Bowl Projection USA Today

[AlaCyclone]

I get that you're the resident SEC apologist, but citing the number of titles won in a conference that hasn't existed in 25 years -- and which the school in question left 30 years ago -- as proof of brand status is a hell of a stretch.

I know the SWC History was a long time ago. FWIW, I've personally seen Arkansas play in the Sugar Bowl (1980 vs. Alabama) during their SWC Era and the Cotton Bowl (2002 vs. Oklahoma) during their SEC Era.

Plus, Arkansas has won the SEC West 3 times (1995, 2002 and 2006) and been to 15 Bowls including 4 Cotton Bowls, 2 Citrus (Capital One) Bowls and 1 Sugar Bowl since they joined the SEC in 1992.

 

[cstrunk]

Bring on Clemson.

 

[StLouisClone]

At the beginning of the year if we were told we would be playing Clemson in our bowl game, we wouldn't think twice. We can beat them as long as we eliminate big mistakes.

 

[jctisu]

Seemed to give us recruiting momentum. That will help the momentum in a couple years also.

Yes I can give some credence to that. But then we definitely want Clemson. Beating them will turn some eyes. NC State isn’t going to do that. We won a NY6 last year which is going to always help with momentum in regards to last year. This year we are just getting a run of the mill bowl game, so the opponent will matter.

 

[AlaCyclone]

Yes I can give some credence to that. But then we definitely want Clemson. Beating them will turn some eyes. NC State isn’t going to do that. We won a NY6 which is going to always help. This year we are just getting a run of the mill bowl game, so the opponent will matter.

I like the way you phrased that. Makes sense.

 

[Cyforce]

Knowing now how much playing us pisses ND off i wouldn't mind playing them every other year.

 

[bsaltyman]

Those are clearly goldfish and not Cheez-its. Try to stay on topic.

 

[AlaCyclone]

Those are clearly goldfish and not Cheez-its. Try to stay on topic.

The Goldfish Bowl would be awesome!

 

[StPaulCyclone]

Because ISU was just there 2 years ago.

True, but it was a sellout; so may go in our favor.

 

[RustShack]

Give me Clemson. Beating them in a bowl game is a nice consolation to end this season. Plus helps Iowa State/Big12 going into the next few years. Not to mention Oklahoma State and Cincinnati BOTH potentially making the playoffs.

 

[stewart092284]

At the beginning of the year if we were told we would be playing Clemson in our bowl game, we wouldn't think twice. We can beat them as long as we eliminate big mistakes.

and their entire defensive front decides not to play. if we thought we had problems blocking Oklahoma... uh. well. Can quarterbacks wear kevlar? I'm not entirely joking. 2nd in team defense, 5th in sacks, 10 in tackles for loss, 2nd in red zone defense, 2nd in scoring defense, etc....


Now its a great opportunity, yes. But that defense at Clemson is only 2nd best when you compare it to Georgia - most years it'd probably be the best defense in college football.


Now if Venables is gone or there are a lot of opt outs, then that changes things. But straight up? Yeah. That defense is legit.

 

[clone52]

I completely disagree. Clemson would manhandle or OL and the score would be lopsided. Clemson has also gotten a lot better as the year has gone on. Would much rather face NC State.

Come on.

 

[clone52]

I tend to prefer an easier match-up in the bowl game to pick up momentum for the off-season and send the seniors out on a high note and I think Clemson could be a really tough game. I'd much rather see us play a team like Arkansas in the Texas Bowl. I understand it's technically a less "prestigious" bowl, but I kind of like having all eyes on the team on January 4th.

Yeah the rough loss to Notre Dame really ruined our next season while the big win over Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl propelled ua to the greatest season ever?

Bring on the best possible team to play. I want a team who wants the biggeat challenge they can find.

 

[nfrine]

If the Hoks go to the Rose Bowl to play Oregon, the trolls will yammer about what a really tough opponent the Ducks are. What a difference a year makes.

 

[aeroclone]

I feel like a win is a little more important this year. 8-5 just looks a lot nicer than 7-6. The narrative of that plus bowl win plus maybe sneaking into the final top 25 just seems like it puts a lot more momentum into the program. Getting that win over Clemson would certainly be nicer than NC State or Arkansas, bit just getting the W feels like top priority to me.

 

[stewart092284]

Come on.

I wouldn't hide from the challenge but realistically, he's right. Their defensive front is a monster. Like without Georgia, Clemson by far has the best defense in college football. And we couldn't block or sustain offense against West Virginia and Texas Tech or Oklahoma for periods of time... none of them are considered defensive powers.


I'm all for the challenge, play the best, measure where you're at, all of that is fine and great. I'd look forward to the game and cheer like made and hope for the best...



all I'm trying to say... lets be realistic about who and what we would be facing, which if they're healthy and playing, is the second best defensive unit in college football with numerous dudes who when they go pro will be drafted in the 1st and 2nd round.

 

[NorthCyd]

Come on.

What do you mean cmon? Have you seen our o-line play? Have you seen Clemsons D? If you want to see Purdy leave his final game on a stretcher wish for Clemson in the bowl game.

 

[isufbcurt]

What do you mean cmon? Have you seen our o-line play? Have you seen Clemsons D? If you want to see Purdy leave his final game on a stretcher wish for Clemson in the bowl game.

Who gives a **** it's a chance to play Clemson.

Honestly playing NC State or anyone other than Clemson would be very blah to me

 

[norcalcy]

SIAP. Bring on NC State. I want revenge for 1977 Peach Bowl. Yes, I am serious.

 

[AlaCyclone]

SIAP. Bring on NC State. I want revenge for 1977 Peach Bowl. Yes, I am serious.

How about LSU to revenge the 1971 Sun Bowl!