Motivation Factor in College Football Bowl Games

By Ian Pickswin

College football season has a postseason that is enjoyed by the whole country.  Albeit a faulty system in determining a national champion, the bowl season does serve up some good football for the sports fan.  With over 30 bowl games being played this year, it is important to keep in mind the motivation factor when it comes to wagering on these games.

All teams care about being in a bowl game, but some do more than others.  If a team had high expectations on them at the beginning of the season and didn’t finish as well as projected, the team may not be putting forth the effort in preparing for their game.  On the other hand, teams that so called “over achieved” this season will be happier to play in a lesser bowl game.  These teams are ones that improved through the season and played well late. 

Often times a team that comes from a major BCS conference and ends up playing in a lesser quality bowl game will not be as motivated as much as their opponent.  Teams that returned many players from a good team last year and did poorly this year can be prime for a letdown in a bad bowl game.

Coaches can have a big impact on whether their football team is motivated to win.  If a coach is on the hot seat, he will surely be motivated to get his team ready.  This factor is especially huge when the players are just as motivated to get their coach a win.

The less time it takes to play between the bowl game and the regular season, the less time a team has to scout and watch film.  Teams that are hot will be the better pick when there is less time to cool off.  This also leads to less time their opponents will have to dissect a good game plan.

A senior laden team will be more motivated to play well in a bowl game because for many this will be the last time they will play in their football careers.  Also factor in those that are trying to impress scouts and an experienced team is usually a good pick in a bowl game.

With the lack of a playoff system, the motivation for winning will vary for team to team.  All teams want to win their bowl game, but their motivation in preparing for the game will show when game time arrives.

This article was written exclusively for superdogpicks.com.

Get expert sports picks at http://www.superdogpicks.com