Matt Rhule doubting NCAA approves Coach Prime’s joint practices
Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule walks along the sideline during the second quarter against Colorado Saturday September 9, 2023 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
LINCOLN, Neb. — There’s no denying that spring games are trending down in College football, now that programs like Nebraska, Texas and USC are making changes to the annual event.
The transfer portal, and NIL is making today’s game more similar to NFL free agency, and coaches are having a hard time keeping other teams from poaching their stud players. Although Colorado’s Coach Prime understands the sport is evolving, he supports keeping the spring games, and is against scrapping them.
Nebraska set the blueprint for taking spring games to another level 20 years ago. After all, having it is normally beneficial for everyone, including the players, fans and local businesses. However, Coach Matt Rhule didn’t like the idea of displaying his players for the world to see, after losing several to the portal following last year’s Red and White Game.
So instead of having a scrimmage this time around, the Huskers are making the spring game similar to the NFL’s Pro Bowl, with a skills competition and 7-on-7 drills. Ole Miss held an event like that last year, and Rhule is hoping the fans can enjoy it without having to risk injuries, or expose his players.
On the other hand, Coach Prime wants to keep the spring games going, with a couple of tweaks. The Buffaloes’ third-year coach is in favor of scrimmaging against opposing teams to enhance the gameday atmosphere, and fan experience. Even NFL teams practice against each other.
Which is why Coach Prime partnered up with Syracuse Coach Fran Brown last week, and filed paperwork to the NCAA about the idea of making a rule change. It appears to be a long shot, but the NCAA will make its’ decision on the matter by April 10. In the meantime a lot of coaches are on standby, awaiting the outcome, including Rhule.
“I think if they ever pass something like that, than I would do it, but I think the possibility of that is so remote,” Rhule said. “If they did it than I would look at it, but otherwise it would just be surmising about something I don’t think will probably happen.”
Allowing opposing teams to practice against each other during spring ball would be a game-changer, and could potentially revolutionize the sport. Rhule also experimented with joint practices during his three-year tenure with the Carolina Panthers.
An approval by the NCAA would make Coach Prime somewhat of an innovator. Not to mention Brown has already offered to bring the Orange to Boulder. Even Rhule recognizes that Coach Prime has enough popularity, and influence to move the needle.
“If anybody can do it, Coach Sanders can,” he said. “I know Fran jumped in there, he’s someone I’ve known a long time, and if anybody can get it done they will.”
With the return of quarterback Dylan Raiola, and Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen having more time to implement his scheme, Big Red Nation is expecting the Huskers to make some noise in 2025. Spring ball is usually when the fans get a glimpse of how the team is looking.
The thought of opposing teams holding scrimmages against each other in spring ball will make fanatics water at the mouth. Regardless of who pitching the genius idea, the NCAA still holds all of the cards, and Rhule can’t imagine major changes happening on such a short notice.
“I just think it’s outside of the current playing rules, but if that happens I’ll look into what it all has to offer.”
