4 BIG teams in the NY6 last year.. after the playoffs those other bowls are choosing based on their obligation and then who will travel and bring the best ratings. OSU, PSU, Michigan are always at the top of the list similar to Notre Dame. PSU will be top ten if they finish 10-2 and have someone that everyone wants to showcase for their game in Saquon Barkley. NY6 is a lock if we win out in my opinion.. just hope it's a high profile top 10 opponent. The Rose Bowl was slightly disappointing last year because we weren't in the playoff but it didn't show on the field. Our guys have a lot of pride and will play for each other down the stretch. This can still be a very good season for them.
I would like to think tv ratings, and travel have as much to do with it as they used to but if the past is any indication, that is no longer the case. If you look at the past three years and the last CFP rankings before the bowls. Every team ranked in the top 9 was in a NY6. Obviously, the top 4 were in the playoffs and then #5-9 were always in those bowls.
- In 2014 - CFP #12 (ACC replacement), and #20(non Big 5 conf champ) joined #1-10. #10 was Arizona this year and was the Pac 12 replacement.
- In 2015 - CFP #12 (SEC replacement), #16 (replacement), and #18 (non Big 5 conf champ) joined CFP #1-9.
- In 2016 - CFP #11 (ACC replacement), #14 (SEC replacement), and #15 (non Big 5 conf champ).