Sagarin ratings of our bowl opponents in the MWC/Independent era:
2014 Memphis 39
2013 Washington 11
2012 San Diego St. 66
2011 Tulsa 35
MWC
2010 UTEP 121 (This is your winner for worst bowl we have ever played in)
2009 Oregon St. 34
2008 Arizona 24
2007 UCLA 33
2006 Oregon 35
2005 Cal 29
2001 Louisville 27
1999 Marshall 13
The caliber of our bowl opponents have been similar. We play more P5 teams than we would if we are in the MWC. Plus we still get to play natural rivals like Boise and USU every year. This is why Indy is better.