Bowl games = Exhibition

[FirstDownB]

Are bowl games exhibitions or are they of equal (or more) importance as other games?

I think what bothers people the most is inconsistency regarding this issue. The games (and high price ticket and travel packages) are sold as the latter, while coaches and players treat them largely as the former.

With player opt-outs and coaches leaving for other jobs, it seems those involved in the sport have spoken. Outside of the CFP, the bowl games have become glorified exhibitions. With so many bowl games, some teams have even declined invites. Bowl games are becoming as competitively juiced as the pro bowl. Pretty soon they'll be changing the rules to 2-hand touch to entice star players to play.

I think fans would react better to this situation if W/L record was not on the line, just the bowl trophy itself. Then it's all upside, which is as it should be as reward for a successful season.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

The whole system is bad. They are glorified exhibitions, but the kids get a nice trip to a (usually) warm location and the practices that they get are a bonus going forward for the program.

But once someone got a major injury in their bowl game at some point in the past - 10-15 years ago maybe? - a slippery slope was created. Guys don't want to take the risk because a professional football player's shelf-life is not very long and they have to hit it hard right away. Unless you're Tom Brady.

The thing that is weird though, is how kids haven't started to "quit" on their team earlier in the season in large numbers. When Purdue is 7-4 going into the Bucket game, what makes that game any more important to DBell and GK than a bowl game? Beating Indinia isn't going to send Purdue to the B1G Championship or the CFP, so what's the difference? Even less for teams that aren't as good as Purdue was this year.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

Rankings and University pride are not enough in today’s game so it seems.
Pair down to 15 bowl games with winners getting an a choice of Vegas, Orlando or Hawaii air/hotel trips. Each town will recover it quickly once they land.

 

[FirstDownB]

The whole system is bad. They are glorified exhibitions, but the kids get a nice trip to a (usually) warm location and the practices that they get are a bonus going forward for the program.

But once someone got a major injury in their bowl game at some point in the past - 10-15 years ago maybe? - a slippery slope was created. Guys don't want to take the risk because a professional football player's shelf-life is not very long and they have to hit it hard right away. Unless you're Tom Brady.

The thing that is weird though, is how kids haven't started to "quit" on their team earlier in the season in large numbers. When Purdue is 7-4 going into the Bucket game, what makes that game any more important to DBell and GK than a bowl game? Beating Indinia isn't going to send Purdue to the B1G Championship or the CFP, so what's the difference? Even less for teams that aren't as good as Purdue was this year.

A month makes a big difference. There is less than 2 months from bowl game to NFL combine. But there is over 3 months from Bucket game to NFL combine. That is 50% more time to heal up and prepare your body to be at peak performance. But I get your point - it is a slippery slope, and as soon as something becomes the new norm then guys will push the boundary. But at some point it wouldn't make sense for a guy to play the season at all. IMO mid-season opt outs will remain extremely rare at least in the near future.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

Rankings and University pride are not enough in today’s game so it seems.
Pair down to 15 bowl games with winners getting an a choice of Vegas, Orlando or Hawaii air/hotel trips. Each town will recover it quickly once they land.

I've always agreed with this. The thing is, it's not an unpopular viewpoint. I'd say if you polled a national college football audience, the majority would say there are too many bowl games. Maybe a strong majority. But they keep happening. They even added one more at the last minute this year so no one would be left out.

 

[BCfanatic2020]

2022 preseason game

 

[Robinahood]

I still think it's important to the teams and players. Sure you'll have opt outs and I complete understand why. It's still good recognition and think it should help with recruiting. The option to play in a bowl and be on TV is better optics then not.

 

[FirstDownB]

I still think it's important to the teams and players. Sure you'll have opt outs and I complete understand why. It's still good recognition and think it should help with recruiting. The option to play in a bowl and be on TV is better optics then not.

The problem is it is important for SOME players, but not ALL players. But without the BEST players, it is not a representative game. Just make these minor bowl games an all-expenses paid trip to play for a trophy and pride, and be done with it. Leave the records out of it. The season ends in November.

 

[Tommaker]

Are bowl games exhibitions or are they of equal (or more) importance as other games?

I think what bothers people the most is inconsistency regarding this issue. The games (and high price ticket and travel packages) are sold as the latter, while coaches and players treat them largely as the former.

With player opt-outs and coaches leaving for other jobs, it seems those involved in the sport have spoken. Outside of the CFP, the bowl games have become glorified exhibitions. With so many bowl games, some teams have even declined invites. Bowl games are becoming as competitively juiced as the pro bowl. Pretty soon they'll be changing the rules to 2-hand touch to entice star players to play.

I think fans would react better to this situation if W/L record was not on the line, just the bowl trophy itself. Then it's all upside, which is as it should be as reward for a successful season.

