The Orange Bowl: A Great Reason to Watch College Football Jan.1

All the NIU Huskie football team did was win 12 of 13 games this year and qualify for a BCS bowl by the rules. Because of this, they now have a historic opportunity to play the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day.  This is a great opportunity for a school (NIU) from a conference (MAC) that has never played in any of the BCS bowls, to go up against a school (FSU) from a “rock-star” football conference (ACC.)  Some of the college football experts cried foul when they felt that other, aka. “better” teams were over-looked with the NIU pick. The current line shows that the odds makers think FSU will win by 2 touchdowns, giving the experts all the more reason to jump on the NIU pick.  Oh, and one more thing, NIU’s head coach just quit to take the head coaching job at NC State, which just so happens to be…yes…an ACC school.  He won’t be coaching the team at the Orange Bowl, needless to say.

I think the BCS pick of NIU was brilliant.  Not that the BCS had much of choice, they had to follow the rules and pass on those schools with better rankings, or “resumes.” This pick, and the subsequent whining, gives the Orange Bowl a competitive advantage, where it really counts – TV ratings. Last year’s Orange Bowl, with big time schools West Virginia and Clemson, was the lowest rated in the BCS’s 14-year history.  This “David vs. Goliath” story will likely resonate with more fans, and non-fans, alike.  FSU has an amazing and rabid fan base, and they will be there in huge numbers at the in-state bowl.  FSU also has its fair share of rivalries too, and I think a fair number of these will tune in to see if NIU can prove their BCS pick.

The NIU Huskies have an equally amazing and rabid fan base, and good number will make the trek to Miami in support.  The Huskies have a number of players from the Chicago area (eg. NIU QB and MAC MVP Jordan Lynch attended Mt. Carmel HS), and I would expect the game to have strong TV ratings across the region.  I think the Huskies would love to be 2 touchdown favorites, but they are a well-coached and experienced team, and I think they understand the significance of this opportunity.  They have the talent and schemes to compete.  FSU is also well-coached and very talented.  I look for this to be a great game.  Next to the BCS Championship game. this game has the best National appeal. I will be watching, and I think others will be too.

Remember, for great seats to all the best college and NFL games, you better Fricket it first! http://fricket.com/