NCAA Double-A Zone: DNC roll call, shirking play calls and Thursday night games August 28, 2008

DNC roll call, shirking play calls and Thursday night games - Aug 28, 2008 | 9:35:45

posted by: Marta Lawrence

It was pretty awesome to listen to yesterday's roll call vote at the Democratic National Convention. Representative from each state get the opportunity to make a short speech about what makes their home special. Interestingly, many states, like Kansas and Minnesota, mentioned NCAA championships. The amount of pride these states have in their student-athletes' achievements was really inspiring.

USA Today had a short article about the trend of big-time college coaches handing play-call duties to assistants. Notre Dame's Charlie Weis, South Carolina's Steve Spurrier, Maryland's Ralph Friedgen and California's Jeff Tedford are among the coaches that plan to leave game calls to their offensive and defensive specialists. "It will allow me to get fresh bodies on the field and be able to look in the players' faces and see what we need to do," Weis said. "I'm not going to be standing there studying the call sheet and remembering every formation." What do you think about this trend?

According to USA Today, 105 student-athletes graduated early from high school to join their FBS teams. Of those, Baylor freshman quarterback Robert Griffin is probably one of the most notable. Griffin graduated seventh in his high school class with a 4.71 GPA. "I wanted to graduate early and not waste time as a senior going through a last semester of high school," Griffin said. What do you think about players graduating high school early?

The Washington Post had an interesting article about the rise of Thursday night games. "It's become the 'Monday Night Football' of college football," said Dave Brown, vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN. "It's one night a week when you know everyone is watching." Some schools argue Thursday night games distract from the academic mission of the university and create logistical headaches on campus. What do you think? Will you be watching tonight?

Eastern Michigan has teamed with a local FOX station to promote the university's coaches and student-athletes. The "We Are Eagle Nation" campaign will focus on community outreach. EMU will sponsor a regular news feature where a FOX helicopter will travel to local Detroit elementary and middle schools every Thursday. The station will also air taped segments featuring EMU student-athletes.

Comments

Impressive for the Baylor kid to have a 4.71 GPA.

In regard to Thursday Night Football, isn't it for schools who believe they don't get the exposure Saturday games receive? I recall a lot of Big East, Conf USA, and MAC being on Thursdays. Some large divisional rivalry games last year were on Thursdays.

I'm unsure if it detracts from the academics of a university, but it certainly makes me really tired at work on Friday morning. As the season progresses and games come on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I need another cup of coffee just thinking about it.

posted by: GL | 08/28/08

Thursday Night Football on ESPN is great! As a die-hard Georgia Tech fan, let me assure you that Yellow Jackets really enjoy the atmosphere: cool fall evenings, leaving work early (tailgate parties MUST be held), knowing you're the "only" game in the nation, and that gorgeous modern Atlanta skyline over historic Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field. What could be better?

We usually play notable opponents: Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, or this year's last home game of the season against Miami. Are you *kidding?* That game is going to be important anyway, and a Thursday night kickoff will only add to its adrenaline!

When I was a student, the school set an unofficial policy: no term papers, lab writeups, or tests on Fridays after a game. Tech students and graduates seem to have done just fine, thanks, in the 25 years since. Me included.

posted by: Uncle Hud | 09/02/08

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