1. I gives the teams extra weeks of practice. Coaches can evaluate next years starters.
2. People may say there are too many, but they still draw eyes. Excellent chance to showcase and advance your brand, especially if you land a popular day/timeslot.
3. It's a reward for your fanbase if it's someplace warm or fun (BRING BACK THE ALAMO!!!!!)
4. It's a chance to engage alumni out of your normal footprint.
5. $$$$$
6. Success builds and breeds success. Beat a tougher team, short all stars or not, and it pumps up your brand.
7. There's a lot of bling there for coaches and players. Never underestimate the value of cool bling.
8. It gives talking heads and board folks something else to talk about for a month.
9. It can help recruiting in areas you might not be getting players from.
10. What else are you going to watch over Christmas break? 10K reruns of Harry Potter?

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

The problem is it is important for SOME players, but not ALL players. But without the BEST players, it is not a representative game. Just make these minor bowl games an all-expenses paid trip to play for a trophy and pride, and be done with it. Leave the records out of it. The season ends in November

Since Purdue doesn't get many bowls, I don't know the answer so I'll ask. Does the AP and Coaches Top 25 move up and down after bowls or does only the CFP teams move up and down the list?

 

[PumpkinShuckers07]

I wonder how much longer till bball players start opting out of NCAA tournament?

 

[Chi-Boiler]

Since Purdue doesn't get many bowls, I don't know the answer so I'll ask. Does the AP and Coaches Top 25 move up and down after bowls or does only the CFP teams move up and down the list?

There are final rankings after the CFP and bowl games.

 

[BSIT]

I wonder how much longer till bball players start opting out of NCAA tournament?

IU has been doing this for years

 

[BCfanatic2020]

The problem is it is important for SOME players, but not ALL players. But without the BEST players, it is not a representative game. Just make these minor bowl games an all-expenses paid trip to play for a trophy and pride, and be done with it. Leave the records out of it. The season ends in November.

Great idea

 

[Purdue85]

IU has been doing this for years

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

I dont see that happening as almost everyone has a chance to win it. Additionally, the NCAA tournament only adds 1 more week for most teams. Also, the tournament is probably the greatest audition for the next level. See Carsen Edwards.

The only way to somewhat combat guys not playing in the bowl is to expand the playoffs so there are meaningful games to be played.

 

[Wolegib]

Many bball players have already opted out of their seasons! Minnesota’. Center Przzybilla quit his team in mid season to concentrate on being drafted. He was drafted in the first round by the Bucks. His Minnesota team fell apart and missed the tourney without him.

my thoughts are if a player doesn’t want to participate in a bowl game for the school that he’s on scholarship for, then the school shouldn’t feel obligated to provide him a pro day or allow them to use their facilities to train. Because, after all, he could get hurt! Just wrap him in bubble wrap until the draft if he is that fragile!

 

[C'ville Boiler]

There are final rankings after the CFP and bowl games.

I know it probably doesn’t matter to a lot of people but if Purdue beats Tennessee there’s a good chance they could crack top 25. They are about 30th I believe. It may not mean a ton at the end of the day but for poops and grins I’d like to finish ranked

 

[Robinahood]

Many bball players have already opted out of their seasons! Minnesota’. Center Przzybilla quit his team in mid season to concentrate on being drafted. He was drafted in the first round by the Bucks. His Minnesota team fell apart and missed the tourney without him.

my thoughts are if a player doesn’t want to participate in a bowl game for the school that he’s on scholarship for, then the school shouldn’t feel obligated to provide him a pro day or allow them to use their facilities to train. Because, after all, he could get hurt! Just wrap him in bubble wrap until the draft if he is that fragile!

Good luck getting good players if you do that. Your players having pro days are still good publicity for the program.

 

[Purdue85]

Many bball players have already opted out of their seasons! Minnesota’. Center Przzybilla quit his team in mid season to concentrate on being drafted. He was drafted in the first round by the Bucks. His Minnesota team fell apart and missed the tourney without him.

my thoughts are if a player doesn’t want to participate in a bowl game for the school that he’s on scholarship for, then the school shouldn’t feel obligated to provide him a pro day or allow them to use their facilities to train. Because, after all, he could get hurt! Just wrap him in bubble wrap until the draft if he is that fragile!

you went back 21 years for an example (Przybilla) of all these many players who opt out?

 

[C'ville Boiler]

Many bball players have already opted out of their seasons! Minnesota’. Center Przzybilla quit his team in mid season to concentrate on being drafted. He was drafted in the first round by the Bucks. His Minnesota team fell apart and missed the tourney without him.

my thoughts are if a player doesn’t want to participate in a bowl game for the school that he’s on scholarship for, then the school shouldn’t feel obligated to provide him a pro day or allow them to use their facilities to train. Because, after all, he could get hurt! Just wrap him in bubble wrap until the draft if he is that fragile!

