NCAA president Emmert suggests re-examining bowl bid system

After three 5–7 teams received bowl bids this season, NCAA president Mark Emmert suggested re-examining the meaning of bowl games.

“The members are gonna have to figure out, what’s the purpose of bowl games?” Emmert said Wednesday, according to USA Today. “Is it a reward for a successful season or is it just another game that we’re gonna provide an opportunity for? … We need to look hard at that.”

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There are 40 bowls this season, and 77 teams finished with 6–6 records or better. Nebraska, Minnesota and San Jose State all finished 5–7 and earned bowl bids, in order of their Academic Progress Rates.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reports ACC athletic directors have voted to increase bowl eligibility to a 7–5 record at minimum. National approval would be necessary to implement any changes to the current system. The NCAA does not have the power to limit the number of bowl games, but does certify them.

According to USA Today, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby, chairman of the NCAA football oversight committee, said solutions would be explored before next season and that most people would prefer not to have 5–7 teams in bowl games.

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