Funny that you guys are criticizing a coach for not suspending players.
My understanding about this FSU and Alabama match-up is that this is one of the all-time games on Bobby Bowden's list that he always wanted to play. Sort of a "things I want to do before I die" list, and playing Alabama is at the top of his list.
Which, yes, should indicate that he definitely sees this as a bowl game and a big game as a compliment to Alabama. This may be one of the biggest games in his career in his mind.