Ranking all 40 bowl games. Guess where the Rose Bowl ranks before opening this post.

[Class of 67]

FWIW, this is the opinion of one Wash Post writer. He ranks the Rose Bowl only behind the OSU-Clemson matchup. Of course, the national championship game cannot be included before the participants are known. However others may rank the bowls, there is no doubt that the Penn State-USC game is among the marquee games.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...owl-games-for-2016-17/?utm_term=.70514fa56236

 

[royboy]

I guessed #3, behind the playoff games.

Very interesting matchup. Southern Cal has some serious athletes.

 

[wilbury]

FWIW, this is the opinion of one Wash Post writer. He ranks the Rose Bowl only behind the OSU-Clemson matchup. Of course, the national championship game cannot be included before the participants are known. However others may rank the bowls, there is no doubt that the Penn State-USC game is among the marquee games.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...owl-games-for-2016-17/?utm_term=.70514fa56236

How can they overlook the Pitt matchup?

 

[jennjeffjoe]

"2. Rose Bowl (Penn State vs. Southern California, Jan. 2, 5 p.m., ESPN)
"If the season began in October, these teams would join Alabama and somebody else (Oklahoma, probably) in the national semifinals. Alas, that first month counts, too, but the upshot is an excellent Rose Bowl featuring two quarterbacks (Penn State’s Trace McSorley and Southern Cal’s Sam Darnold) who got better as the year progressed."

 

[bkmtnittany1]

I guessed #3, behind the playoff games.

Very interesting matchup. Southern Cal has some serious athletes.

This will be the best team we play and that includes UM and OSU..

 

[anon_vmuicqnzlyp3u]

I guessed #3, behind the playoff games.

Very interesting matchup. Southern Cal has some serious athletes.

I think you guys will be fine against them. You seem to start out slow but make great adjustments as the game goes on, particularly in the second half. You have some serious athletes as well and have played against some of the best athletes. Good Luck in the Rose Bowl

 

[Marylovesthelions]

Bullspit

 

[psugisher]

PSU is playing a better team in the Rose Bowl than Alabama is playing in the playoffs. Something isn't quite right about that.

 

[green2623]

I think you guys will be fine against them. You seem to start out slow but make great adjustments as the game goes on, particularly in the second half. You have some serious athletes as well and have played against some of the best athletes. Good Luck in the Rose Bowl

ThankYou

 

[Class of 67]

#19

 

[Howie'81]

This will be the best team we play and that includes UM and OSU..

Not sure I agree with that. If this wasn't USC, but an exact duplicate otherwise, not sure anyone would say that.

 

[OhioLion]

I haven't looked up any stats on USC, but the PAC is not known for playing stout defense. Anyone know if USC falls into that category?

OL

 

[crm114psu]

I haven't looked up any stats on USC, but the PAC is not known for playing stout defense. Anyone know if USC falls into that category?

OL

If you eliminate the month of September, their defense looks to be pretty good.

 

[hagberg]

FWIW, this is the opinion of one Wash Post writer. He ranks the Rose Bowl only behind the OSU-Clemson matchup. Of course, the national championship game cannot be included before the participants are known. However others may rank the bowls, there is no doubt that the Penn State-USC game is among the marquee games.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...owl-games-for-2016-17/?utm_term=.70514fa56236

Considering this was the WaPo, my first guess was dead last. Then I guessed 5th behind the NC (not taking into account their leaving it out), both semis, and the Orange.

 

[nittany119]

This will be the best team we play and that includes UM and OSU..

And vice-versa. Just wish the game was in a more neutral site.

 

[hagberg]

I had to chuckle when I read the article; CJF gets his very own shout out!

31. Independence Bowl (N.C. State vs. Vanderbilt, Dec. 26, 5 p.m., ESPN2)
Three James Franklin facts tied to this pairing of 6-6 teams: One, he was named Maryland’s head coach in waiting by Debbie Yow, who is now the AD at N.C. State; two, he spent three years at Vanderbilt as its head coach; three, he probably won’t be anywhere near Shreveport when this game is played.

 

[Blueblood4eva]

I ranked it number one. The best two teams in the Country right now, after Alabama. This could be a playoff game.

 

[wbcincy]

USC is currently the 2nd best team in the country IMO. I'm glad we drew them instead of Colorado, because I think this is a huge test and good for the team.

Adoree Jackson is like Jabril Peppers, only better in every way.