The sad thing about bowl games, and why I don't watch them anymore is that it's come down to money. The fact that teams with 5-4 records get into bowl games shows that its all about the money. Should have ND be ranked #1? Don't know, but I do know that the powers that be new that a 'Bama-ND game would bring in millions. That's all the ranking strategy that was needed. When it comes to college football, for me there is only three important parts of a season. they are from most important to least important...
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Michigan wins Big Ten
Rose Bowl
In fact the Rose Bowl is for Pac-10 vs. Big Ten only. Screw the championship bowl alliance whatever. Means nothing but money. If it's not pac-10 vs Big 10 then is shouldn't be called the Rose Bowl.