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For some college football players, bowl games aren’t holding the same appeal as they used to.
Teams have had to get used to players opting out or going in the transfer portal before the game, leaving some squads with depleted rosters. That’s especially true for SEC teams in lower-level bowl games, where the stereotype is that the teams don’t want to be there.
But what about Vanderbilt? Qualifying for their first bowl since 2018, the Commodores (6-6) have a reason to be excited for the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 27, where they will face Georgia Tech (7-5). Vanderbilt hasn’t had a winning season since 2013.
“This is a ballgame that’s going to matter for both teams,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “And I said this to the team last week. And again, I know this is Georgia Tech’s mindset. It’s one thing to be invited, but we’re there to win.”
The transfer portal opens Dec. 8, but nine players already have announced they would enter the portal. Lea still isn’t particularly worried.
Some of the transfers, he said, were mutual decisions based on the new roster limits and the need to add incoming transfers to the roster. Some of those players are planning to stay on through the bowl game. One such player is reserve defensive back Taco Wright, who specifically stated Sunday that he would play in the Birmingham Bowl (.
“We’re working with these guys to again, find opportunities for them that best fit their expectations for how they play,” Lea said. “Those guys, almost to a man, have said how excited they are to play in this bowl game and how excited they are to finish well, what we started. I think that’s a great statement in terms of the type of program we have and the soul of this program.”
One player who won’t be playing is starting tackle Gunnar Hansen. While Lea wouldn’t tip his hand as to his options at Hansen’s spot, Charlie…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-clark-lea-isnt-worried-030156864.html
Author : The Tennessean
Publish date : 2024-12-09 03:01:00
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