When Michael Bumpus made his way Saturday to Martin Stadium, it felt a little different than a normal spring scrimmage. He had heard stories from years prior that the final scrimmage – normally referred to as the “Crimson and Gray” game – was more of a game-like atmosphere, complete with real uniforms, a decent fan attendance and even working scoreboard.

“I was excited for a game,” Bumpus said. “I expected to have my uniform in my locker when I got there, but I was surprised to see just my practice jersey.” The lack of uniforms and a game-like atmosphere not only surprised Bumpus, but many students as well, some of who chose to watch Cougar football instead of partaking in the rebirth of Senior Golf.

The coaching staff decided the team needed another practice with game-like situations and good competition, but the decision to do away with the fan-friendly spring game and put on a bore-a-thon practice session led to more yawns than cheers for people in attendance. At least a half-dozen fans were seen napping on Martin Stadium’s all-so-comfortable metal bleachers. Chances were pretty good the noise-decibel level in Holland Library was the equivalent to that at Martin Stadium. Except when Kyle Basler was punting, his attempts led to the loudest cheers of the day. Yes, punts.

NCAA regulations now limit the amount of practices teams can have during the spring. Doba said the new restrictions were the primary reason they had to do away with the spring game, but stopped short of saying it was dead for good.

“In the past, we’ve had good guys beating up on the bad guys,” Doba said. “We didn’t get anything accomplished.” He told a story about how in Drew Bledsoe’s final “Crimson and Gray” game, the coaches drafted the two teams. The draft was done to create more of a competitive atmosphere – something all fans can appreciate. The first pick in that draft was the Cougars’ center at the time; he was the first pick because the backup center wasn’t nearly as capable. Bledsoe ended up being the fourth pick, and on a different team than the center he would line up behind all year. Most of the first-string receivers ended up with the backup quarterback as well, and Doba said the game didn’t get anything accomplished.

Now, there is a situation where entertainment and tradition have been thrown out the window in a sense, in favor of better results in the fall.

Adam Braidwood, who recorded four two-hand touch sacks during the scrimmage, likes the new setup. “This gives us a better chance to compete,” he said. “Before, we had the ones and twos going up against everyone else and it wasn’t equal.” While Bumpus and Braidwood may disagree how the spring game was done, they both are on the same page when it comes to next season.

“We’re really coming together,” Braidwood said. “This summer, we’re going to keep working and getting ready for next season.” The team will need to work hard if it wants to accomplish its goals.

“Pac-10 champs, national champs – those are what we want,” Bumpus said.