The massive importance of making a bowl this year

[Rocco]

Been thinking about this for awhile and I know it is common sense, but just wanted to discuss. We have to make a bowl this year. With so many freshmen and sophomores playing such a huge role on this team, every single practice this staff can get with these young kids is absolutely enormous towards building the future. We have seen what they're capable of thus far and I have this feeling that we are just getting started. The 15 extra practices granted for bowl games are truly invaluable and would really give us a running head start into the 2016 season.

Further, we've really gained traction with recruiting in 2017 and 2018, not to mention with the current 2016 class. It's hard to tell how much of an impact it would have on a recruit if we make a bowl as a 6-6 team, but no matter what, it can't hurt. It shows we're moving in the right direction and gives these kids another chance to see our product on the field on national TV. I get the feeling there are quite a few big-name kids in the "wait and see" mode. They're paying closer attention based on what we've done in the first 4 games, but now they want to see if we can maintain our momentum. Making a bowl goes a long way here IMO.

Also, it will help our perception with the local fan base. Probably won't have a huge impact initially, but it will show that we are no longer holding down the fort at the bottom of the ACC. Going 6-2 or 5-3 in ACC play this year would really be an awesome turnaround. AD Coyle is going to be putting together a fan advisory committee to help improve the gameday experience, but winning cures most of the problems.

Lastly, hopefully Shafer will have shown enough to Coyle to receive an extension. I really think he is the guy for the future of this program. I believe is on a contract through 2016, maybe 2017, but if he can keep winning this year, maybe he gets a 2 year extension. This will show stability within the program to recruits, players and fans.

Keep winning --> keep getting bigger crowds in the Dome --> impress the visiting recruits more --> commits

In the meantime, however, nothing is more important than the next opponent. Let's take care of business in Tampa and put the boots to USF in front of our many recruits/fans in that area. Keep this train running.

LGO.

 

[Full_Rebar]

Fully agree, and it's the reason why I was against the LSU game. You cannot underestimate the importance of making a bowl for the reasons you stated. Extra practices, recruiting, and national perception. Tomorrow's game is a huge step towards this goal.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

Perfectly said.

 

[SUalldway]

Fully agree, and it's the reason why I was against the LSU game. You cannot underestimate the importance of making a bowl for the reasons you stated. Extra practices, recruiting, and national perception. Tomorrow's game is a huge step towards this goal.

I think the gut check experience vs. LSU will actually help us drive thru the games we must win, including the next one, to get us to bowl eligibility.

 

[HeaterCuse22]

Fully agree, and it's the reason why I was against the LSU game. You cannot underestimate the importance of making a bowl for the reasons you stated. Extra practices, recruiting, and national perception. Tomorrow's game is a huge step towards this goal.

But if we had to lose. We did it the right way in the face of adversity and on a big stage. A 50 - 0 loss with our walk on would have been understandable devastating at the same time

 

[Finwad32]

For the large contingent of youth on this squad, and the upperclassmen who've been a part of the ups and downs, you're right, a bowl game is of tremendous importance. For a huge amount of reasons. One week at a time though, line em up and knock em down.

 

[wfschrec]

Fully agree, and it's the reason why I was against the LSU game. You cannot underestimate the importance of making a bowl for the reasons you stated. Extra practices, recruiting, and national perception. Tomorrow's game is a huge step towards this goal.

The LSU game had to be done and it turned out to be the perfect situation for SU ... Heisman Trophy hopeful tweeting about SU history ... tough hard fought game ... walk on QB shows guts and Ron Thompson was on the verge of a coming out party. This team doesn't back down from anyone. Not playing a team like LSU is ridiculous.

 

[texascpa]

One pet peeve: Schools are not limited to 15 practices in post-season.

"(It's) a common misconception that's been around for years," NCAA spokesman Christopher Radford said. "There is no specific limit on the number of practices a team may hold while preparing for a bowl game, but standard NCAA rules apply for participation in practice or other athletically related activities. Same as the regular season, these rules limit practice and other athletic activities to a maximum of four hours per day and 20 hours per week."

