Tank getting ready to rumble

[McLoofus 35,182]

8 minutes ago, aubietiger14 said:

If we play in conference only I think the quality of games will be way better than playing the cupcakes.  However the excitement just won't be there without a packed stadium.    Won't be much of a homefield advantage for anyone.   

As somebody who has watched some Bundesliga, EPL and MLS in empty stadiums, I can assure you that by Labor Day everyone would be very excited to have football on TV. Even if it's weird and a little sad. The conversation around the games wouldn't be much different even if the broadcasts are. Football fans would be excited. The game threads on here would be L I T. 

Also, Bundesliga and MLS aren't doing it (yet), but EPL has been piping in computer generated crowd noise on the broadcasts and it makes the viewing experience a lot more palatable IMO. Not sure what the networks have in mind for football but there are things they can do to mitigate the weirdness.

Something just occurred to me, though, which is that soccer doesn't have stoppage anything remotely resembling what football has. It's near-constant game play. So much of a football broadcast is stuff other than what's happening on the field. That might be problematic. 

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,641]

2 hours ago, passthebiscuits said:

So SEC office is a hot mess right now. They’re waiting it out. I think at the very least gotta just do in conference only. I’m hearing they want 10-team schedule...we are in talks with Tenn. 

I know that they need football ($$$$) but it is gonna be a public relations nightmare given the hoops that will need to be cleared to have a chance.

I dunno. I’m just really pessimistic that it will get off the ground at all. I’d say 20% chance of a season at this point. 

 

I don't want football from a realistic, unbiased perspective, but if they could get UT and UF in there, and could avoid any deaths (directly or indirectly), I probably would be able to look the other way..

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,641]

2 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

As somebody who has watched some Bundesliga, EPL and MLS in empty stadiums, I can assure you that by Labor Day everyone would be very excited to have football on TV. Even if it's weird and a little sad. The conversation around the games wouldn't be much different even if the broadcasts are. Football fans would be excited. The game threads on here would be L I T. 

Also, Bundesliga and MLS aren't doing it (yet), but EPL has been piping in computer generated crowd noise on the broadcasts and it makes the viewing experience a lot more palatable IMO. Not sure what the networks have in mind for football but there are things they can do to mitigate the weirdness.

Something just occurred to me, though, which is that soccer doesn't have stoppage anything remotely resembling what football has. It's near-constant game play. So much of a football broadcast is stuff other than what's happening on the field. That might be problematic. 

watching the TBT and as long as you have commentators, basketball doesn't really need fans. I'd say hockey and football (and I dont watch hockey) are the sports that are most hurt by all this

[CleCoTiger 1,957]

4 hours ago, oracle79 said:

Fortunately I don't think the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases has the authority to make that call.

Under present circumstances I don't know of anyone I'd trust more to make the right call if he did. But he doesn't. It's up to the states and the schools and the conferences. Things may yet change again, but as of today I think I see which way the wind is (at least currently) blowing...

[aubietiger14 147]

2 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

As somebody who has watched some Bundesliga, EPL and MLS in empty stadiums, I can assure you that by Labor Day everyone would be very excited to have football on TV. Even if it's weird and a little sad. The conversation around the games wouldn't be much different even if the broadcasts are. Football fans would be excited. The game threads on here would be L I T. 

Also, Bundesliga and MLS aren't doing it (yet), but EPL has been piping in computer generated crowd noise on the broadcasts and it makes the viewing experience a lot more palatable IMO. Not sure what the networks have in mind for football but there are things they can do to mitigate the weirdness.

Something just occurred to me, though, which is that soccer doesn't have stoppage anything remotely resembling what football has. It's near-constant game play. So much of a football broadcast is stuff other than what's happening on the field. That might be problematic. 

Good points.  I should have worded that no excitement statement a little better.  Everyone will be crazy excited to watch Auburn Football for sure!   I think some of the intensity/atmosphere will be lacking.   HOpefully they still allow the Marching Band to do their thang!     

