Bowl Games & Fan/Player Emotion

[kemajic]

Oh, but I do see. You're very spoiled about Montana football performance. You fell into that one all by yourself.

yep. I will fully admit that. Perhaps more telling is that you ARE happy with an 8-5 Griz season.

I've never said that, very disappointed with the outcome of the season. I expected to be NC competitive. There were many headwinds we were unable to overcome; it was one of those years that happen. And 8-5 with the worst case. Not a reason to burn the house down like you support. Unlike you, I have no reason to not be optimistic about next year and the program trajectory.

 

[AZGrizFan]

yep. I will fully admit that. Perhaps more telling is that you ARE happy with an 8-5 Griz season.

I've never said that, very disappointed with the outcome of the season. I expected to be NC competitive. There were many headwinds we were unable to overcome; it was one of those years that happen. And 8-5 with the worst case. Not a reason to burn the house down like you support. Unlike you, I have no reason to not be optimistic about next year and the program trajectory.

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

 

[poorgriz]

I wasn't talking about Oklahoma, I hadn't seen them play yet. Also, OK vs SDSU would be closer than you think.

False. It would be exactly as close as I think.

Ha! And what would your score prediction be, since we're speaking in hypotheticals.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

False. It would be exactly as close as I think.

Ha! And what would your score prediction be, since we're speaking in hypotheticals.

33-5

 

[kemajic]

I've never said that, very disappointed with the outcome of the season. I expected to be NC competitive. There were many headwinds we were unable to overcome; it was one of those years that happen. And 8-5 with the worst case. Not a reason to burn the house down like you support. Unlike you, I have no reason to not be optimistic about next year and the program trajectory.

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

You're not reading, so I'll try one more time. '22 could not have been worse and it was 8-5 with a playoff win. A wake-up call of sorts because expectations were higher. Schedule is dramatically more favorable in '23 and we could easily exceed the 10 wins we had in the previous seasons. We have very good players returning and will help ourselves in the portal as Montana is known to be a great place to play. Actually, there is absolutely no reason for your pessimism. You're a glass half empty guy; I'm a glass half full guy.

 

[uofmman1122]

I've never said that, very disappointed with the outcome of the season. I expected to be NC competitive. There were many headwinds we were unable to overcome; it was one of those years that happen. And 8-5 with the worst case. Not a reason to burn the house down like you support. Unlike you, I have no reason to not be optimistic about next year and the program trajectory.

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

You're doing it again.

We tied for 3rd in 2019 and 2021, and won a playoff game in every single year since 2019 (unless for some reason you're using that phrase that's more commonly used to denote losing your only playoff game to mean we won one and lost the next one).

 

[AZGrizFan]

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

You're not reading, so I'll try one more time. '22 could not have been worse and it was 8-5 with a playoff win. A wake-up call of sorts because expectations were higher. Schedule is dramatically more favorable in '23 and we could easily exceed the 10 wins we had in the previous seasons. We have very good players returning and will help ourselves in the portal as Montana is known to be a great place to play. Actually, there is absolutely no reason for your pessimism. You're a glass half empty guy; I'm a glass half full guy.

Lol. No reason for pessimism? I never used to be a half-empty guy. But the last 5-7 years has made me one.

 

[mthoopsfan]

You're not reading, so I'll try one more time. '22 could not have been worse and it was 8-5 with a playoff win. A wake-up call of sorts because expectations were higher. Schedule is dramatically more favorable in '23 and we could easily exceed the 10 wins we had in the previous seasons. We have very good players returning and will help ourselves in the portal as Montana is known to be a great place to play. Actually, there is absolutely no reason for your pessimism. You're a glass half empty guy; I'm a glass half full guy.

Lol. No reason for pessimism? I never used to be a half-empty guy. But the last 5-7 years has made me one.

You are a glass empty guy.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Lol. No reason for pessimism? I never used to be a half-empty guy. But the last 5-7 years has made me one.

You are a glass empty guy.

And our cup (as Griz fans) used to runneth over. Now? Not so much…

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

Making it to a bowl game used to be an accomplishment but now it's just a participation trophy wherein fans/teams can feel good about themselves while everyone is making big bucks off the process. 65% of teams making a bowl game is a joke.

The author of the following article talks about how it was better in the '90s. That's kind of funny because I think it was better in the '70s and '80s when there was only a handful of bowl games. But I still appreciate his perspective.

"Reaching the postseason used to be a metric we measured success by, now it's a norm for mediocrity, giving teams an opportunity to finish with a losing record."

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2015/05/06/college-football-bowl-games/70885942/

But I guess as long as fans and teams are having fun and money is being made, that's all that matters.

 

[CatGrad-UMGradStu]

Making it to a bowl game used to be an accomplishment but now it's just a participation trophy wherein fans/teams can feel good about themselves while everyone is making big bucks off the process. 65% of teams making a bowl game is a joke.

