Yeah I get the overall message, but it's not really making sense.
Georgia wanted to prove they were great, but multiple players didn't play. "Injuries concerns", yet both played the SEC championship game.
It's not adding up. Again, I get your point, but the idea players won't sit out at UGA because of culture just isn't true.
Most FSU players sat because they felt screwed by the playoff system. I think you are kind of shoehorning this specific case into your point.
I should not have said ”all” you are correct. Georgia was still alive in the sec championship game. (I could be wrong but bowers had been playing hurt), and I’m sure would have continued if they won.
In the weeks up to the game it was obvious Georgia took more pride in showing up and representing than FSU. Their statements before the game back that up. Georgia was also arguably one of the four best teams in the country, and better than FSU, and you could make an argument that they got screwed too . My point is developing a winning culture is a real thing. I believe too many Florida State guys viewed themselves as mercenaries and when things didn’t go their they way had less loyalty, or love of their team, teammates, or school, than Georgia did. It’s not a FSU-Georgia thing, just an example many would be familiar with.
I do understand the times have changed, but the seasons we beat Clemson, Ohio State, LSU, Georgia and Colorado to name a few, in big bowls, those bowl games were the most consequential wins of the year. Even in 87, where Penn State and West Virginia were two of the biggest wins in history, actually beating Auburn, (even though we were not going to win the championship) would’ve been even more consequential.
so yes, bowl games aren’t what they used to, but its sad to me that 98% of the players who want to play, and the fan bases who want to see the games are getting a watered down products, experience, opportunity, etc. because of the 2% Of key players opting out.
A lot of it is a generational thing. My son is a college aged athlete. loved to compete since he was a little kid in all sports, but, the way he and his friends think is 180° from how we used to. They throw out the term “meaningless“ when ever they lose anything.
I think winning is always better than losing, and competing is character building.