The Fiesta Bowl would be open to matching undefeated TCU and Boise State in its Jan. 4 game, CBSSports.com has learned.
While nothing is certain, Fiesta officials were favorably considering such a matchup this weekend based on attendance and television appeal. The Fiesta's interest in the game shot up recently when it realized the potential TV ratings appeal of such a game.
If it happens, it would mark the first time two non-BCS schools had met in a BCS bowl. While no one is talking for the record, Fiesta officials are intrigued about the idea of matching the two undefeated schools which, at this point, won't have a chance to play in the BCS title game.
The matchup might also enhance the chance of the winner gaining a share of the national championship in the Associated Press poll. No. 4 TCU is the highest-ranked non-BCS program. Boise State is No. 6.
TCU could rise as high as No. 3 after Saturday’s play. The matchup could be affected if the Horned Frogs or Cincinnati could play for the national championship. For that to happen, Nebraska has to upset Texas in the Big 12 title game. If that occurs, Boise State could fall out of the BCS all the way to a minor bowl such as the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl in Detroit or the GMAC Bowl.
The possibility of matching TCU and Boise in the Fiesta has lingered since it became evident that all five undefeated teams could play in BCS bowls. TCU, 12-0, has clinched a BCS bowl berth. Boise State, 11-0, is all but there with a game remaining Saturday against New Mexico State.
TCU's fan impact is a question mark. It hasn't played in a major bowl in 50 years, its living alumni number less than 100,000 and the school has trouble selling out home games. However, Boise State made itself attractive to the Fiesta after the number of tickets its fans bought to the 2007 game, the first bowl played in the new Glendale, Ariz. stadium. In that sense, the fallout from that overtime upset of Oklahoma is still being felt.
Even though BCS pick 'em day is a day away, the BCS bowl lineup is still in flux. If the favorites win, here is how it shakes out:
• BCS title game: Florida/Alabama winner vs. Texas
• Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
• Sugar Bowl: Florida/Alabama loser vs. Cincinnati/Pittsburgh winner
• Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs. Boise State
• Orange Bowl: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech/Clemson
