The biggest losers are schools in lower-tier leagues, while the winners are those affiliated with the Bowl Championship Series. With the bigger bowls paying out more money, the schools going to those bowls also tend to spend more. The size of their travel parties swell, increasing expenses. In contrast, the schools in smaller bowls work to keep costs under control.
Some schools take the bus to bowl games.
Others keep tight limits on the size of the official party. The disparity between BCS and non-BCS bowls has spurred some with the smaller schools to suggest it is time to move to a playoff system, which would mean more money. However, such a switch is unlikely to come any time soon in part because college presidents oppose it and because of a television contract for bowl coverage that runs through 2006. Few changes are expected. And despite the expense, those going to bowls say they like postseason play, citing increased exposure for their schools.