We're going to agree to disagree. Indiana is in a game where two top 10 are playing and the outcome of the game means something. Our game means absolutely nothing. The players who made us and South Carolina top 20 teams aren't going to play in the game anyway.
I'm guessing that Pat Bryant would play the game versus Notre Dame, but is looking at the Citrus Bowl as a game where he needs sunglasses and shorts as he chills out on the sidelines.
Do you think that the Indiana kids would give a damn if they lose to ND, but got to play South Carolina as a reward for losing the biggest game that they've ever played in?
There's a reason why kids from the teams that don't make the playoffs ditch their bowl game. The game, itself, is meaningless. The playoffs have killed the bowl system.
Edit: Yes, I agree that if you're a fan, it would be pretty cool to hit the beach when the season is over. That's purely a fans take. If we were in the playoffs, it'd be cool to know that I had a trip to Florida in a couple of weeks. However, the excitement world have absolutely nothing to do with the game and has 100% to do with having a week off of work and 80 degree weather.
If you're a player.... you'd be completely checked out after a playoff loss. It'd take weeks, if not months to look back with appreciation.