Michigan Football: 3 reasons to want the Wolverines in Outback Bowl

Can’t beat Big Ten-SEC

The Outback Bowl has earned a reputation as one of the top non-major bowls for a reason. For one, it has a history of exciting games and two, it tends to produce great matchups and a big reason for that are the Big Ten and SEC ties.

There is no conference rivalry in college football quite like the Big Ten and the SEC. Harbaugh added to it even more with all of his satellite camps and with conference success having a real impact on the College Football Playoff, whether real or perceived, every inter-conference matchup takes on extra meaning.

And over the years, the Outback and Citrus Bowls have been a consistent part of that rivalry. The top teams in the two leagues don’t always get to meet, but other high-end teams do

and that only adds to the excitement.

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For Michigan football, the chance to get a ninth win, against an SEC opponent, on a New Year’s Day is about the best it could hope for outside a major bowl berth. So if it does play out that way, the Wolverines should be thankful for the opportunity.