Should Georgia and Clemson play a spring football game?
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would like a spring exhibition game. (Associated Press)
Whenever talk of Georgia’s traditional football rivals comes up, I like to point out that there was a time not so long ago when the rivalry with the Clemson Tigers was as big as, if not bigger than, the annual game in Jacksonville or even the in-state battle with the Yellow Jackets. Then conference scheduling difficulties made it no longer possible for the Dogs and Tigers to meet every year — a definite loss for the two fan bases of the neighboring schools.
When Georgia and Clemson do play, it’s more than just your typical nonconference game. So as a longtime proponent of playing Clemson more than just a couple of times per decade, I was pleased to be tipped off by the Senator to an idea Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has about livening up spring practice by emulating the NFL and having Georgia and Clemson play an exhibition game.
Talking with the Charleston Post and Courier, Swinney noted that in spring practice players “get tired of going against each other” and suggested, “Let’s go play Georgia. Don’t you think that could generate some good money with all the Clemson fans and Georgia fans? Let’s split the gate down the middle.”
Loading ...I like the concept of a spring exhibition game. A lot. In fact, I’d like it even if it weren’t Clemson, but considering the two schools’ athletic history and close proximity to each other, I think the Tigers would be the perfect opponent for such a game.
Of course, it should be noted that Swinney may not be all that serious about this. And the money angle probably has more appeal to Clemson, which is currently running athletic deficits, than to UGA, which sits atop a fat $60 million surplus. But the Dogs could always make their side of the game a charity thing.
The likelihood of injuries wouldn’t seem to be much greater than in an intrasquad game. In fact, just about the only downside I can think of to an exhibition like this is that even agreeing ahead of time to play second- and third-stringers, the full roster wouldn’t get as much playing time as it does when you divide up the Dogs into the Red and Black teams.
But the excitement generated by playing another team would certainly get the players revved up more. And such a match would more closely resemble the pressures of a real game and perhaps provide a more accurate picture who which players are really ready for prime time.
Where to play such a game? I suppose the easiest thing would be to make it at least a two-year deal and play home-and-home in Athens and Clemson. Or maybe this would be a good opportunity for the two programs to play a game in Atlanta other than in a Chick-fil-A bowl.
Speaking of Georgia-Clemson, the two schools next are scheduled to play each other in 2013 in Clemson and 2014 in Athens, and T Kyle King believes the week before the Dogs play South Carolina would be the perfect spot on the schedule. As he points out, back in the Vince Dooley days, Georgia routinely played the Tigers and Gamecocks back-to-back. T Kyle likes the idea of a “throwback” schedule like that. Sounds good to me.
But back to the spring. What do you think about Georgia playing a spring exhibition game, against Clemson or anyone else? Are there compelling reasons not to do something along those lines? Feel free to comment, vote in the poll or do both.
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173 comments Add your comment
Robert Edwards
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
I say if doesn’t count for anything other than fun then DON’T DO IT. I speak from experience, remember that time I made it to the Pro Bowl and went out to have a little fun playing beach football? Really man, if doesn’t count, DON’T DO IT!
SockDawg
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
Awesome idea…and Let’s play it at the Dome, so they can serve alcohol.
anotherdawg
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
Stinger, Why would we be skeered of the Tigers? Didn’t Tech beat them twice last year?
SEC FAN
March 11th, 2010
3:09 pm
Captain,
You made the comment that Alabama and Tennessee play cream puffs while Georgia plays the tough ones. Are you serious? Bama played no. 1 OU in the early 2000s, UCLA when they were good in the early 2000s, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and now Penn State this coming year.
Tennessee has played a really tough slate in the 2000s with Cal, Miami when they were good, ND when they were decent, UCLA, I think I also left out one or 2 good teams that UT played also.
Buzzsaw
March 11th, 2010
3:11 pm
Are there any NCAA rules that would prohibit this? If not then I say go for it. Injuries are a part of football and the spring games will have them anyway. Altough I went to Tech (later in life), I was a Dawg fan in the 80’s and remember what a great rivalry it was. Tough games in 80 and 81 with the winner becoming the eventual National Champion. Dabo is definitely an “Oou of the Box” thinker. Set the new standard for college Spring Football.
RJ
March 11th, 2010
3:18 pm
Absolutely! That is so much better than a red/black, oraange/white, pink/yellow, or whatever game.
Otto
March 11th, 2010
3:30 pm
Bad Idea.
As others have said Clemson stnad to gain more from recruiting Georgia than UGA stand to gain. Spring game why risk the injuries? One more rival? I like the current format of GT and one respectable OOC team from a BCS conf. or a BCS buster team. Cleamson should stay as it a home and away game a decade.
Yes I remember and was there for UGA/Clemson before it was put on hold.
