According to Mike Rapp of VandySports.com, the Chick-fil-A bowl may no longer be an option for the Commodores, as fellow Rivals site GamecockCentral.com has reliable inside sources pegging the chances of the Outback Bowl selecting the South Carolina Gamecocks as extremely likely, intimating that it is about as close to a done deal as it gets at this stage.
The Outback Bowl has a historical predilection for SEC East teams, and based on the pecking order will most likely have the opportunity to choose South Carolina or the LSU Tigers. Assuming this information is accurate (both these websites have a solid reputation), that would leave the Chick-fil-A bowl with an opportunity to snatch up a two loss LSU for that potential matchup with the Clemson Tigers over the four loss Vanderbilt Commodores or Mississippi St. Bulldogs, essentially a no-brainer for the Atlanta bowl.
Vanderbilt's fate at that point would be tied entirely to whether the Gator Bowl selects the Commodores or the Bulldogs for a potential matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers. Should the Gator Bowl choose Mississippi State, it is expected that the Music City Bowl would most likely choose the four loss Commodores over the 6-6 Mississippi Rebels, pushing Ole Miss into the BBVA Compass Bowl.
Have you reserved your bowl tickets yet? This is your opportunity to help James Franklin and the Vanderbilt Commodores make their case to the Gator Bowl. Strong preordering through Vanderbilt is the only way the Commodores are given credit by the bowl committees for your attendance. Do your part for the players and help the Gator Bowl Anchor Down.