As big businesses grow and evolve, it’s amazing how their priorities change. It’s no different in the big business arena of college football.
It used to be, back in the day, that any bowl game was a reward for the team. It was a way to send the older players off with one more game and hopefully one more win.
Nowadays, though, it seems if you aren’t playing for a chance at the title in the College Football Playoffs, bowl games are expendable. And for those in the position of having a chance to become a professional, it’s now a roadblock not an avenue.
Now, as I have said before, just because some guys decide to sit out a bowl game and make what, in most instances, is a smart business move, there are still some bowl games that do matter.
A great example of that is today’s matchup between Sun Belt Champ Troy and Conference USA champ UTSA. There will be no opt outs. These two teams are going full steam ahead into what should be a hell of a cure bowl as both try to secure their 12th win.
The harsh reality is this situation is now in the minority.
Most bowls have more backups than a driver’s license test — and the best attribute of the experience is the extra practice time for the young guys.
While the older crowd — or curmudgeons like my good friend David Cone — won’t like it, it is the new era of college football, the industrial revolution of the sport and it won’t be changing anytime soon.
There is a silver lining however, I can guarantee that in two years there will be six more bowl games that will definitely matter.
So, in aggregate, do bowl games matter anymore? Barely. But it’s fading fast.
Jake Crain is co-host of “Crain & Company.” the Daily Wire’s sports show hosted by former athletes and coaches Jake Crain, Blain Crain, and David Cone. Monday-Friday at 2PM CT.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.