(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

(11-03-2014 03:32 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 03:02 PM)Scrotumus Wrote:  The butthurt, it be strong in the Sun Belt.

Reminds me of Furman fans....

Not really. It's called paying your dues. GS fans really have hard time with that. Your time will come. Maybe even this year. Of course you should do it under the same rules other teams used. Texas St. and others paid those dues. What makes you special. Nothing.

1. Calling it "paying your dues" is a lazy way to rationalize the rule.

2. Texas State didn't get left out because of NCAA rules, they got left out because no bowl chose them. Their FBS transition year was 2012, and they were 4-8.

3. It's one thing to get left out being 6-6, it's another to get left out at 10-2 or 9-3. I'm not saying we'll hit that mark this season, though.

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

(11-03-2014 04:19 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

to me that goes along with saying all kids who play sports are winners, and everybody should get a trophy. You get a trophy because you won. I don't think a 6-6 team should get any post season play. Sure the guys work hard and practice a lot, but if you only win 6 games, you don't deserve post season play IMO. Hey guys, sorry your team wasn't any good. Try coming back next season and winning more.

(11-03-2014 04:11 PM)EigenEagle Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 03:32 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 03:02 PM)Scrotumus Wrote:  The butthurt, it be strong in the Sun Belt.

Reminds me of Furman fans....

Not really. It's called paying your dues. GS fans really have hard time with that. Your time will come. Maybe even this year. Of course you should do it under the same rules other teams used. Texas St. and others paid those dues. What makes you special. Nothing.

1. Calling it "paying your dues" is a lazy way to rationalize the rule.

2. Texas State didn't get left out because of NCAA rules, they got left out because no bowl chose them. Their FBS transition year was 2012, and they were 4-8.

3. It's one thing to get left out being 6-6, it's another to get left out at 10-2 or 9-3. I'm not saying we'll hit that mark this season, though.

No, being left out is being left out. Imagine being left out at 7-5 because a team now wants to go back on the deal they agreed upon. I'm pretty sure you could have not signed the agreement and stated FCS and you would have earned yourself a playoff spot. Nobody forced you to do anything.

why either side is arguing about this is beyond me.

(11-03-2014 04:21 PM)NCeagle Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:19 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

to me that goes along with saying all kids who play sports are winners, and everybody should get a trophy. You get a trophy because you won. I don't think a 6-6 team should get any post season play. Sure the guys work hard and practice a lot, but if you only win 6 games, you don't deserve post season play IMO. Hey guys, sorry your team wasn't any good. Try coming back next season and winning more.

Because for the last time, that's not what it's about, it's about money. As long as bowl sponsors see an avenue to make a dollar, they will keep making bowls. I choose to look at it as a reward for the players, most if which come from nothing. If and when you get to see your guys faces at a bowl game, and how much they enjoy it, maybe you will take some relief in looking at it that way. Half the stadiums are empty at bowl games but schools are required to purchase a set amount which guarantees the bowls profit. As long as that happens, we will keep seeing more and more bowls. Not everybody schedule is equal, One teams 7-5 can be more impressive than another's 9-3...there is a reason Marshall is undefeated and just finally broke top 25.

(11-03-2014 04:30 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:21 PM)NCeagle Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:19 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

to me that goes along with saying all kids who play sports are winners, and everybody should get a trophy. You get a trophy because you won. I don't think a 6-6 team should get any post season play. Sure the guys work hard and practice a lot, but if you only win 6 games, you don't deserve post season play IMO. Hey guys, sorry your team wasn't any good. Try coming back next season and winning more.

Because for the last time, that's not what it's about, it's about money. As long as bowl sponsors see an avenue to make a dollar, they will keep making bowls. I choose to look at it as a reward for the players, most if which come from nothing. If and when you get to see your guys faces at a bowl game, and how much they enjoy it, maybe you will take some relief in looking at it that way. Half the stadiums are empty at bowl games but schools are required to purchase a set amount which guarantees the bowls profit. As long as that happens, we will keep seeing more and more bowls. Not everybody schedule is equal, One teams 7-5 can be more impressive than another's 9-3...there is a reason Marshall is undefeated and just finally broke top 25.

