re: Bowl games

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I’m asking should the win or loss matter for judging a season or coaching staff

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Not anymore.

With regards to Gus, the opting out for players didn't really become a major issue until his last few seasons. I remember when he played OU in the Sugar bowl and OU had a couple RBs opt out and it was a big story. I remember Bob Stoops saying he thought they were pranking him when they told him they were gonna start training for the pro day/combine to improve their stock. It wasn't a widespread trend until maybe 2017 or 2018. It had happened here and there, but it really started to quickly become a trend the last 3 years of Gus' tenure at Auburn.

On the other hand, you could argue with the opting out trend being so prevalent, that bowl games should be where a coaching staff should really earn their money. If you put together a good plan without some of your better players and can go out and win, that's a good job by the staff. I guess it depends on how you want to look at it.