Programs and players played for several decades with zero chance to make the playoffs. Even with the expanded playoffs in the last 20 years or so, some where around a quarter to a third begin with no realistic chance of making the playoffs based on their skill. By about week 3, that group could have grown. By the last few weeks, most teams that will be eliminated are already eliminated. Yet they all keep playing.512Buckeye wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:28 amIt’s easy to sit behind a computer when you’ve played the game you’re entire life and understand what it’s like to win by 50 at the high school level and lose by 50 at the college level. As far as your question about knowing if the coaches discussed it with the team, imagine being a coach that talked about not giving up and giving it everything you have during conditioning to turn around and ask his team if they want to play patty cake or play in the state playoffs.greygoose wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:26 pmNot really playing to make the playoffs this year though. Easy thing to say sitting on a computer, but do you know whether the coaches discussed it with the team?? Seems like more factors in play than just saying, why don't you want to go drive couple hrs to get beat by 60, playoffs spots are simply not earned this year they are given.512Buckeye wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:20 pm You play to win and you play to make the playoffs. Being afraid to get your ass kicked is a sad excuse to opt out of an opportunity to play against the best talent in the state. What’s the point of even finishing the season? Kids can get hurt against bad teams too.
Why even have a football program?
There are many different reasons to play, it isn’t always because you think you are the best or have any chance of being the best. It could be as simple as being the best you can be on this day. It could be about giving yourself realistic challenges or just a healthy outlet.
And there’s a big difference between choosing not to get in over your head with no real benefit and multiple other drawbacks (financial, travel) in this situation than if they’d actually earned a playoff spot and then chose not to compete because they were afraid of a specific opponent. Some people want to be set up for competitiveness and or success and there’s no shame in saying you don’t belong in a certain class if the reality is just that.
