In a previous post, I had written that the scenarios of other teams in the PAC 10′s game outcomes did not have much of a bearing on USC going to the Holiday Bowl. After further reflection I realized one thing…
Oregon (9-2, 7-1) HAS to beat Oregon State (8-3, 6-2)
Reason being that if Oregon State wins this game, they will be off to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1965, a game in which Michigan trounced Oregon State 34-7. Oregon who will be 7-2 in conference would be the only other two conference loss team, so they would get the Holiday Bowl nod. Leaving USC, Cal, and Stanford to fight over the Sun Bowl, Vegas Bowl, and Emerald Bowl.
So, come Thursday night we will have an answer to the Rose Bowl question and it will remain unknown who will head to San Diego on December 30th, unless, of course, the worst happens and Oregon forgets to show up to Autzen Stadium on Thursday night.
