I would hope that ND will seriously consider declining any bowl bid this year. The oft spoken arguments for accepting a bowl bid are additional practices, recruiting exposure and a reward for a job well done. The unspoken argument for accepting a bowl bid is money.
Notre Dame does not need the money or the recruiting exposure. The mediocrity displayed throughout the six and six season falls well short of even the most lenient description of a job well done.
I am not convinced that the 20 practices in December have a tremendous carryover effect to the following fall, especially since the seniors will no longer be with us. To our seniors, I say thank you for your dedication. To the underclassmen, I hope that two years without attending a bowl will be used as a motivating factor for the duration of your Notre Dame career.
The Notre Dame standards of intelligence, sportsmanship and athleticism will not be served by accepting a bowl bid. Notre Dame has declined bowls in the past. This will not be setting a precedent.
Paul McDonnell
alum
class of '77
? Dec. 3
