That is the constant thing everyone talks about all year every year. I don't understand why, but here are the most common things people have told me:

- It's a litmus test for the team (but is 6-6 really that much better than 5-7?)
- It's great to get an extra game (but most of the bowl games have been garbage lately; I don't even remember who we have played and what bowls we've been in. And they've become less important as teams keep players out of bowl games)
- It's fun for the players to go to a new place and play another game (that's great for the players, but as a fan...sure sounds great I guess?)
- Extra practice time for the team (does this really move the needle that much?)
- $$$ (once again, it this really that much that it moves the needle in a meaningful way? Do we see an impact when we make a bowl vs. when we don't?)

I'm guessing the real reason is so there is at least some goal for the season. We aren't in a position to make the playoff or win the conference, so it's nice to have something to shoot towards.

Let me know if there are other things I'm missing. I just have a hard time getting excited that our main goal is a meaningless exhibition game.