EAST LANSING — Michigan State’s path to a one of the four other major bowls selected by the college football playoff committee is becoming more clear, in every sense of the word.

The Spartans should be no worse than No. 10 when the committee releases its latest rankings Tuesday night, with No. 8 Mississippi’s loss to Arkansas Saturday almost assuredly moving No. 11 MSU up one spot.

If the Spartans can stay there, they’ll play in one of the four showcase bowl games that aren’t part of this year’s semifinals — the Orange, Fiesta, Peach (all on Dec. 31) or Cotton (Jan. 1).

Finishing in the top 10 guarantees MSU its place in one of these four games. Two spots are reserved for the ACC’s Orange Bowl tie-in and the best conference champion from the non-power conferences (possibly Marshall).

As an event, a vacation destination and financial coup, all of these are terrific rewards for a season well done, and soothing consolations for missing the playoff. - Read more at LSJ.com