Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, isn’t alone in expressing his thoughts about Matt Rhule’s latest move for the Nebraska Huskers following a recent tweak in their spring game format.
Recently, Nebraska decided that their traditional spring exhibition game would be replaced by the “Husker Games,” mirroring the NFL’s Pro Bowl events, which incorporate skill challenges and 7-on-7 matchups.
The aim here isn’t purely entertainment. Rhule believes this change is a strategic response to discourage tampering during the offseason’s transfer portal activities.
“Our game last year was on TV,” Rhule pointed out. “Many tuned in, and the next Monday, it was, ‘Hey coach, I got approached by so and so.’ Weighing the pros and cons, especially since we’re already compensating players, plus with the portal opening in spring where some players will graduate, I just don’t want to show off our roster… Also, we have new coordinators. Why give others a sneak peek?”
He further explained: “We’ll still have 7-on-7 matchups. Maybe some former players will return for a skills challenge. We want kids across Nebraska who might not usually make it to a game to visit Memorial Stadium and cheer on their players.”
However, this concept didn’t sit well with ex-Florida and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. He expressed his thoughts on the “Another Dooley Noted Podcast” with a chuckle.
“They’re having passing and kicking contests? Count me out,” Spurrier joked.
His sentiments echo those of Dabo Swinney’s, who reaffirmed the Tigers’ commitment to their spring game, acknowledging the persistent reality of tampering in today’s college football scene.
Swinney shared, “We’re sticking with our spring game and hopefully hosting a fan day alongside it. Whether you host a game or not, tampering’s a given.”
“Nobody’s rushing to a spring game thinking, ‘look at that standout,'” Dabo elaborated. “They’ve got PFF—everything’s documented. Skipping the spring game won’t curb tampering. It’ll take much more than that to tackle the issue. Let’s hope for improvements down the road.”
[Pat McAfee Sends Prayers To A Former College GameDay Analyst]
