often a sign it is the beginning of worse to come. Not a gaurantee, but certainly not a positive indicator... especially right after being retained.

Clearly Fu doesn't hold the bowl streak is of importance. If you do, then you instill that pride/value in your team. Few things in college football are optional, and I would say extra practice time, strength and conditioning, bowl games, regular season games, classes, engaging in the community, etc... are not optional.