Why this bowl game really matters. 6 reasons.

Dec 20, 2014, 10:21 AM

The prevailing attitude of this bowl game seems to be, meh. Maybe this is a pre-emptive defense mechanism because many of us believe that our QB situation makes it extremely hard for us to beat Oklahoma. Maybe it's because our horrible collapse against GT cost us a shot at the Orange Bowl, only to be coupled with our bad luck regarding being passed over for the Citrus Bowl. I get it, the Russel Athletic Bowl, on Dec 29 isn't as glamorous. True.

But with those points fully acknowledged and processed, I argue that the reasons why this game DOES matter blow the reasons why it doesn't out of the water.

1. A potential high final ranking. While many of you claim that you don't care about rankings, I think we all do care. Rankings are recorded in history and rankings say a lot to the rest of the country about how respectable your program is. Is there a significant difference between being #22 or #20? No, of course not. But is there a big difference between being #13 or #23? Absolutely. That is what we are looking at for this bowl. I care, as a Clemson fan, that we finish in the top 15 every year. Facts like that make it easier to promote Clemson to strangers and defend us against haters.

2. Another 10-win season. I don't care who you are, finishing with double digit wins is a lot better than being 9-4. Just look at the two numbers next to one another. 10-3 Clemson or 9-4 Clemson. Tell me that doesn't make a difference. If we win the bowl game we will have 4 consecutive at least 10-win seasons. That's another historically significant fact.

3. We are playing on the big stage, so there is the potential for us to gain national respect. Just because this isn't a tier one bowl, doesn't mean that the national perception of Clemson will remain unchanged for this game. We can gain ground or lose ground. I am proud of Clemson and it matters to me if other people have a chance to increase their respect for us.

4. Head to head against a major, national program. Just because Oklahoma isn't ranked, doesn't mean that playing them isn't a big deal. This is a great opportunity to show another big program, with a huge fanbase, that Clemson is the real deal. Auburn, Ohio State and LSU fans have to tread lightly around us, because of the head to head. I want Oklahoma fans knowing they are 0-2 against us.

5. Momentum in the offseason. This may be the least significant and most cliche, but coaches always say there is a different energy level following a bowl win vs. a loss. If it could potentially launch a better offseason, then it's important to me.

6. Uh... it's a Clemson game. We should always care very much whether or not our Tigers are victorious. This game will be recorded in history. I want it recorded as a win, not a loss. I always pull for my Tigers to win, because every game matters. Don't let the new culture of sports ruin a chance to treat every game like it's own season. A day of victory is a happy day. And no other day should ruin that.

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There are dozens of reasons why this game matters and I for one am taking it seriously. In addition to your list:

1. Seniors' last game. For some of these guys it will be their last chance of the field. I hope they go away with a win.

2. Conference stuff. I hate the fact that teams are judged on what conference they are in but unfortunately that is the way it works now. Let's beat a Power 5 conference and show that the ACC can play.

3. Recruiting. We have a streak of beating great programs in bowl games. It's showing in recruiting. Let it roll.

4. Cole Stoudt. This one is for him. Go back to #1. The guy has put his life and soul into this program for 4/5 years and it comes down to one game. He represents this university well and I hope he can bring a W to the fans.

And on and on. We should care about every game

Why this bowl game really matters. 6 reasons.

Thanks for the real conversation

Maybe, but I always hear coaches say that positive bowl

I agree a win has better potential than a loss

It seems like everyone is hedging their emotions...

Not saying it won't. But you have to see a wider

I'm more concerned with what the game means to THIS year

preseason ranks next Yr. are more important next Yr, than

Preseason only may matter more if you end up #1.

I get one more drink of fresh cool water before the desert.***

I think every Clemson fan wants to win, but....

Well said. Very well said

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