I think two things happened that lessened the Cotton Bowl from what it was in previous years: 1) SMU - who used to be a perennial CB team - got the "death penalty" from the NCAA for recruiting violations, & 2) More importantly, the CB refused to upgrade the facility to the satisfaction of the BCS suits. Remember, it's all about money for these guys, so they want to impress their buddies with outrageous suites and amenities. CB just doesn't have them. Having said all that, I wish I could see just one more old time Cotton Bowl with players in jerseys cut off at the waist, white cleats, and running the ball down their opponents' throats.
No dome on the CB exposes the teams to Dallas unpredictable Jan. 1 weather. Also the SWC went downhill quick in the 80s. Recruiting violations hurt almost all of those teams, especially SMU. Baylor, TCU, A&M and others all got caught. Once JJones new playhouse gets built in Arlington, you may see the Cotton Bowl game rise in stature.