Dave
March 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
Just for the record. . . . . .Clemson Athletics is not running at a deficit. Game is a great idea!
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/05/1142890/tigers-boost-cost-of-season-tickets.html
bank walker
March 11th, 2010
3:41 pm
Bad Idea! We don’t gain anything from it and Clemson does. Let’s go ahead and nip this little idea in the bud as of today! Go Dawgs!!
HawaiiDAWG
March 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Just Do It! Great Idea.
Bizzaroneck
March 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
GREATEST IDEA EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bacchus
March 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Absolutely. If the teams want to, let them. Would be nice to pack in 92,000+ for a spring game. If Bama can do it, so can others.
Bluegrass Bronson
March 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
OEJ
March 11th, 2010
11:16 am
I wish Clemson could join the SEC and we give the ACC Kentucky. That would be a fair trade, and we could play them every year. As for a spring game i personally dont see anything wrong with it
- – - – -
So I suppose if you can’t beat them just kick them out of the league
lowcountrydawg
March 11th, 2010
4:01 pm
Screw that…I want to see Clemson and UGA EVERY FALL! Both schools are closer to each other than their instate rivals…this was and is a great rivalry…
CLEMSON vs UGA EVERY YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
No lets put clemson on the schedule and beat the snot out of them when it counts.If we can play preseason games then add them in the end.That is called playoff for the NC.
UGADawg83
March 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
I recall the games in the eighties. Beating Clemson was a bigger priority than beating Tech, Florida or Auburn. Spring game? I don’t think so. I am afraid these game with incomplete teams would have an adverse effect on the polls.
J Dawg
March 11th, 2010
4:08 pm
It would be better than playing against ourselves at the G day game, I dont think the guys really get up for a game against the 2nd string. But it would have to be a home and home series right, and I dont think either fan base would like that.
Maybe I missed something are they talking in addition to the G day game if so Im all for it.
trevor
March 11th, 2010
4:17 pm
love it.. They do it in high school and nfl.. no one says a thing. It would be great..have it all over( as long as they are not on the schedule) unc vs usc… TN vs ga tech, Auburn vs Fla st, LSu vs So miss, Fla vs NC st., etc,
Otto
March 11th, 2010
4:47 pm
I want to see Clemson and UGA every fall when scholarships go back to 105 from the current 85.
MariettaDawg
March 11th, 2010
4:48 pm
We should play them first of the season I would love to see another 30-0 win we got the last time we played them
hop
March 11th, 2010
5:18 pm
IT is past time that the schools begin to play the players; when coaches are making millions of dollars and schools continue to rival the NFL in profits made.
then, it is high time to do more for the players since they are doing all of the work and making it all happen for the colleges.
Debose
March 11th, 2010
5:43 pm
“I recall the games in the eighties”
Oh goodie, you have seen the last 20 games against Florida as a fan and were old enough to know what was going on. Bad times.
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
5:48 pm
I say play tek and get the spring game off right.It would shut the nerds up early and maybe we could twist a few necks in the process.
GaDawg
March 11th, 2010
6:22 pm
Captain
March 11th, 2010
12:22 pm
Georgia gains nothing, absolutely nothing, by playing Clempson. However, we stand to lose much. For one, playing Clempson elevates them within the state of Georgia and aids their recruiting efforts, a fact of which Dabo is keenly aware. Do any of you remember when we played Clempson annually the recruiting battles that were waged, many of which were very controversial such as John Johnson from LaGrange? Players from the state of Georgia were why Clempson was successful. We don’t need to do anything to elevate them within this state, nothing to give them credibility. To the suggestion we play them before the S Car game, you have no idea of what it takes to play back to back stressful tough games do you? This isn’t the 80’s S Car isn’t the S Car of 30 yrs ago. The SEC schedule is tough enough already without adding more stress to it. Why would we want to put ourselves at a disadvantage while Fla, Ala, Tenn play creampuffs? A few of you need to rethink your position and deal in some cold hard reality.
As an Alum of The Univ of Georgia and long time season ticketholder, I would hope we never play Clempson again, EVER, regular season or Spring, forget it!!!
BMDPD
March 11th, 2010
12:26 pm
Captain, you have some very good points. Good job on devil’s advocate. You exposed some serious flaws in the idea.
GaDawg
On the surface it sounds great, and I miss the rivalry we once shared with Clemson; however, I must agree with the Captain because we are working on keeping our best recruits at home in Georgia. Now is not the time to open the door to more poaching of our best high school players.
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
7:00 pm
If clemson wants to play preseason let them play sc.
AltamahaDawg
March 11th, 2010
7:13 pm
Do NCAA rules even permit this? I doubt that there is any one rule that says “no interschool scrimage games” but surely as regulated as spring practice is, this would cross some line, as far as competition, travel, expence. Recruiting could play in there someplace. Plus I want every last second of our time working on exactly what we want to work on and not putting together some kind of a game plan, however staged and controlled it might be.