[McLoofus 35,182]

17 minutes ago, aubietiger14 said:

Good points.  I should have worded that no excitement statement a little better.  Everyone will be crazy excited to watch Auburn Football for sure!   I think some of the intensity/atmosphere will be lacking.   HOpefully they still allow the Marching Band to do their thang!     

Good point about the band. Might do a little to diminish the empty stadium weirdness if they can spread out. 

But, then again, the band could be another casualty... wait, shut up Loof, don't be a wet blanket....

[80Tiger 899]

23 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

As somebody who has watched some Bundesliga, EPL and MLS in empty stadiums, I can assure you that by Labor Day everyone would be very excited to have football on TV. Even if it's weird and a little sad. The conversation around the games wouldn't be much different even if the broadcasts are. Football fans would be excited. The game threads on here would be L I T. 

Also, Bundesliga and MLS aren't doing it (yet), but EPL has been piping in computer generated crowd noise on the broadcasts and it makes the viewing experience a lot more palatable IMO. Not sure what the networks have in mind for football but there are things they can do to mitigate the weirdness.

Something just occurred to me, though, which is that soccer doesn't have stoppage anything remotely resembling what football has. It's near-constant game play. So much of a football broadcast is stuff other than what's happening on the field. That might be problematic. 

A guy was telling me that he watched some of this with piped cheering and he heard the cheers and chants for Liverpool and they were not even playing.

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

3 hours ago, McLoofus said:

As somebody who has watched some Bundesliga, EPL and MLS in empty stadiums, I can assure you that by Labor Day everyone would be very excited to have football on TV. Even if it's weird and a little sad. The conversation around the games wouldn't be much different even if the broadcasts are. Football fans would be excited. The game threads on here would be L I T. 

Also, Bundesliga and MLS aren't doing it (yet), but EPL has been piping in computer generated crowd noise on the broadcasts and it makes the viewing experience a lot more palatable IMO. Not sure what the networks have in mind for football but there are things they can do to mitigate the weirdness.

Something just occurred to me, though, which is that soccer doesn't have stoppage anything remotely resembling what football has. It's near-constant game play. So much of a football broadcast is stuff other than what's happening on the field. That might be problematic. 

I enjoy the MLS and wish more people did. Last night I watched the NE vs Montreal game on twitter and they did have fake crowd noise on the broadcast. A lot of people were complaining about it but I personally liked it. 

[Maverick.AU 13,279]

6 hours ago, McLoofus said:

Good point about the band. Might do a little to diminish the empty stadium weirdness if they can spread out. 

But, then again, the band could be another casualty... wait, shut up Loof, don't be a wet blanket....

Yes, shut up loof!!! 😉. Much love sent your way, my friend, hope you’re doing well with everything going on

[McLoofus 35,182]

1 hour ago, Maverick.AU said:

Yes, shut up loof!!! 😉. Much love sent your way, my friend, hope you’re doing well with everything going on

Hah, thank you and right back at ya Mav! We're okay. Have had some ups and downs but right now we are as good as we could possibly hope for. Hope the same for you!

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

On 7/10/2020 at 11:46 AM, passthebiscuits said:

So SEC office is a hot mess right now. They’re waiting it out. I think at the very least gotta just do in conference only. I’m hearing they want 10-team schedule...we are in talks with Tenn. 

I know that they need football ($$$$) but it is gonna be a public relations nightmare given the hoops that will need to be cleared to have a chance.

I dunno. I’m just really pessimistic that it will get off the ground at all. I’d say 20% chance of a season at this point. 

 

Not surprised about this at all. I can tell they're delaying in hopes there can be some sort of season. I'd honestly be surprised if there are any games and if there are that they will be able to finish them. 

Pro sports is simply more equipped to handle this vs. college and even pro sports are hoping they can finish the re-start. It sucks but if even 1 student or coach die from COVID-19 then it simply will not be a good look. And i agree with the argument that we're all exposed no matter what we're doing but i just don't think that will be a good look for college athletics if a death occurs. We shall see but i think they will try everything they can to play but with some major cities starting to shut down again (at least with curfews) I think it's going to be very hard for college football to start on time at the very least. 

