Actually in the 80s pre-dynasty (with no chance of playing for or falling into the national title) with more practice allowed under NCAA rules, Bowden would treat pre-bowl as a spring practice. Part of the early bowl win streak is that the opponent was totally unprepared for what came out of the tunnel -- many seniors saw themselves demoted as Bowden saw the game as a part of the next season. Some younger players would end up getting more action than they had all season. And FSU would come out with new offensive packages that were a part of the base scheme the next year. Anyone got some statistics on the number of plays each returning player was in on in the Chick-Fil-A bowl compared to the regular season. Might be a nice spring preview piece to see it.