Since the College Football Playoffs began in 2014, no FBS national winner has ever played more than 14 games, setting a new record. However, in its fifteenth game of the season, Penn State defeated Boise State. The Nittany Lions are getting ready for their historic 16th Orange Bowl matchup with Notre Dame. If they win, they advance to Game 17 of the national championship.
These days, the NFL regular season lasts that long, which is a lot for collegiate athletes and programs to manage. A crazy balancing act on the recruiting front for coaches, who must locate new pieces in the portal, keep their own players out of the transfer portal, and finish high school studies, goes hand in hand with new levels of bodily care for players.
James Franklin claims that it all adds up to a season that is comparable to a professional one for Penn State and collegiate teams. However, prior to the Fiesta Bowl victory over Boise State, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki provided a clear viewpoint on the demanding duration of this season.
Because we had practice yesterday, we were conversing. Where would you prefer to be, we asked? People would have joined up right away if someone had announced in July that they would be practicing on Christmas because they were competing for a national title in the playoffs, Kotelnicki added. Since they are no longer performing, several people are not holding news conferences today. Being able to do that is a blessing and a blessing.
Sometimes we have to keep the important thing the most important thing. We must appreciate what we are doing here, and we are, despite how exhausted we are. We’re enjoying ourselves immensely.
But in addition to the sheer volume of games, game days also include more work because of the potential for a Big Ten Championship and a CFP run. In the last three weeks, Penn State’s defensive tackles Dvon J. Thomas, Zane Durant, and Coziah Izzard have all played a season-high number of snaps.
Thomas played 52, 43, and 52 snaps against Boise State, SMU, and Oregon, respectively. According to PFF, he hadn’t scored more than 40 points in a game throughout the regular season. During that time, Durant played 65, 54, and 54 snaps; he had previously played 50 against Ohio State. Izzard played 32, 46, and 42 snaps in total. His previous best score against Bowling Green was a mere 27.
Naturally, the injuries to Alonzo Ford and Hakeem Beamon, who left the team in the middle of the season for unknown reasons, have affected that position. However, those snap counts demonstrate how crucial it is for veterans to be prepared for as many plays as possible during crucial situations.
J-Thomas recalls a very demanding fall camp when squad members frequently brought up the prospect of playing 17 games. However, in order to keep the body fresh, position groups have recently adopted a more laid-back approach during team workouts.
I would suppose that’s the key for everyone, particularly at this late time of year. “Obviously, you want to watch every play and every snap in the most important games of the year,” J-Thomas stated on Saturday. Practically speaking, though, you need to rotate and take breaks.
Players frequently have to just play despite minor injuries, particularly this week for top defender Abdul Carter. Strength coach Chuck Losey and his team have received a lot of praise for their efforts to promote rest and recuperation at this time of year.
But since the season is long, it’s kind of up to us players to look after our bodies. Tony Rojas, a sophomore linebacker, stated, “You just have to do what’s best for you, which is coming in in the morning or after practice, going to the hot tub, whatever you have to do.” undergoing therapy following games or other events. It’s crucial to just take care of your body.
16 games are being played by you. According to running back Nick Singleton, everyone is hurt and bruised. In order to be prepared for game day, you must always be in that treatment room, hold yourself accountable, and attempt to take care of your body. It’s mentally taxing. The season is lengthy. Simply focusing on your work, making your movie, and working to improve every day.
Stories by
Max Ralph
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