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/debunking_the_15-bowl_practice_myth.html

 

[RMH44]

The LSU game had to be done and it turned out to be the perfect situation for SU ... Heisman Trophy hopeful tweeting about SU history ... tough hard fought game ... walk on QB shows guts and Ron Thompson was on the verge of a coming out party. This team doesn't back down from anyone. Not playing a team like LSU is ridiculous.

Not to mention the game had the highest rating on cable that weekend. Imagine if we'd won?

 

[MSOrange]

One pet peeve: Schools are not limited to 15 practices in post-season.



http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/debunking_the_15-bowl_practice_myth.html

 

[Shark90210]

it goes without saying that making a bowl is important for player development. it is not, however, as big of a deal as you make it sound in terms of national perception. if we go 5-7, with a win over Clemson and a close loss to LSU... that will get us a much better perception than if we went 6-6 and had beaten some scrub team in our 4th game and played in a dud bowl with a 70% empty stadium.

i know people are firmly on one side or the other here, and that is what debates are all about.

i also feel that losing to LSU close gave our kids a ton more confidence to win the games down the road that will get us to 6 anyways. Barring injury, this team is not winning less than that. no chance.

 

[Shark90210]

Not to mention the game had the highest rating on cable that weekend. Imagine if we'd won?

so well said. and so true.

 

[syracuse95]

Fully agree, and it's the reason why I was against the LSU game. You cannot underestimate the importance of making a bowl for the reasons you stated. Extra practices, recruiting, and national perception. Tomorrow's game is a huge step towards this goal.

I understand completely what you're saying, and would agree with it if we had been blown off the field by LSU. But I think the competitive game we gave LSU did far more for casual- or non-fans' perception of SU than we will ever get by playing a mid-December Lay's Potato Chips Humanitarian Bowl presented by Beef O'Brady's. I have to believe recruits took notice as well.

Swap the LSU game with a directional G5 team, and there's no positivity surrounding a 4-0 SU team. See NC State.

But it's a moot point. Even with the loss to LSU, we are still going to go to a bowl.

 

[HeaterCuse22]

it goes without saying that making a bowl is important for player development. it is not, however, as big of a deal as you make it sound in terms of national perception. if we go 5-7, with a win over Clemson and a close loss to LSU... that will get us a much better perception than if we went 6-6 and had beaten some scrub team in our 4th game and played in a dud bowl with a 70% empty stadium.

i know people are firmly on one side or the other here, and that is what debates are all about.

i also feel that losing to LSU close gave our kids a ton more confidence to win the games down the road that will get us to 6 anyways. Barring injury, this team is not winning less than that. no chance.

Hindsight is perfect right. So I mean if we had to pick between 5-7 lose to LSU or 6-6 and beat East Podunk Kentucky Directional, I would clearly take 6-6. But in the moment, how it went down so far means far more to the program.

 

[RF2044]

Been thinking about this for awhile and I know it is common sense, but just wanted to discuss. We have to make a bowl this year. With so many freshmen and sophomores playing such a huge role on this team, every single practice this staff can get with these young kids is absolutely enormous towards building the future. We have seen what they're capable of thus far and I have this feeling that we are just getting started. The 15 extra practices granted for bowl games are truly invaluable and would really give us a running head start into the 2016 season.

Further, we've really gained traction with recruiting in 2017 and 2018, not to mention with the current 2016 class. It's hard to tell how much of an impact it would have on a recruit if we make a bowl as a 6-6 team, but no matter what, it can't hurt. It shows we're moving in the right direction and gives these kids another chance to see our product on the field on national TV. I get the feeling there are quite a few big-name kids in the "wait and see" mode. They're paying closer attention based on what we've done in the first 4 games, but now they want to see if we can maintain our momentum. Making a bowl goes a long way here IMO.

