College Football Random Thoughts From Around the Country: Spring Training

With spring camps open across the nation, let's see what is happening out there.

Spring Break is over and the Crimson Tide players got through it without any incidents. I can't say as much for some other programs:

3/13/2015 — Colorado defensive lineman Josh Tupou charged with suspicion of second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, criminal mischief, trespassing and reckless endangerment.
3/14/2015 — Mississippi State wide receiver De'Runnya Wilson charged with possession of marijuana in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.
3/16/2015 — Arizona State linebacker Davon Durant charged with one count of felony aggravated assault and three counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
3/16/2015 — Mississippi State offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins arrested on a warrant for simple assault.
3/17/2015 — Temple offensive tackle Dion Dawkins and defensive lineman Haason Reddick charged with aggravated assault.
3/20/2015 — Utah State wide receiver Gregory Weichers charged with distribution of a controlled substance and sexual battery. Weichers was previously suspended from the team after he was cited on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute in November 2014. Buh-bye.
*And then there is the story of QB Dak Prescott and some other Mississippi State football players jumped in Panama City Beach.

In case you missed it this past week, every college football news outlet from Miami to Seattle has quoted Brett McMurphy's report that "sources" told ESPN that Army will count toward SEC's requirement that each member team schedule a Power 5 team.

Games against FBS independents BYU, Army and Notre Dame will now count toward the SEC's requirement of playing one nonconference Power 5 team per season, sources told ESPN.com.

Notre Dame has always been part of the requirement and BYU has confirmed the report. However, these "sources" have not been named, neither the SEC nor Army have made any announcement, and no other living breathing entity has corroborated this story.

It is amazing how one guy can post something like this and it becomes gospel truth across the interwebz. Of course, you know all the haters out there just love to add their hilarious little comments about SEC ADs ringing up West Point.

[Side note: I have always thought Bama playing Army in Yankee Stadium would be a fun game for fans - but not as their required Power 5 game.]

SPRING GAMES

While most schools are in the early days of spring practice, for some reason the Vanderbilt Commodores are already finished. They held their spring game this past Saturday in front of decent amount of fans by Vandy standards. The attendance number was not released. For what it's worth, the Black team (defense) beat the Gold team (offense) 38-24, using a modified scoring system.

Great day for #Vanderbilt spring football game! pic.twitter.com/t58clGtXNj

— Dan Phillips (@DanoFox17) March 21, 2015

All other schools are in the opening days of practice with the Tennessee Vols starting tomorrow, Tuesday.

SEC SPRING GAME SCHEDULE:

Team	Date	Time (ET)	TV/Online
Alabama	Sat., April 18	3:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Arkansas	Sat., April 25	2:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Auburn	Sat., April 18	2:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Florida	Sat., Apr. 11	12:30 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Georgia	Sat., Apr. 11	2:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Kentucky	No game.	—	—
LSU	Sat., April 18	2:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Mississippi State	Sat., April 18	Noon	SEC Network Plus
Missouri	Sat., April 18	5:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Ole Miss	Sat., Apr. 11	1:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
South Carolina	Sat., April 11	12:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus
Tennessee	Sat., April 25	4:00 p.m.	SEC Network
Texas A&M	No game.	—	—
Vanderbilt	Sat., Mar. 21	2:00 p.m.	SEC Network Plus

Kentucky and Texas A&M will not be having games due to construction on their stadiums. Why they could not find another venue and perhaps reach a bigger fanbase is beyond me. This is the second year in a row that the Aggies will not have a spring game. That is poor leadership.

Notre Dame is also having work done on their stadium. Their spring game will be held on campus at the LaBar Practice Complex. It will be invitation-only and between 2,500 and 3,000 fans will be invited.

Speaking of stadium construction, Florida State plans $79.5 million in upgrades to Doak Campbell Stadium.

"The upgrades would include structural repairs, re-painting the stadium, updated skybox suites and a new premium outdoor seating section. The new section would be located in the south end zone and include 6,000 seats. The school anticipates it will be ready for the 2016 season."

LEGACY BOWL

This is an odd story. The Princeton football team was somehow allowed to travel to Japan to play that country's top college football program, the Kwansei Gakun University Fighters in something called the Legacy Bowl.

The Tigers decimated their host 36-7. The Fighters scored their lone touchdown with under 5 minutes to play in the game. Princeton finished 5-5 last season and 4-3 in the Ivy League.

If you are jonesing for college football, it's this (watch it above) or the replay of Vandy spring game.

165 Days until Kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX!

ROLL TIDE!