Reasons I think we are.....

[CajunT]

_ I know from an inside source that they were on the phone with Texas bowl officials earlier this afternoon. _

Had to be after 1pm, because no word as of that time.

[Cajuns1]

_ Had to be after 1pm, because no word as of that time. _

That is correct. And I don't know what was discussed.

[Big Nasty]

........... I feel like I just lost my favorite dog

Regarding the Motor City Bowl, I suppose FLA ATL got the nod over the Cajuns b/c they beat us rather soundly 40-29 back in November. Cajuns were never in the game as they trailed 40-7 with 8 minutes to go in the 4th Qtr.

Looking back at the 2008 season, the UTEP (5-7 record) loss was a major buzz killer. Cajuns were 5-3 entering the UTEP game as Lafayette was filled with optimism and electricity.

Sadly the 4 turnovers and Trevor Vittatoe carved us up like a Thanksgiving day turkey. Vittatoe's numbers : 24 of 33 for 294 yds .... 72.7% completion percentage .... 5 TD's and 1 int. for a 191.50 passer rating.

I feel sorry for the seniors and glad they went out on a winning note vs. MTSU. I'm thankful that we got to witness history here at UL. Tyrell Fenroy is a once-in-a lifetime RB who never complained, disappointed, and ALWAYS held his head up high, even during the losses. A true gentleman who has made this University a better place after his 4 yr career.

His numbers and records speak for themself; however the most amazing statistic .... 809 career attempts and ZERO fumbles !!! #32 was money in the bank


Thanks for the memories Tyrell.

[DogsWin]

The reason the Cajuns weren't selected by the I-Bowl is because of the I-Bowl's former Executive Director.

Senior associate athletic director at Northern Illinois, Glen Krupica, was the executive director of the Independence Bowl for 11 years and, according to http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1070, that helped NIU move "past other 6-6 teams (such as Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State) to snag an at-large berth.

[RaginFan2]

_ The reason the Cajuns weren't selected by the I-Bowl is because of the I-Bowl's former Executive Director.

Senior associate athletic director at Northern Illinois, Glen Krupica, was the executive director of the Independence Bowl for 11 years and, according to http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1070, that helped NIU move "past other 6-6 teams (such as Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State) to snag an at-large berth. _

Ahh, now I see said the blind man! Thanks for the illuminating post.

[RaginFan2]

_ ........... I feel like I just lost my favorite dog


I feel sorry for the seniors and glad they went out on a winning note vs. MTSU. I'm thankful that we got to witness history here at UL. Tyrell Fenroy is a once-in-a lifetime RB who never complained, disappointed, and ALWAYS held his head up high, even during the losses. A true gentleman who has made this University a better place after his 4 yr career.

His numbers and records speak for themself; however the most amazing statistic .... 809 career attempts and ZERO fumbles !!! #32 was money in the bank


Thanks for the memories Tyrell.

_

Absolutely right!

[cajunref]

_ Ahh, now I see said the blind man! Thanks for the illuminating post. _

Makes all the sense in the world?#?!

[Bankruptcyman]

Good ole Louisiana politics at its best. You know, North Louisiana deserves this match-up. If the Indy Bowl picked NIU because of old relationships then the Indy Bowl deserves to die. I stiil want to know if the State provides any subsidy to the Indy Bowl.

[Bankruptcyman]

Just found this tidbit on the Independence Bowl website:

"Independence Bowl officials, headed by the efforts of former Executive Director Glen Krupica, reached an agreement in early 2000 with ESPN that keeps the game on the Total Sports Network through 2007. "

Glen Krupica is the current senior associate athletic director at Northern Illinois. These close ties got us screwed. How could the selection committee jeopardize the future of the Indy Bowl to repay a perceived old debt? Once again I ask: Does the Independence Bowl receive any financial assistance from the State of Louisiana?

[gorcajun]

I heard that as much as $400,000 is supplied by the State of Louisiana. Why not keep it within the State of Louisiana.

I am just glad that Cuba does not have a FBS university.

[Big Nasty]

bankruptcyman,

I don't think the State provides any financial assistance to the Independence Bowl Foundation (IBF). The City Of Shreveport had to loan the IBF $594,410 just so they could make the bowl team payouts to Colorado and Alabama before 3-31-08.

The IBF has lost over $300K in 2007 and $450K in 2008. PetroSun backed out as the title sponsor as the IBF has no sponsorship right now that I'm aware of. With no title sponsor, the Indy Bowl is not receiving the $1,000,000 + which was agreed upon by PetroSun through 2012.

I have the Independence Bowl Foundation financial statements and Legislative audit which was done on 2-29-08. If anyone wants to review the Audit, just send me a PM.

In my opinion, unless the IBF reaches an agreement with a title sponsor REAL SOON, like within the next 2-3 months, then I see them losing close to $1M after this years Bowl game and the Independence Bowl will be no more.

Sad to see all the politics affecting the Indy Bowls decision to offer bids to LA Tech and NIU. They need $$$$ in a bad way and ticket sales will be abysmal .

FWIW, I will never forget the 2000 Independence between Miss ST and Texas A&M played in blizzard like conditions. Jackie Sherill's Bulldogs ended up beating RC Slocum's Aggies 43-41 in OT.

[rhineaux]

_ bankruptcyman,

I don't think the State provides any financial assistance to the Independence Bowl Foundation (IBF). The City Of Shreveport had to loan the IBF $594,410 just so they could make the bowl team payouts to Colorado and Alabama before 3-31-08.

Not that I'm an expert on this or anything, but if the IBF doesn't recive state funding, then why would the Legislative Auditors have autdited them?