[Spiny_Norman]

the Orange Bowl would probably lose money if they took Stanford since we are so far out west

Regardless of the bowl, Stanford will be required to buy thousands of tickets.  Stanford and the Pac 10 will have to eat the cost of any that are unsold.  The Orange Bowl has almost no risk (other than perhaps minimum ratings that it has committed to the broadcaster).

[Spiny_Norman]

the Orange Bowl would probably lose money if they took Stanford since we are so far out west

Regardless of the bowl, Stanford will be required to buy thousands of tickets.  Stanford and the Pac 10 will have to eat the cost of any that are unsold.  The Orange Bowl has almost no risk (other than perhaps minimum ratings that it has committed to the broadcaster).