What is the process by which Big Ten teams are selected to play in each individual bowl?
Unless a Big Ten team is ranked #1 or #2 in the final BCS poll, the Big Ten regular season champion represents the conference in the Rose Bowl each year. Following the assignment of the regular season champion to the Rose Bowl, the other Big Ten bowls select who they want to invite according to the order listed above – similar to a draft. For example, the Capital One Bowl has the next selection, followed by the Outback Bowl, then the Alamo Bowl, etc., through the Motor City Bowl which has the final pick. Fans should note that these subsequent selections are not necessarily made according to final standings or records, but rather according to preference by each bowl from among the Big Ten teams that are bowl eligible. For example, even though the Outback Bowl has the third selection, it is not bound to select the team that places third in the conference during the regular season. As mentioned above in question #1, IU is not guaranteed to be selected for a bowl game – due to the number o
