When the Mississippi State football team was selected to play in the Outback Bowl, it was a sign of just how much had changed in almost 20 years. To understand what I am talking about, you have to travel back in time to1999.
At the conclusion of the 1999 season, the Mississippi State football team was 9-2 and just on the outside of the AP Poll Top 10. The Bulldogs were one of the best teams in the country. As a result, it looked like the Bulldogs were a lock to be selected for the Outback Bowl.
However, when the selections were made, the Outback Bowl elected to take a 7-4 Georgia team due to their bigger national brand and larger fan base.