What we did on our bowl vacation...

— -- To the people who say there are too many bowl games, we ask you this: If not for the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman, where would we see one mascot, dressed as a bearcat, dropkick another mascot, dressed as Thomas Jefferson? How else could we break down, with Zapruder-like obsession, whether Bret Bielema intentionally mocked Texas' famous two-finger salute?

In short, bowl season is a magical time, and that's before they even play the games. With that in mind, here's a look at some of our favorite off-the-field sights and sounds of bowl eason.

Central Michigan is excited to be going to the Bahamas ...

... Because you can't do this in Michigan in December

Anthropomorphic deep-fried appetizer

Arkansas dances like no one is watching

Cowboy Bret Bielema make a non-controversial hand gesture

Did you know virtual currency had a mascot?

Texas A&M participates in the local talent show

A Bearcat takes on a former U.S. president

You're never too old to show off some new dance moves