Spring Game

David R.

May 2, 2010 - 12:19 PM

Working at the spring game yesterday allowed me to get a good feel for the type of work I will be doing for my internship with the athletic department at the University of Oregon.

I began the morning inside of the Moshofsky Center where I was tabling. I sat at a table with schedules for the sports and other promotional items that guests were able to grab. I then moved over to an event simply referred to as "the kick." There is a large covered net that inflates and is placed inside of the building with other inflatables. In this area little kids can attempt to kick field goals through the inflated goal posts. I was back and forth between these two areas until I decided to head out to the field. I was standing right behind the team before the players took the field behind the motorcycle. I have never seen the players up close in their pads and they are much bigger than they seem during the games.

The game was played on ESPN for the troops over seas to watch. There were many members of our nation's armed forces in attendance and there were multiple ceremonies during the course of the game. A few of them received promotions while they were there in front of thousands of people.

The game went well and was a good simulation for the team. College football is unlike the NFL in that college teams aren't granted any exhibition games to get back in the mode of playing against a different team. I remember from high school football how difficult it was to get back in the grind of playing a real opponent. Everyone is so used to playing against their teammates that it can sometimes take a quarter or two to become re-accustomed to playing. I can see how this would be even more difficult for a college football game. For example, last season in the opener against Boise State in Idaho, the first action the team saw against a real opponent was on the opening kick off.

Both teams looked good and should be ready to play come September. The quarterback battle rages on and may have become even tighter yesterday as neither quarterback stood out when compared to the other. However, the highlight play of the game included the pair of Daron Thomas and D.J. Davis. Early in the game the green team ran the notorious flea flicker to perfection. Thomas hiked the ball and quickly had it pitched back to him by the running back Alston. Meanwhile D.J. Davis had his sights set on the wide open field in front of him. Thomas delivered a strike to Davis who had blown past the defender attempting to cover him. I am a big D.J. Davis fan considering that he is also from Colorado. He went to a high school somewhat near me and was a standout athlete.

It's about that time to start a little homework. I have to get it done so I can watch The Pacific tonight!