I know why they have so many bowl games. I just think there are too many, and the crazy part is that only the bowl itself makes money on some of these games where some of the schools are taking hits financially for it.

(11-03-2014 04:19 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

That's probably the single best rationale I've ever heard for the proliferation of bowl games.Makes me think of it in a different light. And yeah, I've been a critic of bowl overkill. Your post makes me rethink that. Thanks.

(11-03-2014 01:35 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 01:34 PM)The4thOption Wrote:  Petition to help Southern get a Bowl game.

We know it is a long shot, but the rule makes no sense.

Hoping for enough signatures and Face Book shares to turn some Media heads onto it.

Over 3,500 signatures now.

Thank you to those willing to help.

You don't need a petition. If there is a bowl slot available for a transition team, you will get it.

This!

(11-03-2014 02:31 PM)The4thOption Wrote:  App got the same waiver.
And that was probably part of the negotiations to get us to join.
Let's not forget that the Belt needed us almost as much as we needed it.

In what world do you figure?

Sun Belt currently has 11 teams.

When you were invited, we had 10 teams. If WKU still left (as they would have anyway), we would have 9 teams, or what many call the perfect number for non divisional play.

I'm glad you and App are in and all, but grab a hold of reality, please.

(11-03-2014 02:17 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  Everyone slams the NCAA for being arbitrary and inconsistent.

Until they need the NCAA to be arbitrary and inconsistent.

You willingly signed up to be a transitional FBS under a set of rules. Play by them.

This Again!

(11-03-2014 04:33 PM)gsu95 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:19 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:07 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:05 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:00 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  You'll also have to forgive me because I don't think 6-6 and 7-5 teams (unless they've somehow won a share of a conference title) deserve to play in anything that signifies a post-season. It really annoys me how many bowl games exist.

And why do you think that is? What could be the driving force behind that?

lol I know WHY they exist. I just don't like it, it takes away from the meaning of the game (at least a little bit, imo).

I don't mind it honestly, it's a reward for the players, they get a trip somewhere with their teammates, they get gifts given to them and get to choose gifts they want. They get clothes from the bowl etc, and get events paid for them all that week. I know what you mean in a sense, but if you just look at it as a reward for the players it makes it better. If there would less bowls it would just mean less bowl for the guys at our level. In the case of the sunbelt, the guys would never have the chance to play for anything beyond regular season... Not even a championship game. All these kids bust arse practicing, playing and keeping up with school..they deserve it.

That's probably the single best rationale I've ever heard for the proliferation of bowl games.Makes me think of it in a different light. And yeah, I've been a critic of bowl overkill. Your post makes me rethink that. Thanks.

Unfortunately what's best for the players usually gets lost in everything. I know a lot of these kids don't come from much, most have never been on an airplane until they take their first road trip. I was able to attend the first bowl game in New Orleans for the entire week and got to see first hand what it meant to those guys. Everyday their faces looked like it was Christmas. Everywhere they went there was something setup just for them either by the bowl, the school or the city and you could tell they really appreciated it. It really gives you a much different perspective.

I hope Southern does not get into a bowl and I hope we beat you this Saturday. Yalls fans are annoying as hell

(11-03-2014 04:46 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  Unfortunately what's best for the players usually gets lost in everything. I know a lot of these kids don't come from much, most have never been on an airplane until they take their first road trip. I was able to attend the first bowl game in New Orleans for the entire week and got to see first hand what it meant to those guys. Everyday their faces looked like it was Christmas. Everywhere they went there was something setup just for them either by the bowl, the school or the city and you could tell they really appreciated it. It really gives you a much different perspective.

100% agree with that and my issue lies with the fact that Bowls originally were set up as sorts of championship games, not so much anymore. Now it's just an overload of post-season exhibitions matches. Even at 28 years old I'm a bit of a traditionalist and don't think everyone deserves a trophy. But good points about it just being something fun for the players.

