Strange how things could play out

[Guest HowieP1]

Palko and Co. convert to Syracuse fans

By Joe Bendel

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Saturday, November 27, 2004

Tyler Palko and the Pitt offensive line did what most Americans do the day after Thanksgiving: They went shopping.

But this group wasn't looking for the perfect tie for dad or the hippest video game, they were on a mission for orange.

Syracuse Orange.

"We'll be at the mall buying our Syracuse hats," said Palko, the sophomore quarterback who led the Panthers (7-3, 4-2 Big East) to a dramatic, 16-13, victory over rival West Virginia on Thanksgiving night at Heinz Field. "We'll be the biggest Syracuse fans in the country on Saturday."

Palko and the rest of the Panthers have acquired a taste for the Orange for good reason: If Syracuse (5-5, 3-2) upsets No. 17 Boston College (8-2, 4-1) today on the Eagles' home field, Pitt would grab a share the Big East title with WVU, BC and Syracuse.

More importantly, the Panthers would likely snatch the conference's BCS bowl berth and the lucrative payday that goes with it. None of this is guaranteed, because Pitt still needs to win its regular-season finale a week from today against South Florida (4-5), but the possibility strongly exists.

Syracuse and Boston College kickoff at 1 p.m. on WTAE-4 (ABC).

"We're going to get together, a bunch of us," senior left tackle Rob Petitti said. "I'm going to buy a Syracuse shirt. Me and (right guard) John Simonitis might get other Syracuse gear. Normally, you're playing when they're playing. It's going to be an early wake-up call Saturday."

Petitti need not worry, though. Palko said he's buying for the linemen.

"I'm definitely going to get them some food, and we're going to sit back and enjoy it," said Palko, who led the game-winning, 73-yard touchdown drive against WVU. "We did our part, now we need some help from Syracuse."

If Syracuse beats BC, then things look good for Pitt in terms of gaining the BCS berth. All that is required of the Panthers in this instance is to have a higher BCS ranking than the Orange at the end of the season. Pitt almost certainly would rank higher, because a win at South Florida would put it at 8-3, while Syracuse would be 6-5.

On the other hand, if BC beats Syracuse, the rest is academic. The Eagles go to the BCS game. Pitt, then, could end up in the Gator Bowl, provided the Gator doesn't opt for WVU (which brings more fans and could sneak in).

After the Gator, there is a long list of mid-level bowls the Panthers could end up in, anywhere from San Francisco to Detroit to Orlando. That part of the puzzle will become less complicated after today's games.

Pitt has a shot

Here's a breakdown of Pitt's BCS chances if Syracuse wins at Boston College today. (Pitt has no chance if Syracuse loses to BC, which would win the Big East title outright and the league's BCS berth). BC and Syracuse play at 1 p.m. today.

If the Orange wins, Pitt, WVU, BC and Syracuse would end up tied for the Big East title, then a "mini-conference" of sorts is created amongst the four teams. Pitt would be 2-1 (wins versus BC and WVU and a loss to Syracuse); Syracuse would be 2-1 (wins over BC and Pitt and a loss to WVU); BC would be 1-2 (win over WVU and losses to Pitt and Syracuse); and WVU would be 1-2 (win over Syracuse and losses to Pitt and BC).

In this instance, the tie between Pitt and Syracuse is broken by which team is higher ranked in the final BCS standings. If two teams tie for the highest ranking, the bid goes to the team that won the head-to-head match-up.

Pitt almost certainly would be higher ranked than Syracuse, particularly if it wins at South Florida in the regular-season finale Dec. 4. The Orange, despite beating Pitt in head-to-head play, would have two fewer wins than the Panthers.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/college/basketball/s_277160.html

If Syracuse beats Boston College, I bet all THEIR players will be converting to USF fans and buying USF merchandise!  ;D

[ChiTownBull]

none of them deserve a bcs bowl game

[Apis Bull]

Cuse is beating BC right now 30-10

[ChiTownBull]

Cuse is beating BC right now 30-10

exactly they are all mediocre

texas or cal would crush any of the BE teams

[bulls96go]

go cuse!

[Apis Bull]

exactly they are all mediocre

texas or cal would crush any of the BE teams

Pitt's looking real good lately.

[smazza]

chitown-so true

not one big east frontrunner won a game to solidify their postion

wv lost when they had a chance to wrap up title

and BC lost when they had the same chance

[E.T.]

Talked to my buddy yesterday and Palko's dad should be at this game.

Beat Pitt !

Go BULLS !!!

[ChiTownBull]

Pitt's looking real good lately.

IMO not good enough for the fiesta bowl

[Apis Bull]

What are you guys going to do if Cuse or Pitt wins the Fiesta Bowl?