Gophers leaders chime in on tenuous future of bowl games

PHOENIX — The Rate Bowl no longer has the word “Guaranteed” in its name, and the concept of bowl games as a whole are no longer as promised. The expected expansion of the College Football Playoff from its current 12-team format up to 16, or perhaps 24, in upcoming years will mean fewer teams available for bowls. When Notre Dame was left out of this year’s playoff, the Fighting Irish’s decision to not play in a bowl sent shockwaves through the sport. “We are going to have an open mind of what the bowl system looks like,” Gophers athletics director Mark Coyle told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday....