Would Missouri and Kentucky benefit from a bowl game?
Most teams do everything possible to play in a bowl game.
But not Missouri. Not this year, anyway. Athletic director Mack Rhoades told the bowls Mizzou’s not interested in taking its 5-7 team to Shreveport or Dallas for a low-tier bowl game.
In the past, available spots for 6-6 teams have gone to the highest bidder — the team willing to guarantee the most tickets sold.
But this season, there aren’t enough 6-6 teams. At least, 5-7 teams don’t have to buy their bowl berths. The NCAA has set Academic Progress Rate has the pecking order. Tied for second in APR among five-win teams, Mizzou was in before refusing the opportunity.
Meanwhile, 5-7 Kentucky, which beat Mizzou during the season, wants in, but is unlikely to get an opportunity due to a lower APR.
The opposing sentiments reflect the differences in the two programs this year. Both have logical positions.
Mizzou doesn’t have a coach — not yet, anyway. Rhoades’ priority is finding a coach. And though Rhoades won’t say it, Mizzou just wants to put this season behind it. Without a coach, the 15 or so extra practice days won’t be as helpful as it would to other teams.
A threatened players’ boycott embarrassed the university and alienated Mizzou fans.
As hard as it would be for Mizzou fans to get excited about a trip to Shreveport to watch a 5-7 team, it’s harder to get them to show up for a team that threatened a boycott and averaged 6 points per game in its final 6 conference games.
Better to keep freshman QB Drew Lock out of harm’s way until spring practice.
Kentucky’s situation is much different. The Wildcats need a bowl game to put a spark in their program. The extra practice should help.
The Wildcats haven’t been to a bowl game in five years. Freshman QB Drew Barker, who took over late in the season, should benefit from the added practice and bowl experience. Kentucky has only one senior starter on offense.
For Mizzou, a victory is unlikely. There’s not much chance to win scoring 10 points per game — the Tigers’ average for the 10 games following season-opening victories over Southeast Missouri and Arkansas State.
Kentucky is capable of winning. The Wildcats were 4-1 with their only loss a tight 14-9 setback against Florida — the Gators were was riding high with Will Grier at quarterback — before losing a 30-27 heartbreaker to Auburn.
After that, the Wildcats’ season crashed.
With a victory, Kentucky can gain momentum for next season and energize a fan base eagerly waiting for results from Mark Stoops’ recruiting success.
At worst, the Wildcats will get needed practice, a nice trip and the $550 in gifts that come with a bowl game.