Kalen DeBoer explains value of extra bowl practices
As it turns out, Alabama playing in a non-College Football Playoff bowl game isn’t as ‘meaningless’ as some might think.
The NCAA allots extra practices to programs that make a bowl game, which typically end up being around 15 extra sessions in preparation for the opponent in the bowl. They also serve as opportunities for younger players to get additional reps in the case of opt-outs, and allow recruits who enroll early to get a jump start on adapting to becoming a college athlete.
During his press conference after it was announced that Alabama will be participating in the ReliaQuest Bowl, head coach Kalen DeBoer explained what benefits come with these extra practices.
“I think bowl games, any type of postseason, it’s always critical. You’re just playing more football. Playing more football helps everyone. It keeps you sharp, it keeps you moving forward and progressing. When you don’t have this time, really what are you doing? It’s a struggle to get better,” DeBoer said.
Looking on the bright side, DeBoer even noted how younger players could get even more attention for their development in these practices rather than if Alabama was preparing for a regular season or playoff game.
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“More meetings, getting to be some practices where we can dedicate things to some younger guys, get more development there,” DeBoer said. “More so than we would if we were getting ready for a game during the course of the regular season, or the postseason too if you’re in the playoffs. These are added practices that we will take advantage of.”
Alabama’s practices for its bowl game against Michigan will begin in the coming days. It has yet to be announced if any Crimson Tide players will be opting out of the game, but DeBoer said yesterday that he isn’t anticipating many opt-outs, if any at all.
The roster will look different as the bowl approaches, as eight players have already entered the transfer portal from this team for the winter cycle. That leaves more opportunities for reps for younger players, as well as the early enrollee freshmen that choose to join the Crimson Tide this winter.
The ReliaQuest Bowl will kick off at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
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