It is fall camp time, finally for Alabama football. With it comes a sense of normalcy.
When it comes to Alabama football and other Crimson Tide sports the path to normalcy is unclear. Having an actual fall camp is a good starting point. Camp begins Monday for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The annual number of allowable, fall camp days was increased to 40. In that longer interval, teams may have 25 practice sessions. More detail is available here.
The camp leads to a game week beginning on Sept. 21. The original Sept. 26 game opponent was Georgia. Will an amended SEC all-conference schedule leave an opening week clash intact between two CFB Playoff contenders? That question will be answered Monday at 2:00PM CST, on the SEC Network.
Based on multiple reports, there is considerable dissatisfaction among SEC coaches about how the two added SEC games were determined. The league office has so far not publicly addressed those complaints. Thankfully, the debate will not further delay a schedule release.
Of one thing we are sure – Whatever fall brings, college football will never be the same.
What can Alabama football fans look forward to from fall camp? As always, an acclimation period is required. Full pads and full contact are not allowed in the first days of camp. Any added protective gear has not been disclosed. Some schools are experimenting with face shields on helmets. It is generally believed a shield effective at virus protection will severely hamper an athlete’s ability to breathe. At the start of camp, Alabama football is doing three regularly scheduled COVID tests per week. Players can be tested daily if necessary.
Alabama football fans will not be getting much information from media practice reports. Instead of the standard, short viewing period given to media in the past, none will be allowed. There is expectation practice photos and videos will be provided by the Alabama football program.
Crimson Tide head coach, Nick Saban will speak to the media after Monday’s first session. The media event will be conducted via the Zoom platform. Asking about a preseason depth chart is never a good idea at the first fall camp presser. It is not hard to imagine, if the question is posed Monday, the questioner’s Zoom connection may suddenly end.
When the official 2020 Alabama football roster is released, it, along with any depth chart information will be shared by Bama Hammer.
The fall college football season is scheduled to begin in Alabama. On Aug. 29, Austin Peay is scheduled to play Central Arkansas in Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The Ohio Valley Conference has pushed its regular season to spring but is allowing a few fall games.