Phew … thank goodness that’s over.
That’s right, while few rarely, if ever, have their football thirst quenched, I can’t get spring drills, practices, and yes, even the game in my rearview mirror fast enough.
Sure, it’s football, and I and seemingly everyone else in this country is knee-deep in love with the excitement, passion, and pageantry the game brings to the table. But in spite of my adoration for every bit of the aforementioned, Spring’s version of the Fall’s game is nothing more than an opportunity for coming attractions to jump the tracks before the train has even left the station.
Football is a violent game. People get hurt. And as much as all of us fans love watching “our guys” perform on the field, being deprived of that opportunity due to injury to those same guys in an offseason workout, elicits an infinitely heightened response on quite the opposite end of the spectrum.
Granted, I enjoy seeing young talent for the first time. Redshirt players are often spoken of, but rarely seen during their redshirt year, so spring games and practices are usually outsiders’ first chance to form their own opinions about the “legends” which frequently filter out of fall practices, via teammates and journalists who cover the team. But I’d gladly delay my first glimpse of future star Oregon State Beavers or Oregon Ducks, in exchange for those same future stars’ health on opening day.
Coaches will tell you that the reps Spring football affords younger players and soon-to-be first year starters is invaluable regarding preparation for the upcoming campaign. But as an Oregon fan, would you rather have the results of 15 offseason practices, or your #1 receiver Bralon Addison September 6th versus Michigan State? I’m guessing Ducks everywhere would gladly choose Mr. Addison if given the chance, but they won’t have that option due to Addison’s ligament tear in his knee, which he suffered during one of those “invaluable” Spring practices more than 3 weeks ago.
I know, injuries like the one that happened to Addison are part of a game fraught with devastating physical setbacks, and such misfortune could as easily occur during informal summer workouts or during fall camp prior to any college football season. True, but for that very reason it makes sense to limit said opportunities and heighten players’ chances of being healthy when it really counts … during the games.
I watched a bit of both Oregon and Oregon State’s spring “games” last Saturday afternoon. I saw Marcus Mariota and Sean Mannion do what they do. I saw Thomas Tyner look every bit like the breakout superstar he appears to be becoming. And I saw a few of those young up-and-comers that fans of both teams have been hearing about through the back-channel grapevines every diehard fan hears or reads from. And it was alright. But I’d gladly trade the limited opportunity to see what I genuinely love on a meaningless May weekend, for the best version of that same love on a meaningful weekend in September.
Goodbye Spring Football. And good riddance.
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