Why do teams decide to play in Bowl games if they don't care?

Last couple of games have been exciting to watch. UTSA and FIU was just a mismatch. 

East Carolina is playing with their hair on fire. Big props. But you look at Pitt and their effort and you wonder why do you accept the bowl invitation? Think about it. You get a swag bag and get to go bowling instead of spending times with family during the holidays.

And there will be more before this over that do the same thing. Why waste your time?

I said this in another thread, but they need to rethink or reimagine bowl season in this current climate. These games are unwatchable and disgusting. 

Pitt giving too many gifts.. ECU didnt want it..

I am done with Bowl games.. up like $25.. 

Win and give back.. 

I think its best to take your chances on unders.. 

It’s efforts like this that will end most of the meaningless bowl games! Do you think anyone is actually watching? Nd & Miami spanked Pitt in there games that were meaningful! This was a good play if ECU had there Qb playing….I couldn’t play this game if it were the only game left this year! 

@HabsHater88

 I agree!

MONEY

That TD by East Carolina says it all. DB #15 for Pitt didn't even attempt to tackle the receiver. Just jogged beside him as he went into the endzone.

And that's my point.  #15 skipped the holiday season for a swag bag + bowling + looking horrible on national television

The more teams per conference in bowl games the more money for the schools so not up to the teams.  So virtually teams and players forced to be there.  Notre Damn is independent so makes since they not participate. Hope that helps

@Kaname484

I get what your saying. My whole thing is as players, why spend your holiday season at campus practicing instead of seeing the family? So you practice (and don't care) and then go waste your time for a week. What's the point?

@AJ86

 Money

@AJ86

Unless your an Arch Manning type of player I don't think these regular guys on scholarship is telling there coach their going to skip and the coach allowing it...  The coach probably doesn't want to be there either.  This is why I rarely bet the scrimmage bowls

@Freddy66

Not every kid is getting money. 

The School cares, adds prestige, helps recruiting, The school makes the decision, not the players......

@AJ86

 2025 Military Bowl.

My yearly Turkey Bowl game is more prestigious.

Losing to the Practice squad at East Carolina is not adding prestige or helping recruiting.

@Kaname484

I get what your saying. If that is the case, then the teams should opt out. And everyone saying the school is making them play. No they don't need to. Kansas St said no. Iowa St said no.

For one reason which runs society. Money 

Money doesn't go directly to the schools goes to the conf who disburses it to the schools.  Those two teams belong to the same conf so it could be the conf probably gave them the okay to opt out...  This is my assumption btw

I think if most ( bigger program schools ) teams had the choice the majority would not play