I don’t see the upside beside pure theatrics.
Spanky
March 11th, 2010
7:46 pm
I like the idea, but not Clemson. The G-Day game absolutely needs to be at Sanford Stadium/Dooley Field (how it should be). Have the dawgs play a Georgia Southern type team, where it will always be at home! There’s always gonna be a G-Day game, and someone is gonna have an injury…happens every year! This way, however, it DECREASES the chance of our guys getting hurt, because we’re not hitting our own team! Think about that, fellas!
Bill King
March 11th, 2010
7:48 pm
Dave:
USA Today reports: In filings to the NCAA, Clemson’s athletic department reported annual budget deficits in 2008 and ‘09.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2010-03-09-coaches-salaries_N.htm
Buckhead Bulldog
March 11th, 2010
7:54 pm
I’m with the Clemson every Fall crowd….AWESOME rivalry. Some damn good football is played when these two pop pads. One of my all time favorite series….love going to Clemson, and love having them come to Athens.
jimmy
March 11th, 2010
8:04 pm
there is no next lewis grizzard .play two 2 spring practice games
Win P.
March 11th, 2010
8:30 pm
Excellent idea, play the game. It would give coaches & players an opportunity to experiment. The Red & Black game last year was a bore. Rules should cover player participation and protection. As far as injuries, what happened two years ago at UGA was some kind of record. Conditioning is importment and should include monitoring.
Several years ago I took a State sponsored motorcycle safety course. It was based on a study of 1700 motorcycle accidents involving fatalities in California. It emphasised the mental side of motorcycle riding as being 90% and stressed defensive strategy. How to recognized and anticipate potential dangerous situations and have a response in mind. IT WORKED (for motorcycle riding).
FL Dawg
March 11th, 2010
8:58 pm
I like the idea. As Dabo said, don’t hit the QBs, set some ground rules like 1s vs 1s or 1s vs 2s, play 15 minute Quarters like a real game (to provide plenty of reps for all players) etc. I would also suggest 20% of the proceeds go to a charity of the home teams choice and split the remaining 80%. Charge $10-$15 per ticket and schedule it on a weekend other than the Masters. Home and Home series, split the tickets.
UGA VIII
March 11th, 2010
9:36 pm
It will never happen. So, why bother writing about it?
AltamahaDawg
March 11th, 2010
10:41 pm
Spanky long time no see. Thats a good point about injuries. You would have less guys playing at any point in time . But doesnt that really defeat the purpose of having a spring game in the first place?
buzz
March 11th, 2010
10:42 pm
No upside to this for UGA . . . not to mention the injuries.
Potatodawg
March 12th, 2010
12:17 am
Great idea, Dabo! It would add to the preseason excitement, and would probAbly lead into most other programs following our lead. We could play the nerds, georgia southern, Ga. State, and other out of conference programs close to Athens. It would be fun and help with recruitng.
Tiger '12
March 12th, 2010
1:31 am
I’m all about a spring matchup. It would be the same contact rules as a Red vs. Black or Orange vs. White spring game, just with better competition. With both schools having some early tests this year, what a great way to see where your starters need improvement this summer.
nub
March 12th, 2010
6:39 am
Great idea …. only upside potential ……. those that wine about some one getting hurt….. man up….might be a good idea for some of our beloved dawgs to do the same…… WOoF!
AltamahaDawg
March 12th, 2010
7:06 am
Injuries are not the concern. Injuries happen in drills too, and lifting weights. I just have not heard a convincing argument yet as to what’s in it for the UGA football program. The fans like it but that’s not the purpose of the game.
Greg Cody
March 12th, 2010
7:43 am
Clemson use to be the biggest game of the year by far and Jacks was just a reason to party. Heck with the Spring game they should be played every year.
Coach Cool
March 12th, 2010
8:01 am
Coach Willie getting rave reviews in Norman.
From the Daily Oklahoman:
New secondary coach Willie Martinez is already receiving rave reviews. Safety/cornerback Jonathan Nelson called Martinez an extension of Venables.
Said Trice: “He’s a great coach. He really preaches fundamentals and technique. If you’re not on top of those two then he’ll let you know it. He’ll get in your face but then he’ll let up on you too. He’s not a coach that has nothing but negative things to say. We were on the field the other day and he ripped me. Then I came back and made a good play and he gave me praise. I like that about him. But he’s real fiery, real enthusiastic.”
Coach Cool
March 12th, 2010
8:03 am
Coach Martinez Q&A (also from the Oklahoman)
The new addition to the OU staff this off-season was Willie Martinez, who comes to Norman after being let go as the defensive coordinator at Georgia.
