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There’s a trend happening around college football right now. Due to the spring transfer portal window in April and the amount of “tampering” taking place in an unrestricted college football free agency, football programs are opting out of their spring game.
A lot has changed over the last decade. College football playoff expansion, conference realignment, the transfer portal, and name, image, and likeness have changed the game that’s been as much of the fabric of American sports as America’s Pastime.
Steve Sarkisian’s announcement on the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams that Texas won’t be having a spring game sent shockwaves through the sport on Thursday. Sarkisian commented on the number of games the Longhorns have played over the last two seasons and believes his team needs to take a different approach this offseason to prepare for what will be a much younger team.
Texas is one of the biggest brands in college football. This would be akin to the Dallas Cowboys opting not to play preseason games, instead choosing to rest their players and have scrimmages throughout the month of August. Texas getting out in front with an OTA or offseason training activity approach could lead other programs to take a similar tactic to their spring ball schedule.
But at what cost?
The spring game is one of the best events on the football calendar. Sure, it’s nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to begin building excitement for the upcoming season as fans get their first look at that year’s team. It gives families an opportunity to get out to Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium without feeling strapped for cash.
The spring game has been well attended in the Brent Venables era and it’s an opportunity for the university to bring in some revenue from ESPN+ and via advertising. That’s not an easy…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-great-discusses-importance-221716295.html
Author : Sooners Wire
Publish date : 2025-02-20 22:17:00
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