[passthebiscuits 6,831]

7 hours ago, WarEagle1983 said:

Not surprised about this at all. I can tell they're delaying in hopes there can be some sort of season. I'd honestly be surprised if there are any games and if there are that they will be able to finish them. 

Pro sports is simply more equipped to handle this vs. college and even pro sports are hoping they can finish the re-start. It sucks but if even 1 student or coach die from COVID-19 then it simply will not be a good look. And i agree with the argument that we're all exposed no matter what we're doing but i just don't think that will be a good look for college athletics if a death occurs. We shall see but i think they will try everything they can to play but with some major cities starting to shut down again (at least with curfews) I think it's going to be very hard for college football to start on time at the very least. 

Exactly. And with potential complications of Covid being unknown and so widely variable, unless there’s a blanket law that absolves the responsibilities of a University if a fan/player/student/band member/coach gets the disease and in any capacity is hurt by his or her inability to opt out of playing, then I just don’t see it. 

[passthebiscuits 6,831]

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

 

 

[CR 2,427]

1 hour ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

A) I think a mask is necessary to attend, and I personally wouldn't sit out in the heat with one on for 3.5 hrs.

B) Tough call for me on this one. I'm really struggling to imagine what games would look like and who would actually be available to participate in these games. The University isn't comfortable having students at more than 50% capacity in classrooms, Rush is going to be virtual but it's safe to have a sport like football go on as is for the players involved? If he does get sick and has complications, does the University have any liability in the matter? I've got more questions than answers.

 

 

 

[tbone1430 1,346]

1 hour ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

 

 

A) Yes I would attend in stadium with a mask and would prefer reduced capacity stadiums but if it was full capacity it wouldn’t deter me. However I’m also much younger and healthier and if I was older wouldn’t attend.

B ) I wouldn’t necessarily encourage him to play but I’d be fine with his decision either way. I’d also be fine with him riding on a full bus to an out of town game. If he was a blue chip player I don’t think it would change my decision much. With the death rate for 18-29 yo at around 0.1% as reported by CDC and likely lower than that and taking into account that likely a majority of those deaths are from young people with autoimmune or other health problems I’d be fine if he wanted to play. 

[CleCoTiger 1,957]

1 hour ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

On (A), I'm pushing 60 and have other risk factors, so I likely would not attend a game at the stadium. If I did, I would definitely wear a mask. In fact, the only way I might consider attending would be if masks were required and anyone refusing was denied entry or escorted out.

On (B), I don't know that I would "encourage" a son to play even if a starter. I think what I'd do is have a conversation, go over the facts as they are known by medical professionals, infectious disease experts and virologists and allow my son to make an informed decision that takes the risks into account for himself. The only upside is that for young, healthy people the rate of serious illness and death seems to be, at least at this time, very low. (Whatever future complications there may be seems to be an evolving area of investigation and as yet not thoroughly understood.) Now, having said all that, if my son were to play, I think we'd basically have to have a season long quarantine from him just in case he became exposed in order to protect those of us at home.

[alexava 6,973]

You have to require masks. You have to test players and staff almost daily. You have to give players choice of opting out for additional redshirt. Coaches, head coaches should accept a pay reduction to help offset lost commerce. Or just pay them a minimum amount and extend their contracts a year. Is canceled season better? Maybe..

[tgrogan21 6,198]

17 hours ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

 

 

A.) No. I have spent 4 months in my house in self-quarantine because I take care of my family who are elderly. If I get it, they might get it, and if they get it they'll probably die.

B.) No to everything. Just because my hypothetical son is in the greatest shape of his life, the complications from having Covid are still so unknown and the complications we do know are pretty dang bad, that I will not want to risk not only his career but his future quality of life for a game that doesn't pay him. Take the year off completely, hope that we get a vaccine, and that we get this under control.

[AuMarine 1,372]

18 hours ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

 

 

A. Would not attend. (In recent years I have been watching more and more games on TV anyway instead of traveling to Auburn.) 

