• You do not need to register if you are not going to pay the yearly fee to post. If you register please click here or log in go to "settings" then "my account" then "User Upgrades" and you can renew.
HuskerMax readers can save 50% on   Omaha Steaks  .

Players Who Opt Out of Bowl Game

I’m a little confused. In your first paragraph you talk about the importance of them playing to help the team and of loyalty. But then you go on to say the bowl game is 85% about prepping for next year. Well those guys opting out won’t be here so which is it.
I was imprecise in my previous post. Some bowl games (e.g. Rose Bowl) are part of the CFP tournament. Some bowl games (e.g. Pinstripe) are not part of the CFP tournament. Sorry about the imprecision.

Paragraph 1: If a guy is on a team in the tournament I think he should play--the team is still playing for a natty and he should help, even if that is unlikely for some of the teams in the tournament.

Paragraphs 2 and 3: If a guy is on a team going to a bowl that is not part of the tournament, that is, winning cannot lead to a natty, it isn't as big a deal to me if he opts not to play. The bowl game is about fun and development, and somewhat about pride. As a coach I'd use the bowl game mostly to prepare for the next season.
 
Last edited:

I'd care if my team were in the playoffs and someone opted not to play. If we're in the tournament I want to win and am looking for loyalty. Take out an insurance policy if you must.

Otherwise, a bowl game is a nice reward for the team and those folks who won't be here next year can decide if they want to come along or not (again, take out an insurance policy if you want). Come see a new city, have a last hurrah with your teammates, all good.

For me the bowl game should be 10% about winning, 5% about the last hurrah, and 85% about prepping the team for next season. It's basically an early spring game against an outside opponent. Get young guys experience during practices and the games, start installing next year's schemes, and identify gaps. If we win, that's cool too.
I agree it would bother me if guys on playoff teams opt out.

I don’t agree that the bowl game should be mostly about getting ready for next year. If that is the logic then why not start playing for next year as soon as you know you can’t make the playoffs? The goal for every single game should be to win. Otherwise just make it like the spring game.
 
Last edited:
How about the players who joined the team through the portal? Since most bowl games are meaningless with respect to the national championship why not let the players who showed up to practice with their new team in December (after their previous school goes on break) play in the bowl game? Who cares? I get it that the teams in the playoff tournament shouldn't be allowed to do that but the rest? Why not?
 

I was imprecise in my previous post. Some bowl games (e.g. Rose Bowl) are part of the CFP tournament. Some bowl games (e.g. Pinstripe) are not part of the CFP tournament. Sorry about the imprecision.

Paragraph 1: If a guy is on a team in the tournament I think he should play--the team is still playing for a natty and he should help, even if that is unlikely for some of the teams in the tournament.

Paragraphs 2 and 3: If a guy is on a team going to a bowl that is not part of the tournament, that is, winning cannot lead to a natty, it isn't as big a deal to me if he opts not to play. The bowl game is about fun and development, and somewhat about pride. As a coach I'd use the bowl game mostly to prepare for the next season.
Ok. Better explained and something I agree with. I hate to say it but having a bunch of seniors sitting out has some attributes. Don’t confuse that with me saying I want them to sit it. It’s just one of those silver lining things you can hang your hat on if they do.
 
Last edited:
I agree it would bother me if guys on playoff teams opt out.

I don’t agree that the bowl game should be mostly about getting ready for next year. If that is the logic then why not start playing for next year as soon as you know you can’t make the playoffs? The goal for every single game should be to win. Otherwise just make it like the spring game.
Two thoughts here. First, this is the outcome of the CFP being introduced. I like the idea of determining a champion on the field. But if you don't make the CFP what do you have left? A game that, even if you win, you probably won't make the final top 10. The lack of excitement about for the Pinstripe Bowl itself was palpable here, even after the long stretch without a bowl game for NU. Some was the location/weather/non-rival opponent. But a lot of the apathy is due, I think, to the fact that win or lose doesn't move the needle for the program. With a win we won't even sniff the top 25.

Second, and this might be more relevant to Nebraska at this point of the program, the bowl game gives us a chance to develop younger players and install stuff for next season. If you make winning this game the priority you'll focus on preparing your current starters across the 15 practices, you won't install much new stuff, and you'll play your starters the whole game (or at least until the score indicates it is conclusively decided). You'll forego doing the things things that probably get you a few more wins next year: development of young players individually and as a unit; early transition of the OC and DC programs; and figuring out who can really play.

The program is in a rapid period of change with schemes, player personnel, and coordinators. The story of the 2024 season is already written. Use this time wisely to prep for 2025.
 
Last edited:
Disloyal and unreliable?

Or smart and pragmatic?

I know there are many reasons, including the portal and the lackluster bowl, but I find it sad that so many players don't care about finishing the season with their team. College football really has become an arena where it's every man for himself. But fortunately, not everyone feels that way. I do appreciate men like Ty Robinson who are loyal to the end. Whether you are an NFL team, or any other employer, those are the kind of people you want on your team.
Imo if they opt out and are entering the draft, the NFL should make it known that their signing bonus will be half.
If they opt out because they want to transfer, they should be ineligible the following season. That's just me though, take the control and give it back to where it belongs.
 
Opt outs should get a public shaming on Tik Tok (is that the platfom du jour?) and then sent to teammate rehabilitation.
 


I have little issue with bonafide 1st or 2nd round picks opting out. Otherwise, as a Husker senior I'd want to experience the bowl game and get the swag that has eluded the Huskers the previous 8 seasons
 

Ok. Better explained and something I agree with. I hate to say it but having a bunch of seniors sitting out has some attributes. Don’t confuse that with me saying I want them to sit it. It’s just one of those silver lining things you can hang your hat on if they do.
Well, what's nice is we can all celebrate a game where some young guys got to play, AND a win. Outstanding! Have a good one.
 

It's not longer a team sport.... it's a 'collection of individuals' sport.... the winner of the NC is the group of individuals that happened to play like a "team" better than the other individuals. The winning coaching staff is the staff that manages each of the individuals the best.

The winners are the clever coaches able to convince individuals that playing as a "team" actually enhances their personal status. As long as the individuals know that they can benefit personally from the "team" experience then you have success.
 

GET TICKETS



Back
Top