Is spring ball worth it??

[Mavman]

Have heard interesting argument that spring ball should not exist with the current portal dates. Why practice all spring with players that won’t be on the team in fall?
The solution proposed is start earlier end the season by Jan 1st have one portal date that is last three weeks of January.
Other arguments have arisen that spring scrimmages not be played on national TV because it is just basically scouting tape for other schools.

Do you think this is an issue with FCS schools?
Does this only effect Power 5 schools

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

Because it is about the players that will be on the team. I am fine with players being able to transfer after Spring ball.

 

[Griz til I die]

Spring practice is good but the actual spring game itself is certainly up for debate.

 

[AZGrizFan]

I think the weeding out of players in Spring ball makes it valuable, if nothing else.

 

[EverettGriz]

The practice time is certainly valuable. But you'll no longer see spring games televised, and likely they will go away completely in the near future.

 

[Skookum-Jim]

Spring practice is good but the actual spring game itself is certainly up for debate.

This is my thought too. I think the practice in helmets and shorts is all good, but no full contact or spring game necessary.

 

[IdaGriz01]

This is my thought too. I think the practice in helmets and shorts is all good, but no full contact or spring game necessary.

Never been to a spring game. and almost certainly will never go to one ... so no opinion as a fan. The key question is: What about the players? I lean toward the thought that, after all those drills, and reps, and what-nots, they might welcome a chance to play the game, even if it's only an exhibition. (I believe the stats show the risk of injury is the same, if not less for a "game.")

 

[406football]

Reps are important and live reps are even more important. Like others have said, it is a great opportunity for the coaches to see how the new guys practice and what type of fit they will be. Also, I believe most teams at this point in the year don't have a firm idea of what their roster will look like in fall and this is a great opportunity to see what holes that need to be filled. Evaluation and reps

 

[maroonandsilver]

Spring practice is good but the actual spring game itself is certainly up for debate.

I learned a few years ago that attending the spring game was a waste of my time.

 

[Grizzinator]

Why not broadcast the spring game?

 

[uofmman1122]

Why not broadcast the spring game?

They do, don't they?

 

[ElrodGrizzly]

I learned a few years ago that attending the spring game was a waste of my time.

If the weather is nice, I've enjoyed them.

They do, don't they?

They have before. I moved away from Missoula for a good while, and I remember watching one online that was played in Hamilton a year or two before I moved back up here.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

They do, don't they?

Maybe in-state only. Can't access it out of state.

 

[EverettGriz]

They do, don't they?

They're not planning to this year, and likely won't in the future. Coaches don't want to expose their players to other teams while the portal is open. That trend is becoming very commonplace now.

 

[ElrodGrizzly]

Maybe in-state only. Can't access it out of state.

Really?! I didn't realize that.

 

[uofmman1122]

They're not planning to this year, and likely won't in the future. Coaches don't want to expose their players to other teams while the portal is open. That trend is becoming very commonplace now.

That sucks, and I hope they change their minds.

I was just commenting because I distinctly remember them doing it every year recently (maybe not nationally).

 

[alabamagrizzly]

Spring practice is good but the actual spring game itself is certainly up for debate.

Spring games have essentially become social gatherings for the fans with a scrimmage in the background.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

That sucks, and I hope they change their minds.

I was just commenting because I distinctly remember them doing it every year recently (maybe not nationally).

I haven't been able to watch it in several years.

 

[uofmman1122]

I haven't been able to watch it in several years.

Sounds like a good excuse to get back up here!

In fairness, I was overseas the one year they tried to do that SWX app thing, and it was a nightmare. I feel you.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

Sounds like a good excuse to get back up here!

In fairness, I was overseas the one year they tried to do that SWX app thing, and it was a nightmare. I feel you.

Yeah I don't think my husband is going to buy the reasoning that I need to pay for a plane ticket just to come watch the spring game...