I like discussing the "what if" aspects of our fan base bowl travel potential. No doubt, with only the NO Bowl as a test, it is very difficult to speculate. We proved we'd travel a relatively short distance to a city we like to visit. That seems to be the only focus from the outside looking in. I'm impressed with our fan travel accomplishment to NO. First, we did it 3 times in a row. Personally, I thought our first bowl, following the bowl drought, might account for a lot more travel interest. And, I thought we'd drop off in the second appearance (same venue)... and especially the third (same venue). We didn't... very, very impressive to me.
Next, I look at the opponent interest. In all three cases, I don't feel our fan base was all that excited about the opponent. We still traveled in large numbers. Very large numbers.
Next, I looked at the prestige of the bowl. Especially in year 2 and 3. Matching up against CUSA #5 pick (or replacement) isn't something that excites many. But we traveled in mass.
You cannot say what will trigger either a curtailed traveling Cajun base, or what might trigger a similar traveling base. Much better opponent upset opportunity, greater national exposure (considering the fact that if we get that opportunity, it's because we're a 10 win or better team, with a signature win).
One thing we know... we will travel to a bowl. Some don't no matter the venue or travel friendliness. We at least proved we will travel to a bowl... and even with the "Cajuns love NO"... that bowl, those opponents, our record, our lack of signature wins... are also less than some other bowl venues will have as an added effect.
So, when someone tries to convince you that we only traveled so well because it was NO, arm yourself with the upside additions that other bowl venues could bring to an excited Cajun fan base. I'm looking forward to the fan travel challenge those future opportunities present.