with all that being said--does that mean that florida state would get the at-large bowl bid if bc wins the championship? i do not follow what would happen to fsu with the scenarios provided
-------FROM JEFF----
Good question. N.C. State is the odd team out -- the one that needs to find an at-large bid.
Florida State would slip to one of the lower bowls. But this is obviously hypothetical because the Seminoles could still get the Champs Sports Bowl -- not a bad destination at all.

Their season doesn't justify a bowl. How many non Maryland fans would attend or watch any of those bowls? Pretty close to zero which is why most of these minor bowls are more than 50% empty.

And before someone says "It is a reward for the players", you should only get rewarded for very good performance, a 7-5 season with some of their losses doesn't qualify. The players are already rewarded with free education, tutoring, and numerous other perks, if they choose to utilize them.

Rich,
Your views toward Maryland's bowl opportunities are absurd. Maryland's season was rocky, but the victories against ranked opponents, solid ACC foes, and the passion these kids have shown, certainly justify a bowl game. Granted, the seats may be empty, but there is much more to the story than ticket sales.
For one, it absolutely should be a reward for the players. These players get an opportunity to display their comraderie, teamwork, skill, and passion on national television, often being viewed by their friends and family. And your argument is insulting for any student athlete. Yes, you receive scholarships, tutoring, and other perks. But did you ever play a college sport? The life of a student athlete is no picnic. Between classes, practices, tutoring, team meetings, meals, and sleep, there is little time for a social life. This is their chance to celebrate the effort they've put in all year.
For the fans, and I mean TRUE fans, it is another opportunity to see your school showcased on a national level. TRUE fans take pride in this fact.
For the program, the revenue received from these games are funneled to school initiatives and scholarships (and not just for athletes). In addition, it provides additional practice and playing time for these athletes to progress in their development. Finally, it serves as a recruiting tool, enabling players from across the country to view Maryland and its football program on the national stage.
These kids deserve this opportunity and I wish them the best of luck.

Go Terps!!

Well said Anonymous. Everybody thinks of these kids as pros in training, when they are mainly still just kids who have tough academic and athletic scheds to keep. The season has turned out as well as it could have - but it turned out a ton better than many thought too. You can't stress the extra practices and experience enough either.

Let them enjoy themselves - I'll be sure to watch and Rich can skip the game altogether.

Let's all chip in and buy a plane ticket for Rich wherever the Terps may be headed for their bowl game. On second thought... nahhhh!

Anonymous makes a great case that blows Rich's bad mouthing of the Terps out of the water.
If Rich wants to see a more than half empty stadium, he should watch the ACC championship game tomorrow...
While VaTech has a good travelling fan base, BC does not. Last one of these I watched was GT-WF in the rain 2 years ago. It was empty and kind of embarressing for the ACC that the highly hyped game was so poorly attended.Wake won a thrilling 9-6 victory...NOT!! It was boring as heck!!!

As a Boise resident, I feel your pain regarding air travel. Going east, I usually go through MSP. That said, I can almost guarantee if the Terps come to Boise it will not be an empty stadium. You will have maybe 70% of the stadium filled with Boise State fans who have nothing else to do, and the rest filled with Nevada fans. In any case, the "H-Bowl" usually is a sellout. And if that sounds like a hostile environment, consider that some Boise State fans will be wearing Terp colors just to spite our WAC rivals. Also, WAC teams are trained to lose on the blue turf. Boise loves football, and we take care of our honored guests. We would wormly welcome the Terps, even if this is not the ideal season-ender. Best of luck!

What a great season for the terps....you have to remember their preseason rank...second to bottom of ACC. They were to win only one ACC contest...way to go Ralph in team....I live in SC now and went to the Clemson game....what a great victory for the boys who gave it all that day, and every game.....this is not a premire bowl, but I'll be cheering them on. It will help the program more than staying home.
Thank you Ralph...you are a great coach...you make the most of the talent and injuries as anyone can possibly expect and this year just proves it.