One of the few games this coming Week Zero weekend that seems like it could be a good one is the Virginia-NC State game, although whether Virginia can actually field a team at this point is of question:
Nice to see that Tyler Simmons is exercising his fifth year of eligibility, but at defensive tackle? That blocked punt really resonated. I kid, I kid.
Anyway, an interesting footnote I came across in the Intel reports from Rusty Mansell:
One note I checked on Tuesday turned into an interesting nugget. A longtime booster reached out to me Tuesday evening and told me:
“This is the second practice I have been to in camp, and they are shorter than ones in the past.”
I checked with some sources on my end, and I did find out that Georgia has been cutting practice time down some. The Bulldogs have been going about 20 minutes shorter than in years past on some days — not every day, but definitely on a few of them.
So I asked why.
The answer: “Let’s just say we are trying something a little different and see where we are in January.”
Hmmm. Does this mean Bloody Tuesdays aren’t so bloody anymore? Fire, Passion, Energy…and Wellness?
At least there’s no electrical substations nearby that we have to worry about, but the adjustment, even if it’s a 20 minute one, is interesting. It’s notable that some of the information that came out in Indiana’s run for the Championship last season was that Cignetti’s practices were very light…
Meanwhile, out in Lubbock, Texas Tech didn’t live tackle in the weeks leading up to their CFP game against Oregon last season. They might not have live practiced offense, either:
For sustainability and safety, I can’t blame Smart for the adjustment, if it’s a true adjustment at all. Could be precautions being taken because of heat in an unusually hot summer, could be trying to preserve a thinner roster of blue chips in the NIL era, only Kirby knows.
Kirby’s on the mother, as we say all the time, so I’m sure that adjustment didn’t come without a great deal of thought and reflection.
Reading the tea leaves, I think they’ve decided to give the veterans a bit of a lighter load in camp.
Its a long season. Especially now.
Managing physical and mental “freshness” and well-being has to be a concern.
I think they’ve will still have bloody Tuesday’s but the sessions may not last as long, especially for the 1’s.
Agreed, and Kirby said as much for the 3rd and 4th year in the program guys the other day. Bloody Tuesdays aren’t going anywhere, but they get so much done in 2 hours already maybe they can save a few more minutes for film or recovery time.
Does this line up closer with how the nfl practices?
Getting ready for OSHA workplace requirements and unionization. They’ll need orange reflective vests, yellow hardhats, beepers for the OL as they back up in pass protection and Kirby’s mic volume turned down.
Isiah Crowell?? Sounds familiar.
Like all driven coaches, Kirby will walk a mile for a one inch advantage.
CKS, staff plus numerous UGA student athletes have always said, UGA football practices makes you uncomfortable to the point of being comfortable at game time, shorter practices doesn’t means everybody is off the practice field and showering…GO DAWGS!!
I think this is a seriously positive development. I love the way Kirby instills toughness in the program, but it’s become clear that friendly fire has been a factor. Its no exaggeration to say that our last three seasons have been partially derailed (we have to give some credit to the opposition) by critical injuries. ’23 it was Bowers and McConkey. ’24 Beck, ’25 Gabe Harris and Bobo. The schedule hasn’t helped, either. But you don’t have to be perfect in the regular season any more. Its a big adjustment going from having to damn near win ’em all just to get in to getting in with 2 or 3 L’s.