The annoucement they made yesterday said they have to take Auburn if the Hens lose, so LSU would go to the Cotton.
If Auburn loses and doesn't get an at-large BCS bid (both unlikely) then the Cap-One must take Auburn. The announcement makes it clear that if Auburn is in the BCS, the Cap-One will take LSU instead of Georgia, who is also 9-2, beat LSU, and is ranked higher. They think LSU will bring more fans. Georgia disappointed them a few years ago with low ticket sales. Tennessee ain't even on their radar.
Auburn will definitely not remain ahead of Cal in the BCS standings should they lose to Tennessee. So they will be going to the Cap One Bowl instead if they lose. Texas has a decent chance of sneaking pass Cal in the BCS standings should Auburn lose to Tennessee, giving them a BCS berth (Lord help us all). This is due to the computer polls where Auburn could wedge themselves between Texas and Cal in enough polls to make the difference.
The Cap doesn't get the second team, they get the second "pick" after the Sugar/BCS picks. They choose LSU, they did not have to choose UGA or UT or LSU. Now, if Auburn loses and doesn't get into the BCS than the CAP One has to pick Auburn because of them having 2 more wins than LSU.
This makes absolutely no sense. On one hand, you say they don't have to choose any of the 3 SEC teams, and that it is indeed a CHOICE. Then you come back and say they MUST pick Auburn if they happen to lose in the SEC CG. Why is Georgia already listed as going to the Outback Bowl? If Auburn lost, then wouldn't the Outback pick them instead since The Cap One is 3rd in line after the Sugar and Outback?
Where does it say that the Outback has second pick? The only thing I have seen listed is this: "Capital One Bowl: #2 SEC Team Outback: #3 SEC Team" Wouldn't that give the Cap One Bowl the higher "pick?"
OK, this is from the SEC's Website 2nd Selection Capital One Bowl (Orlando, Fla.) Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET, ABC-TV [Opponent - Big Ten] 3rd through 5th Selections (Listed Alphabetically) Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta, Ga.) Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN [Opponent - ACC] Outback Bowl (Tampa, Fla.) Jan. 1, 11 a.m. ET, ESPN [Opponent - Big Ten] SBC Cotton Bowl (Dallas, Texas) Jan. 1, 11 a.m. ET, FOX [Opponent - Big 12] Notice it doesn't say second team, it says second selection, and the Cap One is the only bowl listed under second selection. The reason for this is it is the highest bowl pay off of the non BCS bowl games so the SEC cut a special deal with them. And notice also that the 3-5 selections are listed alphabetically, meaning they are supposed to work together in establishing their picks, that way a bowl and a team don't get stuck with each other every year. So basically the CAP ONE gets to pick any team they want other than the conference champ unless the loser of the SEC CG has 2 more wins than any other team.
The Capital One Bowl decided to make their announcement this week of either LSU or Auburn so the other bowls can get on with their picks. Shortly after this announcement yesterday, the Outback chose Georgia and the Peach Bowl chose Florida today. The Music City and/or Indy Bowl (not sure which one will be left without an SEC team) must now wait on the Cotton to make their selection. Not sure if the Cotton will come out this week and say Tenn/LSU (if Auburn loses) or wait until after the SECCG to make it official. Of course, the Cotton could also choose Alabama. Clear as mud...
