Notre Dame's Decision Not to Go to a Bowl Game: Good or Bad?

Notre Dame's decision not to go to a bowl game with a 6-6 record because of the "unique circumstances" following the end to the Irish's somewhat heartbreaking season in which they could quite easily have either run the table or ended up 3-9 stunned the world of college football.

Well, it probably didn't stun the world of college football, but it stunned me.

But was it a good or bad decision?

BAD

The Irish's second straight postseason appearance after the win against Hawaii would have been a good swan song for Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate, and could quite easily have shown the world that Notre Dame Football hadn't given up on the essentials (i.e., playing football in front of thousands of adoring fans who probably couldn't get to South Bend or any of the 'away games').

The Irish would have recouped some of the cash from a very expensive severance pay agreement with Charlie Weis, and possibly won over more fans to come and watch them.

Not only that, but winning the game would have been a wonderful answer to the critics and a great way to overcome the horrors of November/December.

GOOD

The Irish's decision not to go to a bowl game was probably not a bad model to mediocre 6-6 teams that suddenly felt they were "bowl eligible" despite inconsistent seasons.

A loss, and a 6-7 year, would have made everyone (including the incoming coach) feel "down on the program" and would have made hiring and recruiting more difficult.

And there's also the matter of money. While we understand that Notre Dame don't need the cash, spending an extra $100,000 odd for a 'football vacation' when you've just had to pay out well over $10m to your departed coach probably wouldn't go down to the well with the people in charge of the capital.

No bowl game would have gained you an extra $10.1 million, regardless of which game you played in.

Not only that, but the decision not to go draws a line under a miserable season and says to the world that Irish football is rebuilding for the better.

What are your thoughts?

Here's a memory of the Irish's last BCS game. Turn away now, Irish fans...