College Sports

Once upon a time, spring football was a time when players could practice in peace. When new coaches could install their offense or defense on a quiet practice field, preparing the team for the fall, when the season would take off.

Not any more.

Spring football is big business these days. Games sell out, a whole weekend of activities are planned. The cheerleaders and bands are on hand. High school signees, who graduated in December so they could take part in spring practice, make their debut.

It’s big time, baby.

Schools can have fun with the day. At Florida, head coach Urban Meyer offered a full scholarship to any student who could beat his fastest players in the 40 (running back Chris Rainey won the race, defeating the students who competed). Another lucky fan’s name was selected to catch a pass from Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. And the game was televised on ESPN.

Personally, I like the spring game. You can’t lose, so there is no pressure. You get a look at what the fall might hold. And it is great to get back into the stadium and start the countdown till the first regular season game.

In one of the best all-time spring football quotes, when Alabama’s Ray Perkins was asked (sometime in the mid-80’s) why the Crimson Tide cheerleaders and pep band hadn’t accompanied the men’s basketball team to the NCAA tournament, he responded “spring football practice has started.” If you don’t believe it, on April 12, Bama had 78,200 at A-Day, the spring football game. This must have been a disappointment. Last year, under new coach Nick Saban, they filled the Bryant-Denny with 92,138.

So get ready, kickoff is a mere four and a half months away… unless you take in the spring game.

LT

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