Time To Rethink Bowl Games

With 34 bowl games on this years N.C.A.A. schedule I think it's time to reexamine the qualifications of bowl teams. It's hard to believe looking at the seasons some of the "bowl worthy" schools have had that they're in a post season game at all. Getting into a bowl game is supposed to be an accomplishment, a reward for some level of achievement. It is supposed to be special, it's supposed to mean something. The ridiculous number of bowl games has cheapened the whole thing. Take for example U.C.L.A. They are playing in the EagleBank Bowl this year. They finished 8th in their own conference for God's sake. I would love to hear the bowl apologists defend that one. The Insight Bowl pits Minnesota vs. Iowa St. , neither team has a winning record. Real insight would suggest that this isn't even a compelling regular season game, let alone a "bowl game". So much for insight. That brings me to my first rule for bowl qualifications, no winning record no bowl game period. Inviting teams with .500 records is just rewarding mediocrity. The Humanitarian Bowl showcases Bowling Green and Idaho. It may be more humanitarian to just call the whole thing off. The Little Caesar's Bowl may as well be the "little interest bowl". Even the Liberty Bowl can't liberate me from the series of meaningless post season games. It just seems to me that there should be something at stake in a bowl game other than a payday for the universities. Sometimes less is more. Bring on the playoff system.