As college football evolves, so too does its offseason culture.
With the sport increasingly mirroring the NFL’s model – longer seasons and a version of “free agency” – traditional events like spring games are becoming less significant.
This shift was highlighted by Alabama’s recent decision not to broadcast its annual A-Day Game, a move that sparked commentary from ESPN’s Paul Finebaum.
Speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum acknowledged that while he understands the decision, it’s still a major disappointment for fans.
“I understand it… but I also think it’s somewhat disappointing for fans, because I don’t need to tell you how many times on a Monday after an Auburn or Alabama spring game, somebody called you because they saw the spring game and they saw this wide receiver do or running back do unbelievable things,” Finebaum said.
“I mean, I always used to laugh because I think we read too much into it, but it was an inflection point of the spring. Now it’s not… I think the most important thing for spring games is for fans to participate.
“Now again, [a lot] of these young guys who are walk-ons – they have the biggest moment of their career in a spring game, and on national television too, by the way. But ultimately, I think we’re just in a different era now.”
The decline of spring games also ties back to how networks are choosing to showcase college football in the offseason.
“These games were not exactly being showcased anymore. I mean, I think last year there was, I think Alabama may have been one of the few SEC schools that was the only one that was actually on network television,” Finebaum added.
As Finebaum observed, most spring games have shifted to digital platforms, losing the prime-time spotlight they once enjoyed.
“Most of them have been moved to digital. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But they’re not quite getting the showcase they were 15 or 20 years ago,” he said.
While spring games used to signify the unofficial beginning of the college football season, their reduced prominence comes as the sport has grown in other areas – such as an expanded playoff system and all that comes with that.
What are your thoughts on the spring game debate?
Do you agree with the Matt Rhule’s of the world who feel it’s not smart for programs to “showcase” their players and risk other teams coming after them???
