Rose Bowl To Be Played On January 2nd

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Bowl Championship Series has chosen dates for its five bowl games in an effort to avoid conflicts that could arise because of the NFL lockout, with flexibility to move the title game.

While the BCS title game in New Orleans remains scheduled for Jan. 9. a Monday night, it could be moved either up to Jan. 7 or back to Jan. 10.

BCS executive director Bill Hancock says the mostly midweek dates were chosen in case the lockout causes the NFL schedule to be pushed back.

Hancock says the Rose Bowl, which is not played in an NFL stadium, will be played on Jan. 2.

The Sugar Bowl will be played on Jan. 3, which is a Tuesday, then the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4 and the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 5.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)