FBS Independent New Mexico State is set to play a 2021 spring football schedule.
The Aggies return to action Feb. 20 against Tarleton State.
Ahead of the contest, New Mexico State defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani joined the show “Tennessee Two-A-Days” and discussed how playing a spring football schedule on a regular basis would be ideal for the sport.
“When you look at, the NCAA should really investigate moving forward with it, playing some games in the spring with everybody,” Spaziani said. “That way there are a lot of advantages to it.”
The former Boston College head coach detailed how he has been an advocate of playing spring football games throughout his career.
“I have always been an advocate, even years ago,” Spaziani said. “Most schools have three big scrimmages during the spring, culminating with the spring game. Instead of having a big scrimmage to beat up their own guys, you bring in another school and you can play it as a game, play it as a scrimmage, it doesn’t have to go into your won-loss record. Play it as an exhibition, however you want to label it as, but the schools can now have revenue.
“Lets jump forward to when we are out of this (the coronavirus pandemic), we’ll probably get 20,000 people in the spring for three, quote, spring games. It’s more revenue and you can also have TV revenue. ESPN, FOX, whoever broadcasts the games, they are always looking for fillers for their programming — and what better thing to have — there are a lot of advantages to it.”
Spaziani mentioned playing spring games against other schools would benefit student-athletes in the age of early enrollees and transfers.
“Most schools have a lot kids starting mid-year, so you go right to spring practice,” he said. “It’s a little better if you have a little bit more elongated spring practice, five OTAs and then a 15 day spring with two or three games or scrimmages, or whatever you want to call them.
“Plus with the portal now, with kids transferring and leaving, it gives you a little better time to figure out what kind of squad you’re going to have and who’s going to be on your team. There are a lot of advantages and I think the NCAA could look into it, now I’m not saying they’re the best ones to figure this out, you need a coaching forum of some of the brightest minds in coaching to put this together. I’m sure it would work well.”
The entire show with Spaziani can be listened to here or below.
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