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re: Suddenly SEC homers say bowl games are meaningless

Posted on 12/30/25 at 11:01 pm to
Posted by Krampus
Member since Nov 2018
5845 posts
Posted on 12/30/25 at 11:01 pm to
quote:

Only play-off games actually mean anything in the big scope. Any bowl games outside playoffs is just teams in transition for next year.


This is not limited to non-playoff games.

Bowl games feature teams with rosters already in transition for the next year.

Playoff games feature teams with coaching staffs already in transition for the next year.

Neither is indicative of the teams as they are/were during the regular season.

The entire postseason is currently broken.
Posted by TexasWranglers
Member since Sep 2024
1673 posts
Posted on 12/30/25 at 11:09 pm to
They basically are now. Not meaningless but with opt outs and transfer portal and nil non playoff bowls are nothing like pre 2020
Posted by FooManChoo
Member since Dec 2012
45880 posts
Posted on 12/30/25 at 11:43 pm to
Bowl games have been becoming more and more meaningless for a long time, especially with the advent of the CFB playoffs. With the expansion to 12 teams, they are really pointless, because all the best teams are in the playoffs, and those outside the playoffs are mid-tier, or bubble teams at best. With more spots available for a championship run, that has become the ultimate goal. If you don't make it, what else is left?
Posted by PeleofAnalytics
Member since Jun 2021
4938 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 1:08 am to
The narrative changed when players started opting out and they shifted to a playoff and snowballed with the expansion of the playoff. Why do you think NO PLAYERS opt out of the CFP games? Why do you think they opt out of major NON CFP games. Because even players think only the playoff games matter. A huge portion of players have checked out if they are not in the playoffs. The culture and priorities of current college football players is completely different than it was 10-15 years ago.
Posted by D3Fan
Member since Dec 2024
43 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 1:26 am to
What happened to the superior depth of SEC teams? Shouldn't this show more now?
Posted by ThePoo
Work
Member since Jan 2007
61339 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 1:32 am to
quote:

The narrative here changed when the SEC lost its dominance over the last few years.


Hmm if only there was some other explanation, some major change or shift in the sport that happened over the last few years that could perhaps provide another possible reason

Can’t seem to think of one though


This post was edited on 12/31/25 at 1:33 am
Posted by JohnnyU
Florida
Member since Nov 2006
12501 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 6:41 am to
quote:

Suddenly SEC homers say bowl games are meaningles


Anything outside of the CFP they are meaningless. Considering opt outs, portal losses, the layoff between the regular season and the bowls, they are hardly a measure of anything.

LSU sucked this year but even so, they played without six defensive starters vs Houston, while the Cougars had no opt outs and played with their full roster.



Posted by labamafan
Prairieville
Member since Jan 2007
26686 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 6:43 am to
When opt outs became as prevalent yes bowl games became meaningless.
Posted by RunningJacket
Member since Dec 2008
689 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 6:49 am to
Opt outs will soon come to the playoffs as well. If you are a sure fire high pick with millions on the line eventually someone will be smart enough not to risk it - unless they have a contract where they lose their NIL but that’s not the case currently.
Posted by Victor R Franko
Member since Dec 2021
2291 posts
Posted on 12/31/25 at 7:01 am to
quote:

all of the bowls outside of the playoff(NY6) bowls are meaningless.

I don't agree. These non-playoff games are the representation of your 2026 team. The practices leading up to the bowl game this year are auditions for positions starting in spring if I were the head coach.
IMO these games are inded meaningful. I also wouldn't be playing anyone portal bound. If a player is moving on to the NFL, I'd allow him to play if he so desired, but portal guys would need to stay home.

I'd probably make some exceptions if a player went to portal but doesn't go to another team. It would depend on the player and potential game contribution. If they don't go to another team, they should clearly know that they're standing on a trap door and I'm holding the release mechanisim.sim.
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