On Tuesday, Alabama football began edging toward a 2020 fall season
For Alabama football fans keeping the dream alive lives eternal. Only this year, the hopes are mostly about having a football season. Preparation began in earnest Tuesday in Tuscaloosa. Where it leads is unknown.
The plan is for ‘mandatory’ workouts from July 13 through August 6, with a ramping up allowed on July 24. While the team workouts are mandatory, not every player will take part. Some, having tested positive for COVIV-19 are not allowed to begin with their teammates. Quarantine and repeat testing will determine when they are allowed to participate. The exact count of those players is not known. It is believed, though not confirmed, that a few other players are opting out to avoid virus risk.
The first ten-days protocol allows for weight training, player conditioning and film review in position groups. Those team activities are initially restricted to eight hours a week. The allotted time jumps on July 24 to 20 hours per week. Inside the 20 hours, organized activities can include up to fours per day for team practices, up to eight hours each week of conditioning and strength training, plus up to six hours per week in team meetings. All indoor activities will be conducted with social distancing requirements.
Assuming all of the above goes well enough, an actual fall camp will begin around Aug. 6. As usual, fall camp is limited to 25 sessions (including scrimmages) leading up to week one, game week. Of course, the Alabama Crimson Tide currently does not have a week one opponent. Even if a late schedule change is made, it will not be the Southern Cal Trojans.
It also remains to be seen if Alabama football will have a week two opponent. Week three, at least, is presumed to be a go with the Georgia Bulldogs coming to Tuscaloosa. Though, it is doubtful either team wants to open the season against each other. Until the SEC chooses a regular-season option, schedules are best described as fluid.
The news coming out of Monday’s meeting of SEC ADs was not conclusive. It appears every possible option for fall football is still being evaluated. SEC Commissioner, Greg Sankey shared perspective and concerns,
"The fact that we have seen an increase of cases in the last few weeks across our region is not a positive indicator. That’s just a statement. I won’t provide a number. That’s not the right direction.There has to be more intent and more focus on heeding the guidance that’s been provided on distancing, on gathering on face masks, breathing masks, on hand sanitation. We still have a lot of unknowns. … Those conversations have ended with it will be important to watch what happens over the next two or three weeks."
Though some Alabama football fans will disagree, there was little more Sankey could have said. None of us know what will happen, just as the 14 ADs and Greg Sankey do not know.
Suggestions abound – A SEC – Big 12 Shootout or Options for a 9 or 10 game schedule. Optimism is always warranted.
Check-in with Bama Hammer frequently. We will pass along every bit of good, and not so good news.