So, I notice that Johnny Majors is getting inducted into the Peach Bowl Hall of Fame.
Former Pitt coach Johnny Majors will be inducted to the Peach Bowl hall of fame. While he was the coach at Tennessee, Majors went 1-1 in the Peach Bowl — losing to Iowa after the 1982 season and beating Indiana in 1988.
Now my first thought was, “Wait, Indiana went to a bowl game in the ’80s? Within the last 20 years Indiana went to a bowl game? How did that happen and how much worse does it make Rutgers look?” Honestly it took a while to get past that factoid.
The next issue was that someone qualifies for getting into any hall of fame based on a 1-1 record? I want to be there when the Citrus Bowl inducts Phil Fulmer. Well, only if Steve Spurrier is the presenter.
Then I moved on to wondering whether this was more of a conceptual HoF. After all what broom closet would exist and where to to have a hall of fame for a bowl game, let alone a mid-level (at best) bowl game? Turns out they opened a “mini-museum” (display case?) in the Georgia Dome by Gate E last year. Coach Majors will join the other 16 members. I’m sure it ranks high on the list of honors for Jim Kelly, Hayden Fry and Mike Singletary. That certificate didn’t end up on a pile somewhere in their house. I’m sure it’s framed and prominently displayed.
It of course begs the question why any bowl game would have a hall of fame? I understand the record books stuff, detailing past MVPs and greats who have played and coached in the game. You need to have something to add to the gravitas of the bowl, and some information to help fill programs other than ads for limo service, hotels, strip gentlemen clubs and car dealerships to justify charging whatever they charge for a program.
But a hall of fame? Once more, to be clear: a Peach Bowl Hall of Fame. I’m sure no one will be leaving their seat for that presentation during the half.