The author of the following article talks about how it was better in the '90s. That's kind of funny because I think it was better in the '70s and '80s when there was only a handful of bowl games. But I still appreciate his perspective.

"Reaching the postseason used to be a metric we measured success by, now it's a norm for mediocrity, giving teams an opportunity to finish with a losing record."

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2015/05/06/college-football-bowl-games/70885942/

But I guess as long as fans and teams are having fun and money is being made, that's all that matters.

Well, I'm in New Orleans right now surrounded by KSU fans. Parked next to Duece's mom and dad. Wasn't aware he was from Kentucky until this morning. Also. Many LSU fans here to boo Saban coming back here. Will be a nice place to bring in the New Year. Have a great day and hope Georgia doesn't stumble against Ohio state tonight...

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Making it to a bowl game used to be an accomplishment but now it's just a participation trophy wherein fans/teams can feel good about themselves while everyone is making big bucks off the process. 65% of teams making a bowl game is a joke.

The author of the following article talks about how it was better in the '90s. That's kind of funny because I think it was better in the '70s and '80s when there was only a handful of bowl games. But I still appreciate his perspective.

"Reaching the postseason used to be a metric we measured success by, now it's a norm for mediocrity, giving teams an opportunity to finish with a losing record."

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2015/05/06/college-football-bowl-games/70885942/

But I guess as long as fans and teams are having fun and money is being made, that's all that matters.

I dig them all and would like them even more if Montana ever moved to the top division for FB. For the tournament forever people, moving down to DII (really DIII in FB because there are 4 divisions) would be the best bet. If we just want tournament games against whomever, we’d get more of them if we drop down.

 

[IdaGriz01]

Making it to a bowl game used to be an accomplishment but now it's just a participation trophy wherein fans/teams can feel good about themselves while everyone is making big bucks off the process. 65% of teams making a bowl game is a joke.

The author of the following article talks about how it was better in the '90s. That's kind of funny because I think it was better in the '70s and '80s when there was only a handful of bowl games. But I still appreciate his perspective.

"Reaching the postseason used to be a metric we measured success by, now it's a norm for mediocrity, giving teams an opportunity to finish with a losing record."

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2015/05/06/college-football-bowl-games/70885942/

But I guess as long as fans and teams are having fun and money is being made, that's all that matters.

I dig them all and would like them even more if Montana ever moved to the top division for FB. For the tournament forever people, moving down to DII (really DIII in FB because there are 4 divisions) would be the best bet. If we just want tournament games against whomever, we’d get more of them if we drop down.

While I agree that many (not all) bowl games are simply "participation trophies," I see them as having value beyond somebody making money ... mostly ESPN. Sponsors often make no money, BTW; it's written off as a publicity expense ... think of all the commercials that are run.

A first, selfish, reason (as you suggest) is that we and other fans get the fun of seeing college football through December, and beyond. Many of the matchups are between teams that you never see for scheduled games. I recall one in the last week or so between two traditional programs that had never met before in like a hundreds years of playing top-level football. How cool is that?

In this context, we should also address the "participation" award notion. That participation includes hours and hours of practice and games -- with the ever-present danger of injury. Sure, some of the teams weren't very successful, but the players probably do deserve some extra reward for their effort. (That includes some pretty nice "swag" bag provided to the players by the bowl committees.)

Coaches like the bowl games because the NCAA allows them 15 extra days of practice. Despite the extra work, that benefits the players too, since they get "live" coaching to improve themselves.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

I dig them all and would like them even more if Montana ever moved to the top division for FB. For the tournament forever people, moving down to DII (really DIII in FB because there are 4 divisions) would be the best bet. If we just want tournament games against whomever, we’d get more of them if we drop down.

While I agree that many (not all) bowl games are simply "participation trophies," I see them as having value beyond somebody making money ... mostly ESPN. Sponsors often make no money, BTW; it's written off as a publicity expense ... think of all the commercials that are run.

A first, selfish, reason (as you suggest) is that we and other fans get the fun of seeing college football through December, and beyond. Many of the matchups are between teams that you never see for scheduled games. I recall one in the last week or so between two traditional programs that had never met before in like a hundreds years of playing top-level football. How cool is that?

In this context, we should also address the "participation" award notion. That participation includes hours and hours of practice and games -- with the ever-present danger of injury. Sure, some of the teams weren't very successful, but the players probably do deserve some extra reward for their effort. (That includes some pretty nice "swag" bag provided to the players by the bowl committees.)

Coaches like the bowl games because the NCAA allows them 15 extra days of practice. Despite the extra work, that benefits the players too, since they get "live" coaching to improve themselves.

