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Iowa State’s rousing (arousing?) win against TCU yesterday brought their record to 6-2, something that pretty much everyone saw coming before the season began. What does this mean for our beloved Cyclones? We going BOWLING BABY!
Media predictions aside, these are the Big 12 bowl tie-ins and the teams that played in these games last year, along with the date each game will be played this year.
Valero Alamo Bowl
Date: 12/28
Opponent conference: Pac-12
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Last year Oklahoma State, who had a 9-3 record at the time, played against the number 10 ranked Colorado Buffaloes. This was the highest ranked matchup in Alamo Bowl history. The Cowboys were 2nd in the Big 12 last year.
Camping World Bowl
Date: 12/28
Opponent conference: ACC
Location: Orlando, Florida
10-2 West Virginia (third place in the Big 12) played against Miami (FL) last year in this bowl game. According to the Camping World Bowl website the media is “warming” on the idea that Iowa State could potentially play there.
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Date: 12/27
Opponent conference: SEC
Location: Houston, Texas
Last year Kansas State played against Texas A&M. The Wildcats had a 6-3 conference record and an overall record of 8-4.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Date: 12/30
Opponent conference: SEC
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Ah, the Liberty Bowl. Iowa State fans remember the Liberty Bowl well, as we saw the Cyclones lay an egg against Tulsa in a 31-17 loss during the 2012 season. Last year TCU lost to Georgia 31-23. The Horned Frogs went 4-5 in conference play and finished with a 6-7 overall record.
Cactus Bowl
Date: 12/26
Opponent conference: Pac-12
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Baylor (3-6 7-6) ran all over Boise State last year 31-12. The most intriguing thing about this bowl is the fact that Chase Field is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. So yes, another baseball stadium turned into a football venue (I’m looking at you, Pinstripe Bowl).
Heart of Dallas Bowl
Date: 12/26
Opponent conference: Big 10
Location: Dallas, Texas (duh)
Last year the Heart of Dallas Bowl had neither a Big 12 or Big 10 team play against each other. Instead, Army and North Texas (talk about home field advantage) faced off in a game that was talked about for at least a few hours after it was over (Army 38, North Texas 31). Anyways, unless Iowa State goes full Baylor and loses out, the odds of them playing in this bowl are pretty slim.
College Football Playoff
Just kidding...
For now.