Fenway Bowl vs. Boston College

[PonyME]

Ok, the evidence is in. SMU is not going to win any "respect". There's no getting what is deserved except by busting down the front door and taking it. I'm not going go break down why playing BC is a slap on the faace. Well, at least now the table is set. There's the ACC. And since even running the tables in ACC not even sufficient (Don't WE even feel sorry for FSU today?), there is the 12 team playoff. 3 years ago. Heck 3 MONTHS ago, I'd thought any playoff talk for SMU is a joko. I no longer think so. But I'm done doing the Sally Field thing, praying we will be liked and accepted. Any progress must happen on the field.

I want to 100% agree with you. But I’m at 99%. Hasn’t Liberty found the perfect recipe to consistently make it into the new 12 team playoff? Be the big fish in the little pondΓǪdon’t schedule a P5 team OCC, and run the table in a weak G5 conference. The Cabal set the precedent today. Go undefeated and you’re in (unless a star player gets hurt..then we’re going to look into our crystal ball). SMU to ACC is huge on more levels overall for the University, and I’m thrilled, but from a strictly ΓÇÿhow do we get into the Playoffs’ perspective (which alone has huge prestige and dollar implications)ΓǪI think we had a better chance making the Playoffs going forward in the AAC.

[highlander]

I want to 100% agree with you. But I’m at 99%. Hasn’t Liberty found the perfect recipe to consistently make it into the new 12 team playoff? Be the big fish in the little pondΓǪdon’t schedule a P5 team OCC, and run the table in a weak G5 conference. The Cabal set the precedent today. Go undefeated and you’re in (unless a star player gets hurt..then we’re going to look into our crystal ball). SMU to ACC is huge on more levels overall for the University, and I’m thrilled, but from a strictly ΓÇÿhow do we get into the Playoffs’ perspective (which alone has huge prestige and dollar implications)ΓǪI think we had a better chance making the Playoffs going forward in the AAC.

From what I can tell they landed on the perfect recipe THIS YEAR. In years past, a weak schedule was a no-no. This year, it's all about a perfect record. Unless you are FSU, in which case it's about the "eye test". But if it's not about the eye test, it's about having a perfect record. Unless it's not about having a perfect record, in which case it's about the eye test. However, there are certain instances in which it is not about the eye test. In those cases, it's about having a perfect record. But if you do have a perfect record, that may not be enough because it may also be about the eye test.

[Charleston Pony]

Why did we not get an invite to the Liberty bowl as the conference champion. That seems like a better bowl, no?

Memphis will sell more tickets. Period

[Charleston Pony]

BC has no fans. Even in Boston. If you have to name just 2 ACC teams that have usually quite poor TV drawing power, the 2 are BC and Wake Forest. Even Syracuse is consisntenly a bigger draw for football than Bam, which also is a big dud for basketball TV drawing power.

SMU should feel right at home playing in Fenway in front of a few thousand fans. It's what we do. I just hope our football team doesn't whine as much as our fans and they play that game with a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. Stomp those Eagles!

[highlander]

We have a chance to finish top-15 in the AP poll. I would say that alone makes this already an extremely successful season.

[soccermom]

Sorry I don’t know how to link the article I read earlier. It was a FB post from SMU Football sharing an article quoting RL about the decision. I love his attitude. He said he doesn’t agree w/it but not going to dwell on it but rather celebrate this team the way they deserve to be celebrated.

[indianmustang]

suck so much and not even a decent opponent
last year was better

[JasonB]

This is a great opportunity to go say thanks to the players, meet their parents, and build some great relationships with fellow alumni. Staying at the team hotel and taking part in the activities is what it is all about... the game is almost secondary. Although I have never been to Fenway, so that will be a great experience.

I'm interested to see how our defense and OL perform against an ACC team, especially the players who are returning. I can guarantee you that the players and coaching staff want to make a statement in this game that we are ready to complete next season.

And Bus, if the game is too cold, skip the game or go back to the hotel early .

Get out there and celebrate with everyone! I'm sure our trophy will be there, and you will be able to have your picture taken with it. Have some fun!

The bigger question is which hotel... I'm leaning towards the Reinessance?

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

I won't be able to make it unfortunately, but I wish I could. I'll be watching on TV. I agree its a great opportunity for the Ponies to show their stuff against an ACC opponent on national TV. I hope they bring it!!

Took me a day to get over the snub, but I'm over it now. I want this team to get to 12 wins and go out in style!! Aside from the TCU game, which still sticks in my craw, its been a great season!!!

[Arkpony]

Not only can I not attend, I may not even be able to watch as I will be attending relative’s funeral that day!!

[EastStang]

Living in DC, I can do an up and back flight same day.

[HubbaHubba]

Not only can I not attend, I may not even be able to watch as I will be attending relative’s funeral that day!!

One of those can be rescheduled .

[HubbaHubba]

SMU 9.5 point favorite.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footba ... l-matchups

[Water Pony]

I hope our Team and Fans focus on winning this game. It will set the table for our move to the ACC next summer. Bowl games are a reward for the team and we need to be excited for them.

The decision to slot Liberty @ the Fiesta gives the committee air cover after they downgraded FSU, who we play in Dallas next year BTW. The Seminoles have more reason to be disappointed that us.

In the end, the committee wasn't ready to keep the SEC out of the CFP and someone was going to scream. Can you imagine Greg Sankey, Paul Finebaum, and Nick Saban's reaction if Alabama wasn't selected. They and the entire SEC would have lost their collective minds. FSU was who was sacrificed. Our disappointment is minor. I get Liberty Bowl had a choice and wanted their team in. So be it.

Lashlee needs to focus the team on another statement game. We have come so far in two years; I am still over the moon on our move to a better future.

[AfricanMustang]

This is a great opportunity to go say thanks to the players, meet their parents, and build some great relationships with fellow alumni. Staying at the team hotel and taking part in the activities is what it is all about... the game is almost secondary. Although I have never been to Fenway, so that will be a great experience.

I'm interested to see how our defense and OL perform against an ACC team, especially the players who are returning. I can guarantee you that the players and coaching staff want to make a statement in this game that we are ready to complete next season.

And Bus, if the game is too cold, skip the game or go back to the hotel early .

Get out there and celebrate with everyone! I'm sure our trophy will be there, and you will be able to have your picture taken with it. Have some fun!

The bigger question is which hotel... I'm leaning towards the Reinessance?

Absolutely, hopefully with a win that means that we shall be pre-ranked before next season and all we have to do is just keep winning next season, boom, we are in the CFP, right?:-)