters, and the madness of fifty-five degree averages in February.

The Kids' Table Is Set: TCU/Boise State

The BCS safely insulates itself from any possible embarrassments by putting TCU and Boise State at the Fiesta Bowl against each other. I mean, “The Fiesta Bowl chooses both teams because they believe they will be the best draw for attendance and ratings.” Yes, that’s it!

The Fox Intro Does Not Understand Mathematics

There’s math all over this intro. “It’s time to solve the equation.” “But do not tell us our math is wrong.” “Because we are running a cartel, and cartels determine their own math.” The only thing ameliorating any anger over the BCS’s crackpot method of determining a champion are the t-shirt jerseys worn by TCU’s cheerleaders. Well done, ladies.

The Rose Bowl is the first announcement, and a predetermined one. Everyone notes that Ohio State has had trouble in recent bowl games. Every Ohio State fan comes a step closer to an inevitable stroke by clenching their teeth and thinking of blood, anger. JImmy Johnson has turned a shade of lavender. We’re off to a fine start.

Only Three Minutes Left...

…but we know how this will work out already, since Orangebloods.com and 40 Acres Sports are already reporting the national title invitation has been extended to Texas. Hey, TCU students shown in pregame video! If you’ll start booing loudly during this program on national television, you’ll add a new line to your resume: heroes.

Or, you know, you could go here...

Team Speed Kills also has a thread where you can discuss the match-ups from the BCS to the New Mexico Bowl. Okay, you don't have to discuss the New Mexico Bowl unless you want to.

Live BCS Selection Show Thread At Black Heart Gold Pants

Our Iowa Hawkeyes blog, Black Heart Gold Pants, has started a live game thread that will last through the selection show. Jump in there to join in the pre-show discussion.

BCS Selection Show, 8 P.M.: Live Results And Reactions

The BCS Selection Show begins at 8:00 P.M. Eastern on FOX.

Here is what we know so far: Ohio State and Oregon will play in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, and Georgia Tech will play in the Orange Bowl. Cincinnati and TCU are guaranteed BCS bowl invites, while Boise State remains eligible.

Our resident college football expert, Spencer Hall, will provide analysis as the BCS picture unfolds. For now, I will make the prediction that that BCS Championship will feature Louisville and Hofstra. Nothing can convince me otherwise!

Stay tuned for further predictions, results, reactions, and analysis.