A little over a year ago, Pitt beat a 6-6 Kentucky team in something called the BBVA Compass Bowl. Did anybody care then? Does anybody care now? Coaches insist that ANY bowl game is better than none, if for no other reason because you can practice an extra month, begin the preperation for next season. That reason alone is why these crap bowls full of crap teams should not be taking place: If your motivation is getting ready for NEXT year, as opposed to THIS game, THIS game is not very important, now is it? Just like the NIT in basketball, these lowly bowls are pointless.


Postseason is supposed to be a reward for, GASP!, having a successful regular season. What a novel concept. Breaking even, unless we’re talking about me at Keeneland, is not winning. Thankfully, steps are being taken to change the game, as word is that by 2014, a WINNING RECORD will be required to participate in bowls. The result: fewer meaningless games, fewer unqualified participants, and more accountability from coaches/athletic directors to win games that actually matter.


Would this new rule make it more difficult for SEC bottom-feeder Kentucky, and other “non-football schools” to join the party? Yes. Is that a good thing? You damn skippy. Despite not being the best athlete, I had my fair share of trophies growing up. You know what WASN’T on my shelf? A pretty ribbon for simply participating. Awards such as these teach kids at a young age that just showing up is enough. Guess what kiddo? In the real world, it’s not. Life ain’t fair, and if you want something worth having, you gotta work harder, and be better, than the competition. I’m glad the NCAA/BCS/whomever the heck makes college football decisions now days has decided to hold Division 1 athletes to a higher standard than the kids from Garden Springs Elementary on field day.


If you can’t beat 3 cupcakes, along with 4 ACTUAL football teams in the fall, you can stay home on the couch in the winter. That’ll give you plenty of time to prepare for next season, coach. Stay home too many winters, and there may not be a next year for you…isn’t that how it should be?


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