Michigan football coach Brady Hoke in favor of scrimmaging other schools in the spring
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
But what if he could play someone else?
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney proposed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the NCAA allow teams the option of scheduling intersquad scrimmages during the spring. Hoke said he would be in favor of that model.
"I think that would be kind of cool," he said Thursday during a news conference at Schembechler Hall. "I've thought of it before. Whether we do, like the NFL, different teams going to different places and interacting for two days, three days, off of that model.
"I think that would be kind of neat, if you could do that."
Michigan began its only three-day stretch of spring practices Thursday, which coincides with a high school coaches' clinic that is expected to draw about 500 people to campus.
The Wolverines will be in pads Thursday to mark the halfway point of the 14-practice camp. They conclude the spring with an open scrimmage April 14 at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan will not be in pads for Friday's workout, but will get after it Saturday, which has been a scrimmage day for the team.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Wally the Wolverine
Fri, Mar 30, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
Bad idea. ND & 'Bama (this year) aside, the nonconference schedule is practically filled with scrimmages already. All it does is create opportunities for injury in a meaningless "practice". Besides, what do you do about the perception if you "lose" a scrimmage. It's not supposed to count, but coaches and AP writers are people that vote. A lack of depth is not a good reason to schedule scrimmages. If you have a top notch coach bringing in loads of talent (which we do), this becomes a non issue. Yep, bad idea with little or no upside.
Wally the Wolverine
Sat, Mar 31, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
Well, maybe you can explain to me how games scheduled with D-II and MAC schools aren't functionally scrimmages. By your own definition, I don't think you'd classify these schools as "big boy" football.
Steve McQueen
Fri, Mar 30, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
Tons of upside if you work with a big program, Texas for example...for 3 days in the SPRING followed by a controlled scrimmage in front of fans. TONS OF UPSIDE FOR BOTH SCHOOLS IN EVERY WAY. If you are worried about players getting hurt.... you dont think they are hitting already several times a week??? So Texas players hitting Michigan players will somehow be more physical and taxing on the body? Not buying it. Football is a big boy's game and you play physical and risk injury every time you take the field...even in practice vs your own guys. Therefore, you do not make decisions based on FEAR of injury. That is just the way it is.
KeepingItReal
Fri, Mar 30, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
The more Hoke talks, the more he exposes his ignorance. It makes no sense to engage these "so-called" student athletes in spring games. Otherwise, why don't you just call them semi-pro athletes and pay them for their service. These coaches are making huge annual salaries, they enjoy almost unlimited flexibilities to transfer from one program to the other while really contributing very little to the game. In the meantime, Mary Sue Coleman who professes her allegience to education goes along with this nonsense.
Steve McQueen
Fri, Mar 30, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
whatever
Steve McQueen
Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
That type of spring arrangement would be excellent, but would only really work if Michigan were paired with another top/similar program. That would be HUGE for both schools in terms of exposure for recruiting, fan interest in the area ( a spring game vs. two opponents would sell out and be on ESPN...huge money).... But as I mentioned, it would only be worthwhile doing it this way. For example, how much buzz would surround a 3 day Michigan vs. Texas camp...capped off by a spring game at the Big House or down in Austin? that would be HUGE... and yeah get ESPN in on it to fund it with their TV monies... all schools and players win, it would be fun and harmless....and a win win for every school. If you just scheduled EMU or something, it would fail and not generate any interest at all..and your team may as well be facing the 3rd teamers because EMU wouldnt cut it physically in a camp.
MRunner73
Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
The playing another school idea sounds good. Michigan can play against EMU, Toledo or Bowling Green because of the short travel distance. Many questions arise such as format of the exhibition type game (30 min instead of 60 min). Will fans be charged to attend? Too much game day atmosphere? Certainly mutual benefits for the schools, provided any of the aformentioned MAC schools are not on the upcoming fall schedule.