While a national rule limits schools to three days of full contact each week, the Big 12 is creating its own rule on the matter.
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“We believe it’s the right step, and we hope it will become the national rule”, commissioner Bob Bowlsby said at Big 12 media days. “If I stay (on an) even keel with how we need to do things, then my team will because it just kind of all reverberates down”. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information.
The Big 12 Football Media Days went down this week in Dallas, and the big topic of conversation was expansion.
Asked if the conference keeps tabs of possible expansion candidates, Bowlsby said the league doesn’t have to since it gets “stuff all the time” from schools inquiring about the Big 12. Plus, TCU coach Gary Patterson mentioned that the Horned Frogs only had one day of full-contact practice during the week and that sure didn’t seem to make his defense any less physical.
Patterson said much of the 21-member freshman class has a chance to get on the field because of its intelligence.
“There’s a false sense of we’re just trying to bang our kids around. You can put them all in the closet because it doesn’t mean anything to anybody anymore when we play Minnesota”.
The Horned Frogs have been tabbed as an overwhelming favorite in the Big 12, a year after going 12-1 and being declared co-champions with Baylor.
He spoke at the Big 12 Media Days yesterday and my opinion still has not changed.
The conference also chose not to expand from its 10-team format. And I think we have to respect those experiences and respect the prerogatives of individual coaches.
“We are choosing to manage it rather than prohibit it, ” Bowlsby said.
New Texas president Greg Fenves has downplayed his knowledge of college athletics.
For that reason, Bowlsby said it doesn’t feel like they are losing anything.
Senior Derrick Kindred is the most experienced member of the secondary, notching 80 tackles last season, third-best on the team. “What we determined was our guys weren’t using them anyway”, said Bowlsby. However, he acknowledged scheduling decisions impact the whole league in terms of perception.
Bowlsby said the discussion will continue. “I wish him the best of luck”. Speak about the changes you have made to rectify a similar situation occurring in the future, instead of coming off as if you have thrown in the towel. Gone is “One True Champion”, and in its place is “Every Game Matters”. Kansas State’s Bill Snyder said he preferred a 12-team league with a conference championship.
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He took issue with the idea that the Big 12 was at a disadvantage in reference to the playoffs and noted, “I don’t think one year makes a trend”.
