How active are schools in making the case that they should be invited to particular bowl games?

The answer is that some schools are quite aggressive. It's similar to what some institutions do to promote their players for the Heisman Trophy.

So, yes, I expect Maryland to be talking to officials from the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. That's a game that would have a big upside for the Terps. The game is close enough for area Terps fans to drive to, and could pit the Terps against border rival West Virginia. The Meineke could easily select North Carolina or another ACC school instead of Maryland.

Maryland and other schools know there is a risk to coming on too strong. You don't want to alienate other bowl games that could be suitors. So it's a delicate process.