5 Ways to Improve College Football Bowls and Prevent Opt-Outs

Georgia coach Kirby Smart has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of college football’s bowl season following a lopsided victory over Florida State. Smart believes that the bowl system is in need of significant changes, as he believes it is unfair for players to compete in what often turn out to be highly mismatched games.

In light of his comments, Smart has proposed five suggestions to address the issues with the bowl season. Firstly, he suggests embracing silliness and gimmicks in non-College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl games. By adding entertaining and enjoyable elements to these games, it could help attract more viewers and enhance the overall experience for both players and fans.

Secondly, Smart recommends allowing bowls to directly compensate players for participating, similar to the bonuses that coaches receive for making and winning bowl games. This would provide players with some financial incentive and recognition for their efforts during the postseason.

Another suggestion put forward by Smart is to abandon conference affiliations and allow bowls to set up matchups that make the most sense. This would encourage teams to finish the season on a strong note, as they would be vying for more desirable matchups in the bowl games.

Additionally, Smart believes that getting rid of the early signing period would alleviate the pressure on coaches who have to simultaneously manage bowl preparation, recruiting, and staffing changes. This change would allow coaches to focus solely on preparing their teams for the postseason.

Lastly, Smart proposes a change in the narrative surrounding college football. He suggests celebrating achievements other than just national championships and appreciating the sport for what it is. By highlighting individual and team successes beyond winning the ultimate prize, college football can be better appreciated by enthusiasts.

As the discussion regarding the state of college football’s bowl season continues, Smart’s suggestions may serve as valuable insights for reforming the current system. With his experience and success as the head coach of Georgia, Smart’s voice carries weight and could potentially spark a larger conversation about the future of college football’s bowl games.