Also, it will help our perception with the local fan base. Probably won't have a huge impact initially, but it will show that we are no longer holding down the fort at the bottom of the ACC. Going 6-2 or 5-3 in ACC play this year would really be an awesome turnaround. AD Coyle is going to be putting together a fan advisory committee to help improve the gameday experience, but winning cures most of the problems.

Lastly, hopefully Shafer will have shown enough to Coyle to receive an extension. I really think he is the guy for the future of this program. I believe is on a contract through 2016, maybe 2017, but if he can keep winning this year, maybe he gets a 2 year extension. This will show stability within the program to recruits, players and fans.

Keep winning --> keep getting bigger crowds in the Dome --> impress the visiting recruits more --> commits

In the meantime, however, nothing is more important than the next opponent. Let's take care of business in Tampa and put the boots to USF in front of our many recruits/fans in that area. Keep this train running.

LGO.

Spot on, Rocco. I've been saying the same thing since spring ball.

It is vitally important that we claw our way to 6 wins / bowl eligiblity this year. Now that we have an above average QB at the helm, that might not be our maximum ceiling, but getting those 6 wins will give us invaluable momentum heading into the offseason in a variety of ways that you describe.

Big year for the Orange.

Halfway there...

 

[KaiserUEO]

it goes without saying that making a bowl is important for player development. it is not, however, as big of a deal as you make it sound in terms of national perception. if we go 5-7, with a win over Clemson and a close loss to LSU... that will get us a much better perception than if we went 6-6 and had beaten some scrub team in our 4th game and played in a dud bowl with a 70% empty stadium.

i know people are firmly on one side or the other here, and that is what debates are all about.

i also feel that losing to LSU close gave our kids a ton more confidence to win the games down the road that will get us to 6 anyways. Barring injury, this team is not winning less than that. no chance.

insanity.

 

[KaiserUEO]

I understand completely what you're saying, and would agree with it if we had been blown off the field by LSU. But I think the competitive game we gave LSU did far more for casual- or non-fans' perception of SU than we will ever get by playing a mid-December Lay's Potato Chips Humanitarian Bowl presented by Beef O'Brady's. I have to believe recruits took notice as well.

Swap the LSU game with a directional G5 team, and there's no positivity surrounding a 4-0 SU team. See NC State.

But it's a moot point. Even with the loss to LSU, we are still going to go to a bowl.

more insanity.

 

[Oakland]

We have two more on the schedule.

The LSU game had to be done and it turned out to be the perfect situation for SU ... Heisman Trophy hopeful tweeting about SU history ... tough hard fought game ... walk on QB shows guts and Ron Thompson was on the verge of a coming out party. This team doesn't back down from anyone. Not playing a team like LSU is ridiculous.

 

[anglerman]

Been thinking about this for awhile and I know it is common sense, but just wanted to discuss. We have to make a bowl this year. With so many freshmen and sophomores playing such a huge role on this team, every single practice this staff can get with these young kids is absolutely enormous towards building the future. We have seen what they're capable of thus far and I have this feeling that we are just getting started. The 15 extra practices granted for bowl games are truly invaluable and would really give us a running head start into the 2016 season.

Further, we've really gained traction with recruiting in 2017 and 2018, not to mention with the current 2016 class. It's hard to tell how much of an impact it would have on a recruit if we make a bowl as a 6-6 team, but no matter what, it can't hurt. It shows we're moving in the right direction and gives these kids another chance to see our product on the field on national TV. I get the feeling there are quite a few big-name kids in the "wait and see" mode. They're paying closer attention based on what we've done in the first 4 games, but now they want to see if we can maintain our momentum. Making a bowl goes a long way here IMO.

Also, it will help our perception with the local fan base. Probably won't have a huge impact initially, but it will show that we are no longer holding down the fort at the bottom of the ACC. Going 6-2 or 5-3 in ACC play this year would really be an awesome turnaround. AD Coyle is going to be putting together a fan advisory committee to help improve the gameday experience, but winning cures most of the problems.

