To me, this is SOOOOO GOOD for the program.. Especially for the backups.... I understand that some fans want to wait to use the 4 games until the END OF THE YEAR but I would like to suggest why it is BETTER to use a couple of those games on the EARLY END!!
1. For Power 5 teams, the schedule is usually easier games, out of conference.. It allows young players who are freshmen or backups to experience game conditions early in their careers.. The P5 players may have more athleticism than their opponent that is mirroring them, but they may find out that it is not all about athleticism.. That said, young players get a taste of the change of speed and strength from HS to D1 football. EIther in success or being humbled, they get to learn early what it takes to succeed at D1.
2. Early games are in warmer weather.. The games start in late August/early September when it can still be very warm and guys get tired or winded much easier.. ESPECIALLY THE BIG GUYS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL.. I think its great to get those young guys in early on D-line and O-line to both make mistakes and get a feel for how to play against their opponents... Give them a series of reps and the big guys have a reduced chance of tiring out, losing technique, and injury occurring if they are alternating in during the early games..Plus those fast guys at the skill positions can show off their talents, which is a big plus
3. Teachable moments for coaches... Until players get in the game, it is hard to drive home a point with players who are normally backups... The game film and the experience of getting the uniform a bit dirty on the field is great and helps the coaches to make tangible coaching advice and development of the players, mentally and physically.
4. Helps players stay engaged with the team... You know you are going to get a chance to play so the player that sits the bench most of the year stays interested in what is going on in the game..BUILDS COMRADERIE as guys know they have all contributed in some way.
5. Hopefully, starts bringing fans in as more parents get to see their kids on the field during the year.. We are not there yet, but hopefully will fill more of the stadium to cheer the kids on.
6. Recruits see the excitement of what is being created.. That is a BIGGIE, in my mind.
7. We may find that a kid who we normally would just redshirt, is important enough to have on the field ALL THE TIME to our success throughout the year.. A fall surprise, if you will.
I would play AT LEAST 2 games of the 4 at the very beginning of the year so kids can play, make mistakes, then correct them in the next game and see the results.. Maybe save a game or 2 until the conference championship and bowl game, if it happens.. But I think it is NECESSARY to take advantage of this rule by letting the young guys play early.. This rule is GOLD for a young team like the GOLDEN GOPHERS!!! Ski-U-Mah.
1. For Power 5 teams, the schedule is usually easier games, out of conference.. It allows young players who are freshmen or backups to experience game conditions early in their careers.. The P5 players may have more athleticism than their opponent that is mirroring them, but they may find out that it is not all about athleticism.. That said, young players get a taste of the change of speed and strength from HS to D1 football. EIther in success or being humbled, they get to learn early what it takes to succeed at D1.
2. Early games are in warmer weather.. The games start in late August/early September when it can still be very warm and guys get tired or winded much easier.. ESPECIALLY THE BIG GUYS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL.. I think its great to get those young guys in early on D-line and O-line to both make mistakes and get a feel for how to play against their opponents... Give them a series of reps and the big guys have a reduced chance of tiring out, losing technique, and injury occurring if they are alternating in during the early games..Plus those fast guys at the skill positions can show off their talents, which is a big plus
3. Teachable moments for coaches... Until players get in the game, it is hard to drive home a point with players who are normally backups... The game film and the experience of getting the uniform a bit dirty on the field is great and helps the coaches to make tangible coaching advice and development of the players, mentally and physically.
4. Helps players stay engaged with the team... You know you are going to get a chance to play so the player that sits the bench most of the year stays interested in what is going on in the game..BUILDS COMRADERIE as guys know they have all contributed in some way.
5. Hopefully, starts bringing fans in as more parents get to see their kids on the field during the year.. We are not there yet, but hopefully will fill more of the stadium to cheer the kids on.
6. Recruits see the excitement of what is being created.. That is a BIGGIE, in my mind.
7. We may find that a kid who we normally would just redshirt, is important enough to have on the field ALL THE TIME to our success throughout the year.. A fall surprise, if you will.
I would play AT LEAST 2 games of the 4 at the very beginning of the year so kids can play, make mistakes, then correct them in the next game and see the results.. Maybe save a game or 2 until the conference championship and bowl game, if it happens.. But I think it is NECESSARY to take advantage of this rule by letting the young guys play early.. This rule is GOLD for a young team like the GOLDEN GOPHERS!!! Ski-U-Mah.
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