Quote Originally Posted by CaseyDawg View Post
It has to do with placing 7 win teams in affiliated bowls prior to any 6-6 teams. The WAC could not place Tech in the I-Bowl with the purpose of opening up the New Mexico for a 6-6 wac team by NCAA rules. Since all 7-5 teams are likely to be placed in bowls requiring some 6-6 teams to be at-large selections, it is probably a moot point as the NCAA would likely permit a exception. Still, it is something to consider.

The other side of the I-Bowl could be a concern as well.
The WAC wouldn't be placing Tech in the I-Bowl "with the purpose of opening up the New Mexico for a 6-6 WAC team." The New Mexico bowl would be working out a deal with the I-Bowl that allows the I-Bowl to have a 7 win regional team in Tech to help them sell tickets and have a good attendance. It just so happens that to replace Tech the New Mexico bowl would pick a 6 win WAC team.

In other words, after releasing the WAC from their commitment to place a 7 win team in the New Mexico bowl, the NM bowl would be free to choose who they wanted to replace Tech in that slot. It would just so happen to be a regional WAC school so that they could attract more fans just like the I-Bowl is seeking to do.