New Orleans Bowl

[ULGrad@HOU]

We turned down the independence bowl because they tried to lowball us on the revenue distribution.

Exactly, we looked at what they offered and didn't take it. That's what should be done.

[STPacronym]

Please see previous post. I want to add, it's not just BCS bowls that can give a better opponent. Also, the BCS bowls aren't determined until much later in the year, so not this year, but if we were 7-0, the NO Bowl will have already given the invite, and people would be willing to accept it, because they are afraid we might not go anywhere else? This is not smart, and being afraid of what the NO Bowl will do is not the way to run the program and achieve a higher exposure nationally.

I don't think anyone is afraid of what the NO Bowl will do or not do is the issue. I would agree that playing a "big name" opponent would give us great exposure and would be a better marketing opportunity. However, it's not that simple. You have to weigh the cost involved with going this route. Many teams lose big money playing in bowl games because they have to "eat" the tickets that they can't sell. With the current size of our athletic budget even a small loss on a bowl game has a big financial impact. At our current state of affairs, the NO Bowl is the best option. Who knows, that may change next year...

[Boomer]

Just think about the # of HS players in the ALA MISS and Louisiana maybe TExas areas that can come and see us practice in the Dome and come to the game---I am pretty sure that they can come to practice but have to pay for the game ticket--not sure but it has got to influence the kids in these areas!!!

[CrazyCajun]

Exactly, we looked at what they offered and didn't take it. That's what should be done.

And what big opponent would that have been? Ohio?

[CajunRage]

Please see previous post. I want to add, it's not just BCS bowls that can give a better opponent. Also, the BCS bowls aren't determined until much later in the year, so not this year, but if we were 7-0, the NO Bowl will have already given the invite, and people would be willing to accept it, because they are afraid we might not go anywhere else? This is not smart, and being afraid of what the NO Bowl will do is not the way to run the program and achieve a higher exposure nationally.

Slow down turbo. Boise state went to the humanitarian bowl 3 straight years when they started their run. Until we get that signature bcs win, we are still a bottom rung program. 10-2 with a bowl win and knocking off a bcs opponent early next season changes things, but until then, ask for a reserved parking spot in New Orleans.

[ULGrad@HOU]

I don't think anyone is afraid of what the NO Bowl will do or not do is the issue. I would agree that playing a "big name" opponent would give us great exposure and would be a better marketing opportunity. However, it's not that simple. You have to weigh the cost involved with going this route. Many teams lose big money playing in bowl games because they have to "eat" the tickets that they can't sell. With the current size of our athletic budget even a small loss on a bowl game has a big financial impact. At our current state of affairs, the NO Bowl is the best option. Who knows, that may change next year...

I agree with you, I just wanted to state my opinion that we need to think of getting more exposure for the betterment of the program as a whole and not just focus on the NO Bowl. We are currently stuck in the SBC and must try anyway we can to gain some recognition. This success we are having is the catalyst to get us more attention and possibly get us out of the SBC, it won't last forever.

[ULGrad@HOU]

Slow down turbo. Boise state went to the humanitarian bowl 3 straight years when they started their run. Until we get that signature bcs win, we are still a bottom rung program. 10-2 with a bowl win and knocking off a bcs opponent early next season changes things, but until then, ask for a reserved parking spot in New Orleans.

Hey bud, is 3 the magic number or something. There are no paths to follow, we make our own path, we cannot just do what Boise did. Everything is different now, and it keeps changing. I didn't say not go to NO Bowl, I said "not so fast, don't lock in to that bowl only"

[CrazyCajun]

I agree with you, I just wanted to state my opinion that we need to think of getting more exposure for the betterment of the program as a whole and not just focus on the NO Bowl. We are currently stuck in the SBC and must try anyway we can to gain some recognition. This success we are having is the catalyst to get us more attention and possibly get us out of the SBC, it won't last forever.

I think everyone wants the same thing, I just think some believe we are further along in the process than we actually are.

[CajunRage]

I think everyone wants the same thing, I just think some believe we are further along in the process than we actually are.

Bingo

[CajunAmos]

This is the current bowl projection from USA today, and a scenario I would personally hate.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...anges/3149131/

[BeauCajun]

This is the current bowl projection from USA today, and a scenario I would personally hate.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...anges/3149131/

Now that would be stupid. Sending Tu lame to Dallas and UNT to NO.

[RaginScotsman]

This is the current bowl projection from USA today, and a scenario I would personally hate.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...anges/3149131/

To put it simply, that would suck. At least a matchup with Tulane would have some intrique.

[CajunRage]

Hey bud, is 3 the magic number or something. There are no paths to follow, we make our own path, we cannot just do what Boise did. Everything is different now, and it keeps changing. I didn't say not go to NO Bowl, I said "not so fast, don't lock in to that bowl only"

We are not there yet. We got stomped by two mediocre bcs teams. Our strength of schedule rank is near the triple digits. We still have to play two of the worst teams in college football. Do not take the chance. No way to tell if we come out flat, drop a game, and New Orleans bowl has already looked elsewhere. We will not become a powerhouse in the sunbelt. To get to another conference, dominate the sunbelt and sellout the dome. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

[ULGrad@HOU]

We are not there yet. We got stomped by two mediocre bcs teams. Our strength of schedule rank is near the triple digits. We still have to play two of the worst teams in college football. Do not take the chance. No way to tell if we come out flat, drop a game, and New Orleans bowl has already looked elsewhere. We will not become a powerhouse in the sunbelt. To get to another conference, dominate the sunbelt and sellout the dome. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

I got you, we may not be there yet, wherever there is for you. You say "do not take a chance". I say, maybe not this year but eventually we will have to take a chance because it doesn't matter if you are even 7-0, you can lose some or several more. So, hypothetically, next year we are 7-0, and we say to NO Bowl, "we are thinking about it, don't want to commit yet". Then, at that point we find out if they want UL and wait, or want someone else. If they choose someone else, which I doubt because of $$$, then UL can still wind up losing games and get left behind. It will never be that perfect scenario that many here are calling for, never. UL must look at what's best for it's future and not for it's present, and it can start now. Look at your options and decide, don't decide before you know your options.

[CrazyCajun]

I got you, we may not be there yet, wherever there is for you. You say "do not take a chance". I say, maybe not this year but eventually we will have to take a chance because it doesn't matter if you are even 7-0, you can lose some or several more. So, hypothetically, next year we are 7-0, and we say to NO Bowl, "we are thinking about it, don't want to commit yet". Then, at that point we find out if they want UL and wait, or want someone else. If they choose someone else, which I doubt because of $$$, then UL can still wind up losing games and get left behind. It will never be that perfect scenario that many here are calling for, never. UL must look at what's best for it's future and not for it's present, and it can start now. Look at your options and decide, don't decide before you know your options.

The point is... At 7-0, next year... After possibly being 11-2 this year, we may be ranked and in a position to have that discussion. Right now, we aren't. We would be going all in on holding nothing. If we are gonna go all in, I'd rather be holding at least a full house. For now, let's win homecoming.