In case you're wondering if this game even matters to LSU's chances at a BCS berth, it actually does. California has moved up to #17 in the BCS after the BC loss to Miami last nite. A Texas loss moves Cal up another spot to #16. If Cal should finish #14 in the BCS, the Rose would probably pick Cal as their opponent to Michigan (should USC win out). This could very well kill LSU's chances at any BCS game. Yes, the Rose Bowl could/would select a 3 loss Cal over a 2 loss #5 ranked LSU.
I disagree for all of the same reasons the Sugar Bowl doesn't want LSU. Hotel $; tourist $. People from California are far less likely to spend tourist $ in California than people from New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Rose is obligated to pick a PAC 10 and Big 10 team if at all possible. Cal being #14 in the BCS means "its possible". You know not what you speak of. The Sugar not wanting LSU has been overly exaggerated (see huge financial success of Illinois and OU games).
All of this along with the fact that the PAC-10 (& probably Big 10) hold the Rose in higher regard than the BCS national championship game. Seems a little silly to want to go to the Rose instead of the BCS NC game, but these folks believe the history of the RB outweighs the NC game. Freakin' nutso ifn ya axe me.
