Even though this article is 10 days old, we thought everyone might want to read it. We also want to save it for future years when iit is bowl selection time.
Before we explain why we’ve come to that point, let’s rewind to 2002. I remember all the whining and complaining by Virginia fans that they were shafted by the bowl process.
The Cavaliers were 6-2 and tied with Maryland for second place in the league standings. The Terps went to the Peach Bowl, and N.C. State (which was 5-3) went to the Gator Bowl. Meanwhile, Virginia was sent to the Continental Tire Bowl, which turned out to be a good deal for the program, but didn’t stop the perception that bowls were out to get the Wahoos.
In ’03, Virginia and N.C. State were 4-4 in the league. The Wolfpack went to the Tangerine (now Champs Sports) and the Cavs went back to Charlotte. More complaining.
In ’04, UVa finished in a three-way tie for third place in the ACC (a year before divisional play) and was shipped to Boise with an 8-3 record.
There are more examples, but you get the point.
Now that Virginia gets an invitation to the Gator Bowl, a New Year’s Day bowl, which all the fans have clamored for, it can’t sell its allotment? That’s embarrassing and sets the program’s perception back 10 years in the eyes of bowl committees everywhere.
