5 CFB Programs Most in Need of a Bowl Appearance in 2015-16

A bowl appearance for any program is an accomplishment. 

This postseason game offers plenty in the way of incentive. The university benefits monetarily from the contest. It also offers the program an extra 15 practices—which can often aid in the development of younger players. 

Additionally, the mere appearance can theoretically save the job of a coach on the proverbial hot seat. 

This piece will look at five programs in desperate need of a bowl appearance at the conclusion of this coming year. These factors include keeping up with rival schools, the prevention of a stagnation within the program's fortunes going forward and the potential saving of a head coach's job. 

Note: Programs included within the slideshow did not make a bowl game last season.

Colorado

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The Buffaloes need a big season.

Head coach Mike MacIntyre came to Boulder from San Jose State with the hopes of turning around a proud program. 

After two seasons, the rebuilding process has been anything but seamless. 

To be fair, MacIntyre and his staff inherited a roster devoid of both talent and depth. The move to the Pac-12 also hasn't helped matters much. Since joining the conference in 2010, the Buffaloes have a combined record of 10-39. Under MacIntyre's leadership, Colorado is 1-17 in conference play. 

There are some signs of improvement. The Buffaloes did lose multiple games a season ago by very slim margins. The overall quality throughout the squad also appears better. 

With that said, a bowl appearance in MacIntyre's third season would be paramount. If Colorado continues to flounder, his job security could be in question. 

Colorado's last bowl appearance was in 2007.

Kentucky

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Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops

Mark Stoops has brought a ton of energy to a previously lifeless program. 

In this short tenure, the Wildcats have made tangible gains—as evidenced by a three-win increase from 2013 (2-10) to 2014 (5-7). The recruiting efforts across the board have also been quite impressive. Kentucky has done quite well in Ohio and Florida, specifically. 

The next step for this program is to make a bowl appearance in 2015. There's no reason to think Kentucky can't achieve this feat. The Wildcats have not played in a postseason contest since 2010.

Michigan

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Harbaugh during the spring game.

Breathe easy, Michigan fans...the savior Jim Harbaugh has arrived in Ann Arbor. 

The big elephant in the room—as is often the case when it comes to fans of the rivalry—is Ohio State. Urban Meyer has turned Michigan's biggest rival into one of the premier programs in the country. Undoubtedly, there's no apparent slowing in sight when it comes to future success for the Buckeyes. 

While no one expects Michigan to become a title contender overnight, Harbaugh and the Wolverines need to stem the tide a bit and build some positive vibes. This starts with a bowl appearance in 2015. 

While the talent level on the team isn't outstanding, there's no question Michigan should (at the very minimum) participate in a postseason game. With Harbaugh's propensity to resurrect programs, one would expect the Wolverines to improve considerably in 2015.

Texas Tech

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Kingsbury during a press conference.

"Keeping up with the Joneses" is a term with a direct correlation to college football. 

Pressure is placed upon a program with prominent geographical rivals. These impacts are often felt most in the realm of recruiting, as well as overall perception. 

For Kliff Kingsbury and Texas Tech, the Red Raiders need a bounce-back year after a tough 2014 season in which the team went a disappointing 4-8. 

Texas A&M is absolutely cleaning up when it comes to recruiting. TCU is having considerable success on the national stage, and it likely won't be long until Texas begins to win games on a consistent basis under Charlie Strong. 

With virtually every other big program in the state on an upswing currently, Kingsbury needs a successful 2015 season.

Virginia

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Virginia head coach Mike London

With another poor season in Charlottesville, Mike London could very well lose his job. 

The Virginia head coach is tasked with taking his program to its first bowl game since 2011. Since an 8-5 record that year, the Cavaliers have steadily fallen into a nosedive. The program has gone a combined 11-25 in the past three years. 

This upcoming year will be very telling as to the future of this program going forward. One would think Virginia needs to strike while the proverbial iron is hot. In other words, it would behoove the Cavaliers to begin a renaissance of sorts. 

Rival Virginia Tech has stagnated a bit in the last three years. A bowl appearance could not only bring excitement around the program, but it could also help the recruiting efforts considerably.