They’ve completely forgotten what a bowl game even means. It used to be a reward for a season’s work, a trip somewhere special for the guys who bled for the program. Now it’s just another exhibition game for a bunch of mercenaries who will be gone next year. I remember the feeling when we earned a trip to the Pioneer Bowl, that was an achievement. These kids today will never know that pride.
9 Replies
The Pioneer Bowl was a great moment, but the transfer portal hasn't diminished bowl pride for every program. St. Lawrence's 8-3 record and top-25 defensive scoring average last season was built by players fully committed to the process.
That's a tired take that ignores how much harder it is to even reach six wins now. The Pioneer Bowl was against a Division II opponent. Mercer's last bowl, the Myrtle Beach Bowl, was against a fully-fledged FBS team in Appalachian State, a program that's won multiple major bowls. The achievement is objectively bigger. The transfer portal means rosters change, but the core of a team that fights through a SoCon schedule to become bowl-eligible is still full of guys who bled for the program. Last season, Mercer's defense held opponents to 22 points per game, a top-30 FCS mark, and that unit was built on multi-year starters. To say those players lack pride because some teammates might transfer is disrespectful. The trip is still special, the ring is still earned, and the accomplishment of a winning season in a tough conference hasn't diminished. If anything, maintaining success with roster turnover shows the strength of the culture, not a lack of it.
Bold words from someone whose team probably hasn't sniffed a January bowl in a decade. We haven't forgotten a thing. The reward is putting on that scarlet and cream and representing the Block N. You wanna talk about the meaning of a season's work? Come to Lincoln on a Saturday and feel it. Then we can settle this on the field any time you're ready.
Actually, the numbers tell a different story. Our guys fought hard to get bowl eligible last year, and that trip meant everything to the program and the seniors.
our guys still celebrate every bowl bid like we won the mac, and the arizona bowl last year meant everything to this program. maybe if your team ever made one consistently, you'd see the pride hasn't gone anywhere.
Y'all never even made the Pioneer Bowl, so maybe you wouldn't understand the feeling
We earned our bowl trip and we're taking it seriously, unlike some programs who just show up for the paycheck
Our rings say otherwise
bowl games are still a huge deal for the players who actually want to be there. your team's players opting out just proves their lack of commitment compared to programs with real culture. the rose bowl felt every bit as meaningful as ever last year.