What is the relationship between a bowl game and the venue in which it is played? I'm asking specifically about the Chick-fil-A Bowl, which is predicted to host yet another Auburn-Clemson game. The two not only played earlier this season but also open next season in Atlanta. Can the Georgia Dome folks influence who the bowl picks?
-- Charles Roberts, Birmingham, Ala.</p>
Actually, the bowl and its executive director, Gary Stokan, run both events, and I'm surprised myself they seem to keep floating Auburn-Clemson as the most likely matchup for the very reason you mention. Do we really need to see three Tiger-fests in less than 12 months? Do their fans want that? I doubt it. But it also looks like Auburn will be the only viable choice for the bowl's SEC slot, unless it takes 6-6 Florida, and the other ACC choices aren't appealing. I'm projecting 8-4 Florida State to avoid the rematch/prematch, but the 'Noles played there last year, and it's well known the Champs Sports Bowl desperately wants to pit FSU and Notre Dame.</p>
Of course, the only way Clemson is even available is if it loses to Virginia Tech on Saturday, which would give it a three-game losing streak that might turn off bowl organizers.</p>
<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/11/30/alabama-oklahoma-state-mailbag/1.html">Link</a>.