That actually sounds like a GREAT trip to me! 2 bowl games and Bourbon St. to boot? That's a no-brainer IMHO.

I know folks are throwing this bowl and Dollar General under the bus.

Unfortunately (because of money), this bowl gets first pick of all the available MAC teams. I guess it sucks they view OHIO as the most attractive selection. But then isn't that what we strive for? Had we won last Friday, we would be playing in... The Dollar General Bowl in Mobile. We can blame the MAC, but for what? Aligning with a bowl whose sponsor is a company people from Athens and SE Ohio don't respect? Really? Athens and SE Ohio is their demo.

Everyone should be a bit hesitant before throwing these stores too far under the bus. In the south and rural areas they are vital to commerce in the community (and they love football). Additionally, here in Matthews, NC we are the headquarters of Family Dollar. The Levine family has almost single handed funded the Levine Children's Hospital and, like General Dollar, are often the first to the table in local communities (where they have stores), when need arises. They make a to ton of money and give back.

Just saying.

Does the date suck? For attendance yes for us, but that is why (from a business standpoint) they selected Troy. For television. it is actually a pretty good slot.

I somewhat enjoyed visiting Mobile, but have to admit, I was expecting a little bit more of, well, maybe everything. Decent place to visit but I probably won't ever be back. The stadium situation felt really odd to me. It's a pretty bland venue and in a very strange location. I also expected it to be closer to downtown but it sort of sits in a weird place. You're driving along in a residential area then all of a sudden this plot of land pops up with a stadium on it. It felt and looked like a county fairground to me. This is the stadium that South Alabama uses as its home field, and after being in it, I can see why they want to build their own on-campus stadium to get out of it. And when you compare the other destinations and/or opponents that the rest of the MAC got, yeah, I was disappointed.

Are you including the Browns?

I'm just waiting for a bowl game to happen in London. It's coming I'm sure. NFL is playing more games out there as it's getting more popular.

Wow. I was at the very same game and same city you were and my experience was totally different. Loved every minute of it. Met lots of Bobcat fans, had loads of fun bar hoping, visited a beach, a museum, the U.S.S. Alabama, met some very nice Southern Miss fans and students (one Southern Miss student told me about her father's "oil money", I'm thinking OK-next round's on her). Living in Cleveland, I'm a sucker for anywhere with palm trees. And somewhere where it's 70 degrees in January is greatly appreciated!

Yeah the stadium wasn't anything fantastic (they have added some luxury boxes since). Not sure we can say anything though; Peden is no great shakes itself.