I can see some opting out of the playoffs, but truly believe they would be the exception b/c 1) I think people drafting do look at a kid skipping a meaningless game differently than one that can result in a MNC and 2) most of these kids are competitive and want to have a chance to play for something that matters.
I think one thing that they should absolutely do is evaluate every draft eligible player before the bowl game as to their likely draft spot and then provide them insurance. I am sure the bowls would be able to get a very discounted price per player if they are covering the entire team.
And if the Alamo and Jimmy Kimmel bowls of the world no longer happen b/c they arent financially feasible, is that really such a bad thing?
“ I think one thing that they should absolutely do is evaluate every draft eligible player before the bowl game as to their likely draft spot and then provide them insurance. I am sure the bowls would be able to get a very discounted price per player if they are covering the entire team.”
I like this idea, a lot actually.
Here’s the thing: There needs to be wholesale changes across the board. The bowl committee operates independent of The NCAA. The NCAA controls the other intercollegiate athletic championships, including FCS. With that being said, between The NIL situation, and these bowl games, if the NCAA is going to continue this charade of being a governing body, then they need to work w/ all entities involved w/ CFB, namely NFL (Sr Bowl, Shrine, NFL Advisory Board), The Bowl Committee, and now Congress (which sounds weird af).
Parameters need to be set regarding NIL, and not some state by state b.s. I also feel these NIL should be used as an exposure to bowl games. Like u said, evaluation & advisory should be done on a draft eligible players before bowl season; and pending on draft grade, an insurance policy put in place if an injury occurs during a game that affects draft status (or something like that).
If u want these kids & schools to stop opting out, then incentives need to issued. Also, I suggested this yrs ago, but some of these bowl games have to go. U want better quality? Eliminate like 13 of these games, & u do that by raising the criteria to win 7 games in order to be bowl eligible. U’ll get way better match ups that way. Just some thoughts.