He was asking a hypothetical regarding a national championship in 1994. So technically you should only count the bowls after 94 because that's the whole point - BYU's greatest success happened over 15 years ago. That Cotton Bowl appearance is a good one, but it happened in 96. So the question for me is whether I would rather experience a NC and then a Cotton Bowl at ages 14 and 16 and then solid seasons but nothing spectacular for the next 16 years or whether I would rather experience pretty good years from 94-04 and then attend the school during 04 and then be 28 during the 08 season (hope that all makes sense). I think I give the edge to the BYU experience there but it's closer than one might think.

For me personally, it was very cool to attend the U in 04 during that magical year. Also, since I was 24 and 28 during those years, I was able to afford to travel to the Fiesta and Sugar Bowls and sit with great friends and family and really soak up the experience. It would have been cool at age 14 and the NC gives you something to be very proud of but I am not sure I would have appreciated the experience as much as I did later in life.

Still, I think the NC trumps the others in this scenario. It was a great accomplishment and something BYU fans should rightfully be very proud of.

Sorry if my post seemed dishonest. I should have included the Cotton Bowl. Since the Cotton Bowl BYU has not been to a bowl bigger than the Vegas Bowl (Liberty, New Mexico, Armed Forces, and Motor City). 96 was a great year for BYU and I should have included it.