I was telling my friend earlier that yes I do understand them not wanting to get hurt playing a “meaningless” bowl game but also then why don’t they just quit once it’s realized they aren’t going to win the West or make playoffs. I mean with that logic all those games are meaningless too. They could get hurt playing any of those games as well. I miss the days when playing in a bowl meant something instead of having 80 teams playing and people saying they are meaningless. Purdue sold out their ticket allotment so I guess it’s not meaningless to everyone.

 

[AgainstDaWind]

I miss the 1980's bowl system. Rose Bowl was THE game for Big Ten. It way too watered down now. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[BCfanatic2020]

I know it probably doesn’t matter to a lot of people but if Purdue beats Tennessee there’s a good chance they could crack top 25. They are about 30th I believe. It may not mean a ton at the end of the day but for poops and grins I’d like to finish ranked

I want to be competitive.. but I firmly believe that the result of the game is less important than getting certain players reps ..

 

[Purdue85]

I miss the 1980's bowl system. Rose Bowl was THE game for Big Ten. It way too watered down now. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Purdue went to the Rose Bowl in 1967.

After that, they were rewarded with:

1978 Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
1979 Bluebonnet Bowl (Houston)
1980 Liberty Bowl (Memphis)
1984 Peach Bowl

Bowl season is fun. Stop peeing in the Cheerios.

 

[Wolegib]

you went back 21 years for an example (Przybilla) of all these many players who opt out?

He was the guy who started it all! 20 years ago! Many have followed in his footsteps in both basketball and football. They place more emphasis on their own future and their own draft stock than the school that helped showcase their talents. I thought it was a great idea to bring up his name as an example! What did you want me to do? Post 1,000 other names and 250

and yet again you feel obligated to dis me even when I was right. Why is it it every single post I make you feel obligated to reply dissing me? What did I ever do to you? Couldn’t you just post a thumbs up?

 

[Purdue85]

He was the guy who started it all! 20 years ago! Many have followed in his footsteps in both basketball and football. They place more emphasis on their own future and their own draft stock than the school that helped showcase their talents. I thought it was a great idea to bring up his name as an example! What did you want me to do? Post 1,000 other names and 250

and yet again you feel obligated to dis me even when I was right. Why is it it every single post I make you feel obligated to reply dissing me? What did I ever do to you? Couldn’t you just post a thumbs up?

Wha....??

You think nobody opted out before Przybilla????????

Dude...

 

[purduepat1969]

Are bowl games exhibitions or are they of equal (or more) importance as other games?

I think what bothers people the most is inconsistency regarding this issue. The games (and high price ticket and travel packages) are sold as the latter, while coaches and players treat them largely as the former.

With player opt-outs and coaches leaving for other jobs, it seems those involved in the sport have spoken. Outside of the CFP, the bowl games have become glorified exhibitions. With so many bowl games, some teams have even declined invites. Bowl games are becoming as competitively juiced as the pro bowl. Pretty soon they'll be changing the rules to 2-hand touch to entice star players to play.

I think fans would react better to this situation if W/L record was not on the line, just the bowl trophy itself. Then it's all upside, which is as it should be as reward for a successful season.

I find it interesting that all fans on here talk about is getting bowl eligible. And then when we do, we start downplaying the importance of them. Casual fans, and I'm assuming recruits watch bowl games and then make judgements on which conference is the best. And that has impact on where kids wanna play. Bowl games are a reward for a successful regular season. Why wouldn't teams do everything possible to win these games?

 

[purduepat1969]

I was telling my friend earlier that yes I do understand them not wanting to get hurt playing a “meaningless” bowl game but also then why don’t they just quit once it’s realized they aren’t going to win the West or make playoffs. I mean with that logic all those games are meaningless too. They could get hurt playing any of those games as well. I miss the days when playing in a bowl meant something instead of having 80 teams playing and people saying they are meaningless. Purdue sold out their ticket allotment so I guess it’s not meaningless to everyone.

^^^^ This...

 

[FirstDownB]

I find it interesting that all fans on here talk about is getting bowl eligible. And then when we do, we start downplaying the importance of them. Casual fans, and I'm assuming recruits watch bowl games and then make judgements on which conference is the best. And that has impact on where kids wanna play. Bowl games are a reward for a successful regular season. Why wouldn't teams do everything possible to win these games?

Why wouldn’t they? I don’t know. There’s a variety of factors, probably. The first of which is the all or nothing mentality around the college football playoff. Bowl games used to mean a lot. There was tradition. Pride. Now the bowl games are a consolation prize. But regardless of the root cause, it is what is is. You can’t put the broken glass back together. I’m simply proposing a formal acknowledgment of where the system has arrived to, exhibition status. A token reward for a winning (in most cases) season.

 

[FirstDownB]

Bump

The minor bowls continue to become more and more “exhibitiony”. These games simply should not be on the season record. The powers that be need to implement this change by next year.