Capital One Bowl Selection Update: Week 6

At the halfway point of the season, the Capital One Bowl picture is kind of like
one of those ink blot Rorshach tests – there’s no clear right answer and it’s
all up the personal interpretation.  The Team Selection Committee met on
Monday morning to discuss the previous weekend’s games (and scout trips).

Big Ten Results

Michigan 42, Northwestern 24
Nebraska 34, Ohio State 17
Penn State 13, Iowa 3
Purdue 45, Minnesota 17
Illinois 41, Indiana 20

SEC Results

South Carolina 24, Kentucky 3
Georgia 20, Tennessee 12
LSU 41, Florida 11
Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 0
Arkansas 38, Auburn 14
Mississippi State 21, UAB 3

Here’s what we learned:

Nebraska is getting past the Big Ten learning curve: One week after being pasted
by Wisconsin, the Cornhuskers rallied from a 21-point deficit to edge Ohio
State. It was a historic victory for Nebraska and it keeps them in the hunt for
the Legends Division.

Speaking of the Legends Division, the road to Indianapolis goes through the
state of Michigan, one way or another: The Wolverines withstood their first road
test, rallying to defeat Northwestern. Things don’t get any easier this week,
when they go on the road to meet rival Michigan State. The Spartans have won
three straight in the series and are coming off a bye week.

South Carolina can score points: The current SEC East leaders have a habit of
letting games stay close, but they made an example of Kentucky on Saturday
behind new quarterback Connor Shaw. The Gamecocks are still a force, and with
the West touting two top-3 teams (LSU and Alabama), they could have the inside
track to Orlando.

Georgia can’t be counted out: The Bulldogs have won four straight after an 0-2
start, capped by Saturday’s win over division rival Tennessee. Though they do
not control their own destiny at the moment, Georgia is right there and could
slide into the top spot in the East should South Carolina stumble.