Clark Lea says Vanderbilt did not consider declining bowl game after missing CFP
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Notre Dame is drawing plenty of public scrutiny for declining to play in a bowl after being shut out of the College Football Playoff. However, for another 10-2 program that didn’t make the cut, it was no debate to accept another game.
Vanderbilt‘s historic season will wrap up vs. Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa. Head coach Clark Lea told the SEC Network that he’s embracing 1 final sendoff for this squad and never considered declining a bowl game.
“No…” Lea said. “We love playing football here.”
It’s a drastically different response than the Fighting Irish, who are making the media rounds denouncing the CFP system after not qualifying despite 10 wins in a row. Meanwhile, Lea believes the Commodores squandered opportunities against Alabama and Texas to enhance their resume.
“That’s no one’s fault except our own. We had our opportunities and we didn’t do enough,” Lea said in a press conference. “We are not victims in this process. Our ownership is in coming up short…”
Vanderbilt finished the regular season on a strong note with 3 straight victories, capped off with a 45-24 win at Tennessee. This is the most victories in the history of the program. Vanderbilt vs. Iowa will kick off at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN) on New Year’s Eve.