B. Would not encourage him to play no matter the circumstances.  Maybe he gets the virus and doesn’t have symptoms.. maybe he gets it and is only mildly sick.. or maybe the worse happens.. ventilator .. dead...   dead is dead and no amount of money can bring that back.

[fredst 9,064]

19 hours ago, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll:

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)

 

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months? 

 

 

 

Would not attend and would discourage participation....mainly to set a public health example. SARS-CoV-2 is with us for the foreseeable future ( at least until an effective vaccine is present) but we should be doing what we can to obviate/mitigate its spread and consequences for now. Playing sports like this or gathering in large crowds is not part of that equation 

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,641]

2 hours ago, alexava said:

You have to require masks. You have to test players and staff almost daily. You have to give players choice of opting out for additional redshirt. Coaches, head coaches should accept a pay reduction to help offset lost commerce. Or just pay them a minimum amount and extend their contracts a year. Is canceled season better? Maybe..

And I think that's what is breaking down people in power in this area more than safety. The logistics of what it'll take to make football fiscally possible is hitting a crescendo they're not prepared for. I think the fan aspect is just something they can't seem to give up on money wise. IDK how much of a %age that is revenue wise, but that concept hasn't been dismissed yet, even though it's probably the most necessary in having a full season without mass outbreaks. 

I'm possibly misusing this here, but it's a catch 22 right? 

[3rdgeneration 6,469]

I would probably attend with reduced fans and wearing a mask. We have had season tickets for 30+ years and I would hate to miss a season. However, if it is dangerous for any of our football players to play, then I would stay home. I just don't know how the University will be able to take such a hit financially. I am for a reduced season or a delayed season, perhaps in the spring, March-May. Who knows. I just pray this all disappears soon. 

Here's the deal. If it is not safe for the players to be playing and the stadium to be full, then how is it safe for students to be going to class and living in dorms? How is it safe for me to go into the classroom with my little 5 year olds? Do we just stop the world? I have no answers.

[passthebiscuits 6,831]

I think all these responses are great. You guys are great. I think it just shows how much we don’t know and can’t expect. I have no idea how it is going to turn out. I met with local schools here in Auburn recently and told them as much. Crazy times. 

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,641]

3 hours ago, 3rdgeneration said:

then how is it safe for students to be going to class and living in dorms?

it's not, for the most part. but its manageable. At least the attending class. The school mandating masks inside every building, trying to limit eating inside, that's something of a start. Its at least a valid attempt for protecting the students. As far as the dorms go, this is where faith starts and mandating ends. Truly impossible to ensure we (I dont live in a dorm anymore) make the right decisions once we get off campus,  the best I figure they can do is to absolutely bar individuals from coming in the dorms that don't live here, limit students from visiting one another in different rooms, and probably have RAs do routine checks to ensure no one is being snuck in. 

there's some technology that can help (thermal checks namely, things that seem to be quite frequent in countries that have already curb stomped this virus), but it's really all faith in an age group and class of people that haven't shown to do anything close to appropriate with such faith, esp. as of late. Sorry if this sounds morose, but it's the reality from this person-watcher and this Auburn student

[abw0004 10,104]

On 7/11/2020 at 9:18 PM, passthebiscuits said:

Let’s do an informal poll (late to the party):

If the season started this Saturday,

A) would you attend the game in stadium? Would you only attend if it’s not crowded? Wear a mask? (Hint: you should wear a mask!)  Yes I would attend and plan on attending this Fall (Season tickets already purchased) should Auburn allow it.  I would be respectful and take the proper precautions and wear a mask.

B ) if your son was a starter on our football team, would you encourage him to play? What about ride on the full bus to an out of town game? Does your opinion change if he’s a blue-chip player with a chance of going pro and making millions for himself and your family in 6 months?  I would trust our medical staff and coaches to do the right thing.  One of Gus Malzahn's true strengths is his ability to look after the well being of our players and not lower his standards.  My opinion would not change no matter the talent as long as our medical staff has the proper input to the coaches of what to do.