IN the Cotton Bowl.

[Caballo]

Went to the Cotton Bowl yesterday for the first time since January 1, 1983. Here's how the event has changed from my perspective.

The Cotton Bowl has deteriorated to the point of no return. Any additions or modifications short of a complete renovation from the ground up are merely "Lipstick on a Pig." The stadium has a great nostalgia factor, but with Jerry World going in down the street the annual game is doomed as far as Fair Park goes.

The game was actually interesting if you were present. I can see how it would not hold anyone's attention on TV. I would not have watched it had I not been there.

Ford to Tolbert said in another thread that the Liberty Bowl was the way to watch a game. I can vouch for this game the same way. The Nebraska fans were definitely into the game, as were the Auburn fans. My 10 year old son had only been to college games in Ford. When the teams came out before the game he was shocked at how loud the fans became. He asked me why SMU games were not the same way. How do you answer a question like that?

I met my first obnoxious Nebraska fans. Usually they are pretty nice, but these two guys were real jerks. They got the "big sock" in the end when the southern boys pulled out the win. It was fun riding them down the concourse with the Auburn War Eagle chant.

The BCS has rendered the Cotton Bowl insignificant, and with it any team that is not in a BCS conference. Of course, some variation of this exists (ie. Boise). It is pretty depressing as an SMU to see how far we have fallen compared to real football schools. We were never one of the big boys, but at least we lived in the same neighborhood. We don't even have the same area code any longer.

I'll continue to be an SMU season ticket holder and attend all the games. I have been exposed again to real football though, and will always miss the atmosphere as it should be. At least I can sit in my seats at the games and watch my kids play on the jumping house. That may be the only benefit to living in the neighborhood that we now reside in.

Go Mustangs!

[Bergermeister]

A Zoloft or Paxil can help your outlook on SMU football.

[2112]

Good teams don't lose to NTS and Rice in the same year. On second thought, fair teams don't lose to NTS and Rice in the same year. Just keep the drugs and booze flowing, and keep listening to...we are almost there.

[NavyCrimson]

Well said Caballo.

I like what you said re/ the BCS-BS bowls making all the other bowls insignificant.