Lastly, hopefully Shafer will have shown enough to Coyle to receive an extension. I really think he is the guy for the future of this program. I believe is on a contract through 2016, maybe 2017, but if he can keep winning this year, maybe he gets a 2 year extension. This will show stability within the program to recruits, players and fans.

Keep winning --> keep getting bigger crowds in the Dome --> impress the visiting recruits more --> commits

In the meantime, however, nothing is more important than the next opponent. Let's take care of business in Tampa and put the boots to USF in front of our many recruits/fans in that area. Keep this train running.

LGO.

I think your expectations for this team are lower than they should be. I will be disappointed in a big way if this team isn't at least 8-4. This is a very well coached team that is good in so three phases. I expect big things from this team.

 

[TheCusian]

I think your expectations for this team are lower than they should be. I will be disappointed in a big way if this team isn't at least 8-4. This is a very well coached team that is good in so three phases. I expect big things from this team.

I never "expect" anything record wise - good way to be disappointed. I hope for 12-0. I hate losing. I expect our team to play hard and be efficient.

 

[KaiserUEO]

I think your expectations for this team are lower than they should be. I will be disappointed in a big way if this team isn't at least 8-4. This is a very well coached team that is good in so three phases. I expect big things from this team.

 

[Eric15]

insanity.

Kaiser, if I listed all the teams from last year that went either 5-7 or 6-6, would you be able to tell me (without cheating) which ones made a bowl and which ones didn't?

 

[rrlbees]

Kaiser, if I listed all the teams from last year that went either 5-7 or 6-6, would you be able to tell me (without cheating) which ones made a bowl and which ones didn't?

I could. The ones that went 6-6 went to a bowl. The ones that went 5-7 didn't.

Am I close?

 

[Eric15]

I could. The ones that went 6-6 went to a bowl. The ones that went 5-7 didn't.

Am I close?

Eh, not really. Temple, UAB, Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee State and Ohio went 6-6 with no bowl game.

 

[Shenexon]

Been thinking about this for awhile and I know it is common sense, but just wanted to discuss. We have to make a bowl this year. With so many freshmen and sophomores playing such a huge role on this team, every single practice this staff can get with these young kids is absolutely enormous towards building the future. We have seen what they're capable of thus far and I have this feeling that we are just getting started. The 15 extra practices granted for bowl games are truly invaluable and would really give us a running head start into the 2016 season.

Further, we've really gained traction with recruiting in 2017 and 2018, not to mention with the current 2016 class. It's hard to tell how much of an impact it would have on a recruit if we make a bowl as a 6-6 team, but no matter what, it can't hurt. It shows we're moving in the right direction and gives these kids another chance to see our product on the field on national TV. I get the feeling there are quite a few big-name kids in the "wait and see" mode. They're paying closer attention based on what we've done in the first 4 games, but now they want to see if we can maintain our momentum. Making a bowl goes a long way here IMO.

Also, it will help our perception with the local fan base. Probably won't have a huge impact initially, but it will show that we are no longer holding down the fort at the bottom of the ACC. Going 6-2 or 5-3 in ACC play this year would really be an awesome turnaround. AD Coyle is going to be putting together a fan advisory committee to help improve the gameday experience, but winning cures most of the problems.

Lastly, hopefully Shafer will have shown enough to Coyle to receive an extension. I really think he is the guy for the future of this program. I believe is on a contract through 2016, maybe 2017, but if he can keep winning this year, maybe he gets a 2 year extension. This will show stability within the program to recruits, players and fans.

Keep winning --> keep getting bigger crowds in the Dome --> impress the visiting recruits more --> commits

In the meantime, however, nothing is more important than the next opponent. Let's take care of business in Tampa and put the boots to USF in front of our many recruits/fans in that area. Keep this train running.

LGO.

Great post. We need a bowl game and are capable if we can stay disciplined and healthy. As fans it's great to cheer for a competitive team and think it's going to be a fun year for all...