1930s Spring Games | The Last Word
Head Coach Dabo Swinney has publicly supported the idea of the NCAA allowing teams to play an exhibition game during the spring. Such a game would be against a team not on the fall schedule.
This concept was mentioned in the Duke football gameday program. Several coaches have suggested Spring Games as fundraisers, similar to preseason exhibitions held by some Division I basketball teams in recent years.
Swinney would likely support a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game in Death Valley to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, a key cause of Dabo’s All In Team Foundation. This event could potentially raise $1 million in a single day for the charity he and his wife, Kathleen, deeply care about.
Historical Precedent
Interestingly, Clemson and Duke have a history of Spring Games, meeting every March in 1937, 1938, and 1939. These games originated from a joint idea by Duke Head Coach Wallace Wade and Clemson Head Coach Jess Neely.
During this period, Clemson playing Duke in the spring was notable because both teams were led by Hall of Fame coaches and featured All-American players. Although both schools belonged to the Southern Conference, they did not face each other in the regular seasons of those years.
Media Interest
There is speculation that the ACC Network would welcome exhibition Spring Games between conference schools, as it would provide valuable programming inventory in March, April, and May.
“Many coaches have proposed a Spring Game be played as a fundraiser like some Division I basketball teams have done in recent years as a preseason exhibition game.”
“I know Swinney would be in favor of a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game in Death Valley that raises money for breast cancer awareness, one of the main benefactors of Dabo’s All In Team Foundation.”
“Clemson playing against Duke in this era, even in the spring, was a big deal, because both teams were led by Hall of Fame head coaches and featured All-Americans.”
Summary: Dabo Swinney advocates spring exhibition games, continuing a historical tradition and offering strong fundraising and media potential for college football programs.