Instead of getting clearer, the bowl picture got more confusing Saturday.
Losses by top-ranked Notre Dame, No. 4 Miami and No. 5 Ohio State left the Jan. 1 bowl lineups unsettled and fans scratching their heads.Who plays where on New Year's Day will depend on the polls and a few crucial games the next two weekends.
Only one major bowl berth was nailed down Saturday. UCLA earned a spot in the Rose Bowl by beating Southern Cal 27-21 for the Pac-10 title.
Nebraska, which didn't play Saturday, already has clinched the Big Eight title and a spot in the Orange Bowl. But the Cornhuskers' game against Oklahoma on Friday will play a key role in determining the national championship.
Because of Notre Dame's 41-39 loss to Boston College, No. 3 Nebraska (10-0) will move up to No. 1 or No. 2 Sunday when The Associated Press media poll and USA Today-CNN coaches' rankings are released.
That would put the Cornhuskers in a position to play for the national championship in the Orange Bowl if they beat Oklahoma.
But who would they play?
It could be Florida State if the No. 2 Seminoles (10-1) beat Florida next Saturday.
But Nebraska also could end up playing West Virginia (10-0) in the Orange Bowl if they both win their last regular-season games.
Notre Dame (10-1) also could go to the Orange Bowl if it finishes No. 2 behind Nebraska in the coalition poll.
And what about undefeated Auburn? The sixth-ranked Tigers (11-0) beat Alabama 22-14 Saturday to complete a perfect season. But they can't play in a bowl because of NCAA probation, and will need help to win the AP's national title. Auburn isn't eligible in the coaches' poll.