So this conversation is going through a lot of message boards and of course there is no consensus. It's an exhibition game why should they take a chance, to comments similar to what Mark Richt said about football being the ultimate team game I tend to agree with Richt, and I hope it's not a trend. The 3 who have said they won't play are all RB's FWIW. Myles Garrett the Aggies DE who has battled an ankle injury ( I think) similar to what Fournette has battled said he wouldn't even think of not playing in the Bowl Game. He's a possible #1 pick and certainly a top 5 pick. So that also makes me think of these High School All Star games that are coming up, the Army AA game in San Antonio and the UnderArmour AA game in Orlando. Both will be televised, both have rosters full of 4 and 5 star players who are projected as future stars in college and the NFL. So why they hell would anybody risk playing in these games, they gain nothing, they won't get more offers as these players already have tons of offers and many have verbally committed to schools. So they truly have nothing to gain and they certainly risk injury. I don't think I'd let my kid go and play in one of these games.
Bob Stoops getting some criticism for his handling of Joe Mixon now that his tape has been released. He says that now he would have kicked him out and not brought him back. OK Big Game Bob, you saw that tape back then so why didn't you think that way then. He claims of course that the climate has changed and he would handle it differently. Rigggggggggggggghhhtt.
I've always thiught Bob was a little shady but that statement removes all doubt. We've had some discussions of this on the Aggie sites spurred on by a Sooner fan defending the decisions. I've seen the tape. I've seen Mixon's complete lack of remorse or acceptance that he was out of line. That kid should have been shown the door immediately for that kind of behavior. He's lucky that girl doesn't have any angry brothers..
So the practice of using former players in practice has moved from Alabama using Trent Richardson to Clemson is now using Taj Boyd to simulate JT Barnett in bowl prep. Totally legal, but really this is a practice that needs to be shutdown. It's college, you should have college players not former college players. At the very least the players who participate in practice should be students. http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/12/17/clemson-using-former-qb-tajh-boyd-in-practice-to-emulate-ohio-states-j-t-barrett/
Out of all of the things that are going on, this needs to be shut down? These guys can only be used occasionally and I'm not even sure what the problem is? The former players are just role playing the upcoming opponent's star. It could be shut down easily enough, it won't make any difference either way. I've got a feeling it's just a hoot anyway. :?
Yeah I agree of all the things wrong with college football this is way down the list. Still I think the football team should practice against current team members or even bring in other enrolled students if they want. But not professionals College women's basketball teams all over the country use male students as practice team members to "toughen" up the women's squad. But they don't bring in WNBA players.
But these guys playing scout team roles? Oh well let's ban them. I don't think Saban gives ****. I think its a novelty. Its fun to have those guys back at the school.
Since it's all within the rules, Saban doesn't have to give a ****. Neither does Dabo who's doing it as well. I do doubt that it's much help to tell you the truth, but still think it's one of those things that should be changed.
CSU and Idaho 112 points combined. Gads! I did not watch the game, but there certainly was not any defense?
kp, I'm sure you realize that Stu and I are commenting based on his lack of performance for our respective NFL teams, which is a mystery given how well he performed at Bama. It's actually a good thing for him that his college program has embraced him.
Sid, I get it, there is no problem. I don't watch the NFL at all so while I know Richardson has not done well, I am surprised and I have no idea why he has not done well. On the other hand, he played his heart out for Alabama and he and Julio Jones are two of my favorite players from the last few years. I measure their value by their performance in college. I hope they do well in the pros but to me it has nothing to do with how great a player they are.
7 Miami players being left home by Mark Richt. I assume part of his revamping of the culture at Miami.
Miami (MAC) almost pulled out a big upset this afternoon against Mississippi State. A blocked field goal by MS as time expired and the kick went wide left.