I think the Gophers are a compelling/sexy story this year and that counts with the Bowl committees. They are finishing strong, not limping into post-season. For what it's worth, I have been projecting bowl games for 10+ years (not saying I'm good at it, just saying I do it) in order to get tentative travel plans in place. I've got the Gophers in the Cap One Bowl whether they win or lose next week, assuming they lose to OSU if they get to the Championship Game. My rationale is that the Badgers were in Orlando last year at the Cap One and the B1G has stated they want to avoid having the same team go to the same bowl/city back-to-back. Of course, if the Gophers win out, they are guaranteed the Peach, Cotton, or Fiesta Bowls, since the Rose in unavailable.
I've got the Badgers in the Outback, regardless of next week's outcome, but I hope I'm wrong. I'm sick of Florida and may stay home for bowling for the first time in 15 years (yeah, I may change my mind, when push comes to shove). The Orange, Holiday, and Music City are the ones I'd most like to go to. Or NOLA, but I think that is impossible.