The Michigan State view . . .

Good take on the Spartans' bowl possibilities from the Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode:

http://noise.typepad.com/hey_joe/2008/11/msu-needs-to-make-an-outback-deal-today.html

Florida isn't a slam dunk for the Hawkeyes. Joe makes a great point about Big Ten commish Jim Delany. He has a considerable hand in this. I believe he likes the conference to adhere to standings and head-to-head matchups, not the "momentum" that Iowa clearly carries over MSU after week 12 results.

The Outback Bowl followed the Hawkeyes the last four weeks of the season.

Joe also makes a great point about the economy and the lag between the Big Ten's final weekend and when a bowl bid could possibly come down, Dec. 7 after the conference championship games. You want to make it as easy for fans as possible. You don't want to get in the way of commerce.