Most every player at every level works hard. Do they all deserve postseason games? Simple logic reveals that to be an impossible goal, which begs the question - why do only FBS football players deserve this? Only 18% of FCS football teams make the playoffs, and that same statistic holds true for division 1 basketball playoffs as well. 65% of FBS teams getting bowl games is ridiculous by comparison.

My point isn't that all bowl games are bad - merely that the current system is so ridiculously bloated that many of the games are meaningless. So I continue to stand by my participation trophy comparison.

 

[Griz Addict]

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

You're doing it again.

We tied for 3rd in 2019 and 2021, and won a playoff game in every single year since 2019 (unless for some reason you're using that phrase that's more commonly used to denote losing your only playoff game to mean we won one and lost the next one).

Pretty sure we were 2nd in conference in 2019.

 

[Griz Addict]

While I agree that many (not all) bowl games are simply "participation trophies," I see them as having value beyond somebody making money ... mostly ESPN. Sponsors often make no money, BTW; it's written off as a publicity expense ... think of all the commercials that are run.

A first, selfish, reason (as you suggest) is that we and other fans get the fun of seeing college football through December, and beyond. Many of the matchups are between teams that you never see for scheduled games. I recall one in the last week or so between two traditional programs that had never met before in like a hundreds years of playing top-level football. How cool is that?

In this context, we should also address the "participation" award notion. That participation includes hours and hours of practice and games -- with the ever-present danger of injury. Sure, some of the teams weren't very successful, but the players probably do deserve some extra reward for their effort. (That includes some pretty nice "swag" bag provided to the players by the bowl committees.)

Coaches like the bowl games because the NCAA allows them 15 extra days of practice. Despite the extra work, that benefits the players too, since they get "live" coaching to improve themselves.

Most every player at every level works hard. Do they all deserve postseason games? Simple logic reveals that to be an impossible goal, which begs the question - why do only FBS football players deserve this? Only 18% of FCS football teams make the playoffs, and that same statistic holds true for division 1 basketball playoffs as well. 65% of FBS teams getting bowl games is ridiculous by comparison.

My point isn't that all bowl games are bad - merely that the current system is so ridiculously bloated that many of the games are meaningless. So I continue to stand by my participation trophy comparison.

Football is exciting. It doesn't matter what they're playing for. It's a sport and the goal is to win and kick some ass doing it. I love watching good quality football. I'd much rather watch 6-6 teams in a bowl game in the fbs over a D2 championship... that shit is boring(comparedto said bowl teams). And guarantee you most kids view the FCS as basically the same as D2. It's not exciting when you're playing lower quality everything. I'd rather play fucking New Mexico or any lower tier fbs teams over fuckjng Northern Colorado or even UNI or UND... fuck sakes, most ppl don't even know who they are rofl

 

[uofmman1122]

You're doing it again.

We tied for 3rd in 2019 and 2021, and won a playoff game in every single year since 2019 (unless for some reason you're using that phrase that's more commonly used to denote losing your only playoff game to mean we won one and lost the next one).

Pretty sure we were 2nd in conference in 2019.

Weber and Sac tied for 1st at 7-1. We tied MSU and EWU at 6-2 for 3rd.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I've never said that, very disappointed with the outcome of the season. I expected to be NC competitive. There were many headwinds we were unable to overcome; it was one of those years that happen. And 8-5 with the worst case. Not a reason to burn the house down like you support. Unlike you, I have no reason to not be optimistic about next year and the program trajectory.

What, exactly, about the current trajectory has you excited? The consecutive 3rd, 4th and 6th place finishes the last 3 years? The blowout loss to the ‘Scats? The one and done in the playoffs every year? The losses to every team with a pulse?

Honestly, what do you see that has you optimistic?

Honestly. why don’t you care about the importance of playoffs, playoff wins and post season season rank. No one on earth who understands football would care about conference rank compared to those other things. UM was one healthy qb away from a deep playoff run. You have become a troll. A nuisance.

 

[IdaGriz01]

...
My point isn't that all bowl games are bad - merely that the current system is so ridiculously bloated that many of the games are meaningless. So I continue to stand by my participation trophy comparison.

Despite my "special pleading" above about other meanings to the bowl games ... I basically agree. At a rough guess, maybe a third of the current bowls could disappear and most fan wouldn't know ... or care.

 

[IdaGriz01]

Football is exciting. It doesn't matter what they're playing for. It's a sport and the goal is to win and kick some ass doing it. I love watching good quality football. ...

I'm reminded of another bonus for bowl games ... along these lines. We're viewing our recording of an earlier game we couldn't watch at the time. Sure, we know the outcome ... but we watch to see the great plays and how games swing back and foth.

Anyway, bowl games are also a chance for the staff to open up the play book ... fun for them (probably) and surely fun for the players. In a week's worth of bowl games, you see more unconventional onside kicks, midfield tries on fourth down, and other trick plays than you get in a normal weekend of seasonal football, where there can be 15-20 games being broadcast.