This came to mind when I was trying to explain to a non-ISU fan the bowl possibilities, and why the K-State vs. Nebraska game matters almost as much as the Iowa State game. I will prefix this by saying this is my own opinion, but something to at least think about.

Here are the three main scenarios, along with how I think the selection process will go:

Scenario #1: Only Texas makes the BCS

BCS: Texas

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State

Holiday Bowl: Oklahoma

Alamo Bowl: Nebraska

Sun Bowl: Texas Tech

On the next page, I'll get into the other scenarios

Scenario #2: Two Big 12 BCS Teams - Oklahoma State

BCS: Texas, Oklahoma State

Cotton: Nebraska

Holiday: Oklahoma

Alamo: Texas Tech

Scenario #3: Two BCS Teams - Big 12 North Winner

Fiesta: Big 12 Winner

BCS At Large: Texas

Cotton: Oklahoma State

Holiday Bowl: Oklahoma

Summary Of ISU Bowl Bids

Totals

Sun Bowl: 1/12 scenarios

Insight Bowl: 3/12 scenarios

Independence Bowl: 7/12 scenarios

Non Big 12 Bowl: 1/12 scenarios

If ISU Wins:

Sun Bowl:1/6 scenarios

Insight Bowl: 3/6 scenarios

Independence Bowl: 2/6 scenarios

If ISU Loses:

Independence Bowl: 5/6 scenarios

Non-Big 12 Bowl: 1/6 scenarios

Final Thoughts

Remember, this is just my own thoughts. In short, if ISU wins they have a good shot at making the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ. If they lose, it looks like they would likely end up in Shreveport. Overall, Shreveport looks like the most likely destination. I know people don't like Shreveport, but I'll take any bowl, and I will be going. There are scenarios where a bowl could take either ISU or A&M. To me, I think it matters where it is: if it's in Texas (Sun or Texas Bowl), then I think A&M is the better draw and those bowls would invite.

Regardless of what happens to ISU, it helps them to have Nebraska beat K-State, so that will be a game to follow that evening (6:45pm, ESPN).

So what are your thoughts? Where you would like see ISU end up, and what do you think is realistic? Does laying this out in a table, help sort things out better?