Thanks to Dabo for echoing our idea for a spring game with a real opponent

A year ago we ran a game changing idea up the flagpole. Today it got a big salute from Clemson's Dabo Swinney.

Okay, a spring game against an actual opponent wasn't an original idea. It's been kicked around in the past. But it was always on the fringe -- kind of a fantasy notion by fans who wanted to see their team bang shoulder pads against guys wearing different colors.

With Swinney's endorsement, that idea now comes out of the shadows, gaining respect, credibility and some traction. Especially since Larry Fedora (UNC), Paul Johnson (Ga. Tech) and other head coaches seem to like it.

Swinney says an ideal spring game wouldn't be against a regular opponent. Our suggestion for FSU was a team within a few hour's driving distance, making it convenient for fans of both sides. Auburn, for example. Maybe Troy. Or even South Alabama, now Div. I.

And we like Swinney's suggestion that spring game ticket sales could go to charity or a school's general scholarship fund. He adds, by the way, that playing a real opponent in the spring would be an option for a program, not set in stone. A good out for a team hit by a rash of spring practice injuries.

Just imagine a Saturday in mid-April a few years from now. Tailgating around Doak is in full swing. The Chant is booming over those big speakers. The stands are filling with fans pumped like it's a game day. Because it is -- far more than those intramural scrimmages we used to turn out for.

Comments

[Dennis Kirby]

I agree that the game, once agreed upon, would HAVE to be set in stone no matter what. Smaller schools don't really have that much at stake in spring games as far as recruiting goes so a school like South Alabama or Troy would be ideal for both schools. And hey, since we'd be the home team and the economy in Tally would benefit, split the gate with the away school for charities or scholarships.

[Dave]

To add to that who is going to be the away team?

Every team wants to host a whole bunch of recruits for the spring game. It's a great recruiting tool.

How do you convince Auburn, UGA, Bama, LSU, etc. to come play at FSU?

Your best shot would be UCF, USF, FAU, FIU, etc and its not worth the loss of momentum if you happen to lose a glorified scrimmage to one of these "lesser" programs.

[Dave]

"He adds, by the way, that playing a real opponent in the spring would be an option for a program, not set in stone. A good out for a team hit by a rash of spring practice injuries."

Logistically, that is a nightmare. You don't find out about spring practice injuries until it would be way too late and inconvenient for both parties to change the game. Not to mention the derision you would catch for backing out of the game. If someone actually wants to make this happen alot more serious thought has to be put into it than the notion from a few coaches.

Would we end up with teams posturing for big spring games for recruiting? Would teams refuse to play other teams because of affiliations or unwillingness to give that team an "in" with recruits they want that the other team is leading for. Alot of stuff that would come up in CFB that you don't think about when you have a pure sense of the game as opposed to the ulterior motives.