Spring College Football Games and Spring Game Controversies

Spring college football games took place across the nation this week, coinciding with the warmer weather and the start of spring practices at northern campuses.

While many teams are focused on refining their quarterback lineups and assessing their offensive lines, others are viewing the spring games as a chance to celebrate fans and acknowledge players’ hard work throughout the winter.

This often manifests as public practice sessions, or, in some cases, in 7-on-7 competitions and skill events.

Take, for example, what occurred Saturday afternoon in East Lansing, Michigan, during a game involving the Michigan State Spartans. It seems to capture a mix of confusion; it definitely strayed from the typical spring game festivities.

What on earth did I just witness?

It’s supposed to be enjoyable, but there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed, and it looked more like a chaotic bat relay than an actual spring game.

“But Austin,” someone might argue, “they’re just enjoying themselves! It’s been a tough winter for them; shouldn’t they relax?”

Well, I have to ask, is losing fun?

The Spartans haven’t managed to win more than five games since their standout 11-win season and Peach Bowl triumph in 2021.

While they did have a spring game after what seemed to be more of a carnival than a competition, they really ought to be demonstrating to their supporters that they are committed to restoring a once-esteemed football program, rather than putting on a festive show fit for a corporate gathering.

And speaking of their fans, having an event like this during spring practice, especially in the introductory year of a new coaching staff, feels like a big slap in the face.

Honestly, if my team had a similar situation during its first year with new coaches and pulled a stunt like that, I’d be ready to set fire to any memorabilia I had.

Our fans would have made completely different headlines altogether during January.

It appears Spartan fans aren’t particularly thrilled either, based on their responses.

The criticism isn’t just banter; it’s rather serious.

This underscores the misstep of that entire event. The optics were most definitely unfavorable.

Pat Fitzgerald better hope for an 8-4 season, or the backlash and memes from this will be legendary.

I’m rooting for you, Sparty, but it feels like we’ve got a long way to go before reaching the glory of the Mark Dantonio days in East Lansing.