Martinez answered a few questions after his second spring practice coaching the Sooners:
How is it going after a couple practices with your new program?
It’s been going good. The opportunity to be here is great. Getting the opportunity to coach and get back on the field, we’re like the players. Excited to get back on the field and do what we love to do.
Seems like you’ve inherited a lot of young talent, especially at the safety position?
I don’t know. It’s kind of a learning progress here. We have some experience, but a lot of inexperience too. The goal this spring is trying to develop that two deep, develop that consistency, playmaking ability, and playmaking. We need more on a consistent basis. We’re a long way away. But it is spring ball and we’ve only had two practices.
How much was it evaluating those guys on tape?
That was important, a key for me, getting myself to understand what was returning, the talent and skill level at the corner or safety position, who was returning at starter. That’s part of the progress.
How long does it take to get a feel?
It’s going to take some time. You come in here as a new coach, you really don’t know the entire history, all the reps the players had for three years, whether it’s good or bad, as you progress, obviously it’s a great staff, they’ve communicated that to me about certain guys who have progressed, some guys who haven’t. Some guys that haven’t done a good job, then maybe during the bowl practices had. So I have some kind of a starting point. But going through spring will help in understanding what kind of depth we have and what kind of abilities we have.
Anyone stood out so far?
Not really, other than the tempo of practice. there’s mistakes out there, good things too, but I’m very impressed with the pace of practice. Guys have been around and for the most part doing what we ask them to do.
Does it help having coach Stoops with his DB background?
Absolutely, anytime you have a head football coach that’s an ex-secondary coach and d-coordinator, that’s great because you get the attention at the position right away. That’s one of the things I love about this situation. The head coach that’s what he coached. Guys want to compete. They know coach has coached that position. It’s nothing but positive.
Do you approach guys as a blank slate?
I just coach. Get them to prepare and compete at the highest level. Our expectation is high. We expect them to meet those. If they don’t, it’s no different than from the former coach. This is Oklahoma and we expect to be the best.
Is Jonathan Nelson working at corner at all?
Very limited, more safety. He finished strong last year at that position. You can see that with Quinton Carter, they are our most experienced guys. You can see that in practice.
How do you balance what you like to do vs. what they’ve done here in the past?
We’re not going to do anything different. This is about Oklahoma. I’m going to coach the way I know how to coach, but I’m going to coach within the system. There’s differences in fundamentals, techniques, but really at the end of the day, this is Oklahoma and I’m going to coach the Oklahoma way.
Innocent Bystander
March 12th, 2010
8:36 am
Just an observation from a neutral observer. Willie coached no different when Van Gorder was here. Richt didn’t like Van Gorder, his style, personality, etc. Willie would have coached differently if Richt had wanted. Richt fired Willie because it was him or Willie. He coached like Richt wanted, just like Bobo does. The sooner (no pun) the Dawgs realize that you have got as far as your gonna go with CMR, the sooner you stop the bleeding. If your happy with all of your 10 win seasons, thats ok, but he will NEVER win the SEC again.
Don
March 12th, 2010
8:43 am
Not in favor of it. On the surface it looks great, but the purpose of the spring game is not to win or lose, but try new things, players in new positions to see if a switch is in order. Playing a “game” takes a lot of that away as the fans will immediately want a “win” when one isn’t really important.
Homer
March 12th, 2010
8:43 am
that is why u are u g a y.
robodawg
March 12th, 2010
9:14 am
Not a bad idea. Do other programs play a spring game against a rival?
When you’re not really ready to name a starter, as at the QB position, the current setup allows you to name two and wait until the fall to establish a pecking order on your roster.
I wouldn’t want to play them every year in the fall. Honestly, what did Clemson ever do until they started playing us every year? It made their program. When we stopped playing them, we started playing Tennessee on a regular basis, and that game has just as much competitive spirit. Plus we play Bama and LSU in the west more frequently.
bruce mac
March 12th, 2010
9:58 am
Does the NCAA allow such a game? I doubt it.
Innocent, thanks for your ignorant observation based on nothing.
Will Dawg
March 12th, 2010
10:05 am
I don’t care when we play them, but we need to renew this Rivalry.
IF there is a conference shuffle, such as Mizzou going to big 10 to make them a 12 team league(haha Screw Notre Dame), the rumor is Arkansas would wanna move to Big 12. IF, admitted a big if, that happens we need to add Clem and his son to the SEC. Their nickname is Auburn with a lake afterall.
Kevin
March 12th, 2010
10:07 am
I like it. If we are worried about not enough playing time for both teams, then why not during red-zone situational plays utilize both ends. Basically have two teams running plays on opposite ends of the field at the same time.
RxDawg
March 12th, 2010
10:35 am
Love this idea.
But why do I get the feeling the NCAA would step in and say NO WAY?