Penn State’s bowl game destination remains uncertain despite the recent announcement that Wisconsin is headed for the Outback Bowl. It just makes certain that the Nittany Lions will not be headed back to Tampa to play on New Year’s Day.

We do know that PSU is still a strong candidate for either the Champs Sports or Alamo bowls on Dec. 28th and 29th, respectively. It looks like Big Ten champion Ohio State (11-1) is headed to the Rose Bowl, with No. 15 Illinois (9-3) the likely pick for the Capital One Bowl

If, however, the No. 3 Buckeyes leapfrog either No. 1 Missouri or No. 2 West Virginia and earn a spot in the National Championship Game, it could change everything. The same applies if the Illini receive an at-large berth to a BCS bowl. Those are the only two scenarios that could pave the way for the 8-4 Lions to possibly jump up to have a shot – however remote -- at the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day in Orlando. It’s a big-time long-shot.

Michigan (8-4) would also have a shot at the Capital One if Ohio State and Illinois are both participating in one of the four BCS games. If not, the Wolverines would drop down to become a candidate for the Alamo in San Antonio along with PSU, with the loser going to the Champ Sports Bowl, also played in Orlando.

It will all shake out on either Dec. 1 or Dec. 2.
– NEIL GEOGHEGAN.