And I don't want to be misunderstood. If somewhere down the road GS gets the last available spot out of 76 bowl games I'm still going to be excited and likely travel and support the team. I'm here to support the men on the field, It just bothers me somewhere down deep that over 50% of the teams competing in a sport get labeled "Champions" at the end of a season. But hey! More bowls, more money, more fun, more football I get to watch on tv (or in person) :)

Has anybody figured out the logic of the bowl ban for transitional teams? I haven't heard a good explanation.

(11-03-2014 05:01 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  

(11-03-2014 04:46 PM)Louisiana99 Wrote:  Unfortunately what's best for the players usually gets lost in everything. I know a lot of these kids don't come from much, most have never been on an airplane until they take their first road trip. I was able to attend the first bowl game in New Orleans for the entire week and got to see first hand what it meant to those guys. Everyday their faces looked like it was Christmas. Everywhere they went there was something setup just for them either by the bowl, the school or the city and you could tell they really appreciated it. It really gives you a much different perspective.

100% agree with that and my issue lies with the fact that Bowls originally were set up as sorts of championship games, not so much anymore. Now it's just an overload of post-season exhibitions matches. Even at 28 years old I'm a bit of a traditionalist and don't think everyone deserves a trophy. But good points about it just being something fun for the players.

I'm the furthest from everyone gets a trophy type person.I think 7-5 should be the minimum to Insure a bowl team could not finish with a losing season. Some schools like ulm and us until very recently, play 4 money games a year because of our budgets and the state of Louisiana higher education. Many times the difference between a 9-3 or 7-5 comes down to the schools financial situation which isn't the players fault. If certain schools have budgets high enough to not depend on huge paydays then they will always have an extremely easier road to 9-3 than others but doesn't be mean you are better. I think GS,Louisana, stAte could all beat Marshall. Not saying we would or wouldn't but we all could but most people will just look at them as being 12-0( if they get there) and think they are more deserving than others when actually their schedule set up perfectly and their schools does not depend on $1 million pay checks to play at SEC schools...doesn't make their guys on the field any better or more deserving of a bowl. jMO

I agree the rule isn't a good one, but I think there's probably a good reason for it. I also agree with the poster who said a 10-2 GS team will get the bid if there aren't enough bowl-eligible teams out there. As far as I'm concerned, online petitions are pretty irrelevant. They are entertainment.

We did go into the conference with that rule in place, and I'm sure everybody also understands that the waiver rules were in place when we entered the agreement, so no one will be offended that GS is applying for waivers under the NCAA guidelines... right?

Once this season is over with, I'd be in favor of a real effort to change the rule about transitional teams, as long as what replaced the old rule had a way to keep schools from "gaming the system" on transfers (don't some people refer to this rule as 'the Marshall Rule," or am I mistaken on that?).

At any rate, I'm not real worried about what happens after Saturday afternoon. I think the last three games have enough challenge for us.

In other words, there's an awful lot of football to be played. As I have told students many times over the years, take care of what you can control, and things tend to work out as they should. Maybe that's true in this case, too.

(11-03-2014 05:07 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  Has anybody figured out the logic of the bowl ban for transitional teams? I haven't heard a good explanation.

To serve as a disincentive to load up with transfers during the transition period. It is commonly referred to as the "Marshall Rule," so named after Marshall won the 1996 NC in 1-AA with a slew (20 or so) of transfers led by Randy Moss and Chad Pennington. Marshall then redshirted Pennington in 1997 but brought in UF transfer Eric Kresser and won 10+ games, the MAC title, and a bowl. Moss (who was a transfer) was a Heisman finalist.

I will say it again, if GS wins the Sun Belt - especially if they are alone at the top of the standings - and miss out on a bowl, it will be a shame. I want our conference champions to be able to play in a bowl, and the argument that bowls are less about championships and more about money for exhibition games makes the transition rule seem even less important to follow (if we can figure out why it's there in the first place).

With that said, I wouldn't sign a petition because I understand the frustration that other bowl-eligible SBC teams might feel if they were jumped by GS. But if they win the Belt outright, I'll definitely be pulling for a postseason spot for them.