Wolverines HC Sherrone Moore sends strong message about Spring Games, takes subtle shot at Matt Rhule

There’s still plenty of time before the new NCAAF season kicks off, but controversies are already making headlines. Matt Rhule, head coach of the Cornhuskers, was one of the first to speak out against playing Spring Games, a stance that has drawn both supporters and critics. Michigan Wolverines HC Sherrone Moore was firm in expressing his program’s stance on the event.

In recent comments published on On3.com, the Wolverines’ head coach expressed his support for playing these types of games as preparation for the tough season ahead in College Football.

“I want to keep our spring game, and it’s just going to depend on circumstances how we can get it done,” Moore firmly stated to the press. “It’s an opportunity for our players, especially the guys that don’t get to play on those Saturdays, to be in front of a crowd and be in front of people.”

If everything goes according to plan, Michigan will make its offseason debut on April 19. Still, the coach insists on playing these types of games despite the risks involved.

Michigan Wolverines at Washington Huskies OCT 05 October 05, 2024: Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore before the NCAA Football game between the Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies in Seattle, WA.

“And I know the risk — people are going to poach your players,” Moore also added. “People are going to do that regardless. People shop players. I don’t think the spring game is going to make a big difference in whether your guys get poached or not. We got to do a great job continuing the relationships we have with our players so that we can keep the ones we got and we want. We’ll take it day by day, and we’ll go from there.”

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Matt Rhule’s opinion on Spring Games

The experienced head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Matt Rhule, was one of the main proponents against playing Spring Games. He was joined by several voices from College Football, arguing that it was unnecessary to expose players to such events given the physical risks and the long regular-season schedule.

“I think it was two things, last year we had our spring game, Big Ten Network, everyone is watching and it’s re-aired, re-aired, re-aired and all of a sudden I’ve got a line outside my door on Monday,” Rhule said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

“Coach so and so called me from here, so and so called me from there. What advantage is it for me? I love our fans and we’re going to do something for the fans, but what’s the advantage of showing all my young talent and letting other coaches come in and tamper with them?”

Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks with the line judge in action during a NCAA, College League, USA Division 1 football game between Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE.

Additionally, Coach Rhule had previously shared the main reasons behind his decision to cancel the event: “When you think about the risk/reward when we’re paying players already,” the HC said. “Then with the portal kind of in the Spring with some guys who graduated. I was watching those FCS playoffs. I was watching Montana State and a guy made a big block… I’m like who is that?

“They’re like he’s already going here, he’s going here. It’s just you’re showcasing your players, So with no contracts, the day we get contracts and the day we get some rules I’ll back off. But I saw firsthand last year how much it put us at risk and I’m not really willing to do that. I think we keep as many guys as we can for the Fall.”