Here’s a look at who each of the contenders has left on the schedule:
Syracuse: WVa, at Miami, BC, ECar
Miami: Temple, at BC, Syracuse, at VA Tech, Wash
VA Tech: at Pitt, at Temple, at VA, Miami
Boston College: Miami, at Rutgers, at Syracuse
Here is what would have to happen for each team to capture the Conference Title:
Syracuse: If the Orangemen win out, the Big East is theirs. It’s that simple. That
won’t be an easy task though, as they must travel to Miami. Winning out is probably their
only chance of capturing the title. However, if the only conference game they lose is to
Miami, and Miami loses to VATech, that would create a 3-way tie (becuase VT beat
Miami, Miami beat Syracuse, and Syracuse beat VT).
Miami: Miami can claim the Big East (and probably a Rose Bowl appearance) if
they win out. Conference games at BC, vs Syracuse, and at VATech won’t be easy
though. However, they’re all winnable games. Miami could also be involved in a 3-way
tie for the title (see Syracuse).
Virginia Tech: After a stunning loss to Syracuse, the Hokies must win out to have
a shot to win the Big East when they play Miami. The schedule is fairly easy until that
date with Miami in December. They probably gave it away against Syracuse though.
Boston College: If BC wins out, they could be part of a multi-champion group, if
they right things fall into place. If Miami beat Syracuse, and then VT beat Miami, and
each of these teams won out, there would be a 4-way tie. Don’t ask me how that works
out, because I don’t have a clue. It sure would be interesting though, huh?
Summing it up:
Miami and Syracuse control their own destinies. If the Canes beat Syracuse, they will
probably win the Big East. A Orangemen victory in Miami, though, would make the last
few weeks of the season very interesting. VA Tech and Boston College each need a few
things to happen to win the conference. Look for Miami to pull out of this race on top,
leaving a mess right behind them for 2nd place.
The Mad Dash for the Bowl Games
The Teams with a shot (with their remaining games):
--Syracuse: (4-0, 7-2) WVa, at Miami, BC, ECar
--Miami: (3-0, 6-0) Temple, at BC, Syracuse, at VA Tech, Wash
--Virginia Tech: (3-1, 6-1) at Pitt, at Temple, at VA, Miami
--Boston College: (3-1, 6-2) Miami, at Rutgers, at Syracuse
--The Rest: (2-5 overall)
Here’s what needs to happen for each of these teams:
Syracuse: They are already in a bowl game, and have a good chance to make
their bowl even better. A conference title would obviously give them a BCS bowl game.
Miami: Miami is also in a bowl game. The Hurricanes have bigger possibilities
than Syracuse though. They are eyeing a Rose Bowl game, and I think they’ll get
there.
Virginia Tech: The Hokies have the necessary 6 wins, but their fans are
disappointed. National Championship hopes went down the drain last weekend. The
Hokies still have a great shot at a 9-2 record and a good bowl game.
Boston College: The Eagles are again a solid team that just can’t seem to get
over the top. They should finish with a 7-4 or 8-3 record and a nice bowl game. One of
these years, they’re going to step it up and make some noise in the national scene of
college football.
The Rest: It’s still possible that one of these teams could jump up and make a
run at a bowl, but it’s very unlikely. It looks like the Big East will send 4 teams to bowls
this season.
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