1. A chance to add a quality win. 9 wins seems a lot better than 8 to me.
2. An opportunity for another month's worth of practice.
3. After a full season's worth of practice and bowl prep, a true freshman might shine without losing eligibility.
4. A rewarding travel opportunity for players, and their family members.
5. Conference bragging rights, leading to perceived conference strength for the next year
6. Chance to finished ranked, which can lead to a higher pre-season ranking and maybe an extra night game early in the season for the next year.
7. Coaching bonuses.
While those things might not mean much to an individual player in his last season, cumulatively as a team, there is still much to play for.
2. An opportunity for another month's worth of practice.
3. After a full season's worth of practice and bowl prep, a true freshman might shine without losing eligibility.
4. A rewarding travel opportunity for players, and their family members.
5. Conference bragging rights, leading to perceived conference strength for the next year
6. Chance to finished ranked, which can lead to a higher pre-season ranking and maybe an extra night game early in the season for the next year.
7. Coaching bonuses.
While those things might not mean much to an individual player in his last season, cumulatively as a team, there is still much to play for.