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REPORTS: Georgia team captain Monty Rice among Bulldogs opting out of bowl
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REPORTS: Georgia team captain Monty Rice among Bulldogs opting out of bowl
Georgia middle linebacker Monty Rice continues a trend of Bulldogs' team captains opting out of New Year's Six bowl games, per published Rivals.com report
Comments
It's a bummer for Vandy to opt out of playing in Athens. It's also a bummer for players to opt out of playing in any type of bowl game. UGA has invested thousands of dollars into each player to develop them into what they are.
I really, really hate this trend.
The opt-out trend is gaining momentum. I can see Rice wanting to maintain foot health...in a way. Big Ben and the others just following the new trend...a trend I do not approve of. Defense opting out because of poor performance? "There had been speculation that many of the Bulldogs’ defenders might not represent Georgia in the bowl game on the heels of a disappointing season:"...Griffith. Smart needs to crack down. Back in my day, I don't recall any opting out. College football is a team sport.....support the team through the bowl game....the reward for season's performance...for the team. First, UGA had to be prepared for the new rule allowing Juniors to leave early for the NFL, now opting out of the bowl game has become vogue.
If UGA defensive backs and linemen opt out, a team like Cincy could beat us going away....unless they too experienced a major "opt-out." I recall Deandre Baker opting out so he could go with the team and party with friends, etc., at the game. Smart put a stop to that. End of rant.
For teams that miss the playoffs, all bowl games become a practice game for the upcoming season. The fans may not feel this way, but many of the players certainly do!
It would be great to get to see these players - starters play one last time.
The bright side, this will give their replacements the opportunity of all those extra practice reps and the in-game experience that they otherwise wouldn't have.
I see this as a consequence of the college football playoff. It devalues bowl games to the point as someone said, it’s a practice game. Sure regret the way this season ended for these kids. Although I hope it wouldn’t have been the case, when I was a 20-21 year old man I can’t say that my reaction and choices would have been a lot different. Best of luck to all these dawgs in future opportunities and Go Dawgs to the ones who take the field on New Year’s Day.
Downside to playing is obviously risk of serious injury that reduces draft stock... which would bigtime bite. Upside to playing is having a great game, thus solidifying if not improving your mid-round draft status... which Rice could certainly use. Maybe a tie-breaker is how much you love to play any game and/or desire to be with your guys for one last big one. I'm guessing the odds of a serious injury to a draft-eligible LB in a bowl game are quite low, probably less than 5%... several guys on the team will very likely get dinged up (LBs are statistically middle of the pack for position injury risk)... maybe 1 or 2 players get hurt seriously enough to impact next year's play, any of which might be not entering the draft anyway. Trying not to judge here from the couch, but putting all that on a scale, I'd like to think I'd be chomping at the bit to play. DGD in any case. Go Dawgs!
Better to opt out and not play than to pull a no-show in the game like the Sugar Bowl with Texas, I guess. UGA's fan attendance in the Sugar Bowl last year was, sadly, well below Baylor's. At least the Peach Bowl will be in Atlanta, and Covid-19 will force 25% capacity. Unless UGA is playing for a national championship, the bowl game is just going to be a way to start playing next year's starters from now on.
Wish they would do like Swift last year and stay with the team and only play in a limited capacity. (I realize he was injured, but so are some of the current opt outs) They could offer so much to the younger players during the game and still be able to stay with their team through the bowl. Looking forward to seeing the offense play one more time!! (Never would have thought I would say that back in Sept/Oct!)
I have no problem with a SR skipping a bowl game to guard against an injury this close to his preparing for the NFL. This will give other players more playing and practice time. I do not think that once a guy opts out that he should be allowed access to the team and the facilities. The NCAA should not hold the teams accountable for those roster spots in Jan for opt out players.
Recall the Sugar Bowl last January..it gave UGA great momentum. Not just a practice game....did a lot for espirit de corps. The main ingredient: winning a competitive bowl. Bowl games are important. Kirby Smart was overjoyed with that win. However, to me. a win over Cincinnati ...not so much. Maybe that is playing into this opt-out leaning. Now, Clemson would be different...love a crack at them....but not with a depleted starting roster. Just an opinion.