Bowl Games are Unfair

Have you ever noticed something about Bowl Games? The fact that they are all down South and out West? Now its obvious why, these bowl games are mega money makers, and they want to host them someplace warm where they can draw tons of people on vacation. But regardless of that fact, it is completely unfair how the Big Ten is judged based on its Bowl record every year. And its not just the Big Ten, the MAC and the Big East get screwed too.

Here is a great example, Penn State vs USC is in Pasadena...its a home game for Penn State and yet if PSU losses the Big Ten will be "weak"...even though they had to cross the country to play USC while the Trojans hardly have to cross the street. Northwestern played Mizzou in San Antonio, its not next door but its pretty much a home game for Mizzou. And what about Michigan vs Florida last year...in ORLANDO?! Michigan beat Florida in Florida and yet it was just sort of brushed aside as a weak Florida team.

Even for the MAC, Western Michigan is playing Rice in the Texas Bowl. Rice is in Texas, home game Rice. Though I will say the MAC gets a home game for the Motor City Bowl..but that bowl game hardly matters.

A lot of people say that no one would go to a bowl game in the North during January. You're right its cold, but I'm willing to bet if you put a Bowl game in New York and Chicago, the games would be sold out. Could you imagine the Fiesta Bowl (Ohio State vs Texas) in Solider Stadium in Chicago? Snow blowing around, freezing temperatures, Ohio State fans filling the Stadium...classic Big Ten football. Ohio State would be an instant favorite. Or how about USC vs Penn State in Philadelphia or New York? Virtually a home game for Penn State. Three teams in the Big Ten routinely draw over 100k (Michigan, OSU, PSU) so I don't see where people think they wouldn't be able to fill an 80k NFL stadium for a Bowl Game against a high ranking opponent.

But even if they put a bowl game in either Chicago, New York or Philly the problem would be getting a team from the South to come...none would. They all know their strengths in Bowl season is being able to stay close to home, in the relatively similar climate with huge fan support behind them. They would NEVER leave the South and give the Big Ten or any Northern teams the advantage of home field, crowd and climate. It's a shame, but think about that when you watch the Rose Bowl and see the it covered in 80% Red and Gold. Than for one second imagine it in Giants Stadium, snowing hard and 80% Blue and White. Completely different game eh?

Too bad...too bad for the Big Ten. Imagine a Bowl game like this more often...