Stupid Question but... What is the Spring Game?

Submitted by soupsnake on
This is probably a really stupid question but I've been up and down the interwebz via Google and I can't find out very much information about the Spring Game. I understand that it is a game played in the spring, but not much else. Is it the starters vs. the backups? Is it simply Offense vs. Defense? Are there two offenses each led by a different QB? Like I said I realize this is probably a stupid question, but I'd love some answers.
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Michigan spring game

Wide Open

January 20th, 2010 at 3:56 PM ^

Spring game is the last practice of the spring practice season. The team splits into squads then, depending on a format to be determined by the coaches, participate in a scrimmage with an agreed-upon scoring system. The game itself may or may not be attended by fans, though it usually is. Unofficially: The spring game is a reason for people to make videos like this...

Joined: 07/02/2008

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BiSB

January 20th, 2010 at 3:57 PM ^

At the end of spring practice, the offense and defense compete agaist each other in a "game." The actual plays unfold just like a normal game, but the coaches run them through a series of scenarios (goal line, starting at the 20, starting at the 50, 2-minute drill, etc.). You can watch footage from last year's game here:

Joined: 08/15/2009

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Frank Drebin

January 20th, 2010 at 4:00 PM ^

While we are talking about the spring game, has anyone heard if the construction and improvements of the Big House will allow for the game to be played there? I think they are replacing the field turf this year, and wasn't sure if that was a problem as well as the construction. Any thoughts or word on this?

Joined: 07/01/2008

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Bronco648

January 20th, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^

Aside from the fact that it was pretty damn cold last year, it was a fun time. I also enjoyed the former players' scrimmage before the "spring game" itself. This year's spring game will be a good excuse to go see the Big House nearly complete (old press box will be long gone by then).

Joined: 08/20/2008

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umichzach

January 20th, 2010 at 4:04 PM ^

another question about the spring game i have is how does the scoring work. I was at the game last year and had a hard time following the score. i know they give each team points for doing certain things like first downs, big plays, TFL and the like. anyone have a rough idea how many points things are worth? I was a little intoxicated at the game so my memory is hazy.

Joined: 07/01/2009

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mgopat

January 20th, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^

IIRC there aren't actually any points recorded in Michigan's spring game, they just set the points to various different scenarios (2 minute drill with offense down by 6 pts, e.g.) and then play out those situations. This is different than many other spring games where they split the team into two squads and have a Green/White game where they face off.

Joined: 04/23/2009

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WichitanWolverine

January 20th, 2010 at 4:09 PM ^

It might be noteworthy to add that they're trying to make it a bigger deal than it used to be. Last year, roughly 50,000 fans attended (for free) and I'm guessing that number will go up in the near future. Not sure what will happen next year though with the stadium nearing completion (see above). Also, do they still let fans get autographs from the players after the game? I used to love that as a kid.

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ontarioblue

January 20th, 2010 at 4:48 PM ^

Unfortunately, the last two years it has been our equivalency of a bowl game. But that understood, this year our real bowl game will be in Pasadena on the 1st of January 2011, Go Blue!!!!

Joined: 06/30/2008

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CRex

January 20th, 2010 at 4:57 PM ^

It's a game filled with horrible lies that make you think your team is going to a bowl. "Oh wow," you say, looking over at your friends "we look good this year. This is going to be the year. Defense looks solid, offense looks good." Then next thing you know you're staring at the TV, watching the Illinois celebrate and pondering shoving a shotgun barrel into your mouth.

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jamiemac

January 20th, 2010 at 4:53 PM ^

The Spring Game is where the WLA plays MGoBlog in a pickup football game with the proceeds going to charity. Takes place the morning of 4/17 on the field yet to be determined. Consider the Gauntlet thrown down!! The WLA are like the old Raiders. Known for dirty tricks. So, I paint them as the early -7 point favorite. Once Brian releases his roster, and I see who he has got, maybe the line will adjust.

Joined: 06/30/2008

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michgoblue

January 20th, 2010 at 5:01 PM ^

Think of the Spring Game is a fix of really crappy heroin for a really strung out junkie. It is our first chance to see Michigan football, albeit really crappy (ever worse than 2008) Michigan football. It is also the event that, despite the fact that we all know it to be meaninglees, makes us say things like, "man did you see how huge Will Campbell looked?!?! He is going to have like 93 sacks this year" and "I saw [insert random freshman running back] blow past like 10 4th string defensive players - he is going to be the REAL DEAL" and "we look AWESOME - Big Ten title, here we come."

Joined: 11/16/2009

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MichiganMan_24_

January 20th, 2010 at 5:46 PM ^

The spring game is like when a bear climbs out of hibernation (offseason) ... and sees a female bear next to a berry tree (spring game) .. basically it reminds us that things are about to heat up and bring back what we love.

Joined: 12/31/2008

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rastafari

January 20th, 2010 at 8:39 PM ^

of leaving too late and arrived in a clusterfuck of traffic trying to find a place to park. Pioneer was closed. Does anyone know if that might change this year due to the fact that we might see 75K fans at the game?? Or do need to arrive by 9am to find a decent parking spot?? Why would Pioneer NOT want some revenue?

Joined: 05/15/2009

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Ty Butterfield

January 20th, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^

The spring game will be the first chance to see DG. After which I predict there will be at least 500 threads with titles like: 1. DG will start 2. DG should start 3. DG is the second coming of Jesus 4. Some sort of combination of the above three Actually, I have never been to a spring game and I am trying to convince my Dad we should go this year.

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