OK. First post, so be kind!
I find it very hard to believe that we would just say "not interested" without knowing details. I have a feeling that these decisions all go through the conference office as well. I know Benson wants as many teams in bowls as possible. That's understandable. But the decision for us to go to New Orleans and only have 2 SBC teams in bowls is better than three teams all underperforming in attendance. I think our fans would go to Shreveport, but the unknows (weather, etc.) are a bit of a concern and our numbers would not equal New Orleans. Mobile would have been worse.
Bottom line is this: Arkansas State can only blame themselves. Why is it that the Independence Bowl would want the Cajuns and not them? It's not like they can't be invited. We lived this nightmare several times. Glad it's not us this time.
It may not be exactly what everyone wanted, but we need to show up BIG in NOLA. It's a business first. Show the world there is a demand for the product and more opportunities will arise.
Just my 2 cents. Geaux Cajuns!