The portal isn't the only reason for lost players in bowls. Before the portal, key players sat out to avoid injury in prep for the NFL. The whole system is broken and it's a shame because I used to love bowl season.
I agree about the strengths and improvement opportunities concerning Skyler Bell. Although he had too many drops, I am assuming that good coaching could have decreased that drop rate. Of course we'll never know at UConn. That assumption may be incorrect, but we expect guys like Ball, Ross and Stewart to improve year over year in MBB. Why don't we have the same approach for the football coaching staff?
I'm with you 100%. IMO, this year is even worse since some players are opting out of playoff games. I grew up at a time when New Year's bowl games were something special. The minor bowls were interesting as well because most players played. Unfortunately, those days are long gone.
Spot on mate! Growing up, I couldn't get enough of the bowls (and the Rose Bowl parade), watching game after game, stuffing my face with homemade Christmas treats and loving every minute of football. Now it's opting out of playoff games, opting out of bowl games, opting out after the first few games of the regular season...just opt out of the friggin' sport then if you don't want to play.
Bell had too high a drop rate for a #1 receiver, no question. However, he also caught contested balls, ran patterns, had YAC and blocked better than almost any WR we’ve had here. Overall, he had a really good year. And would have most likely had had a better one had there not been half the games where we never threw to him.
Probably to give the B1G and SEC more time to scout the minor leagues for the players they need to crush all the opposition, make other leagues appear insignificant and unworthy of major media money and viewership, and free themselves to split from the NCAA and keep all the major sources of revenue.
Awesome! If we keep adding fans like you, we’re going to make a difference.
I want an FCS style playoff for the big boys, but I am conflicted because it would do us absolutely no good. If we don't have a bowl game, and we can't win a conference, what exactly are we playing for?
There was an incident in the NFL this past week where a player opted out of a game. mid-game!!!
If he isnt good enough to play at a p4, then he isn't going to nfl anyway.
That sucks. Bowl games are more fun. The 12 team Playoff is gonna suck.
Second part, yes, absolutely. First part I respectfully disagree. NIL shouldn't be guaranteed money. They should be payed in disbursements, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly rather than lump sum. This may incentivize to finish the season with the team to get the money that was promised, otherwise they get payed for not showing up, the hell is that all about. Real world, you want the money, you show up for work... you don't show up for work, no money. They want to be paid like employees, they should be treated like employees.
The NCAA for stubbornly holding on to an antiquated notion of amateurism. They backed themselves into a corner and now that they want to set some guardrails, their power has been diluted by the courts.
You do realize many teams will be left out if that happens, including UConn.
You either get with the program, or you get left behind. UConn cannot be left behind. You are thinking 1950's and that is never coming back.
understood - but does that explain the portal windows? who thought it was a good idea to allow kids to leave before a bowl.... the incentives are all wrong here - of course the kids are opting out more than ever. NCAA/ESPN/the schools, all stand to lose in this portal rhythm.
Yes I do realize that. My grad school gets left out of the playoffs in FCS all the time. But playing NDSU, SDSU and USD every year doesn't help
The NIL will find its level and after many mistakes, overpayments, and things we will get a true market of players.
We do. If a guy stays he should improve
Football is a team sport. I think the OL, Cam Edwards (#1 in rushing yards), Mel Brown, Louis Hansen, TJ Sheffield (#1 in receptions),... are just as valuable.
The receivers are even more valuable if we can get a QB who can get them the dang ball accurately and more often
How about the players negotiate what ever they want with the folks paying them
