Beavers Hitting Practice Wall as Spring Nears the End

"We're talking about practice. We're talking about practice. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about practice." - Allen Iverson

As much as that quote is repeated and lampooned pretty much everywhere, there's probably something to it. Things tend to drag out at times, and it's even more evident in spring football, where there isn't an actual game to look forward to, only a glamorized scrimmage to wrap things up. You don't get the full-blown gameday experience with a stadium full of screaming fans and cheerleaders adoring your every move, and after a while you just get fatigued at the idea of strapping it on and pounding your teammates repeatedly.

Maybe the biggest thing for the Beavers is that spring is almost over as the 10th out of 15 practices are now in the books. The Gazette-Times/Albany Democrat beat writer Cliff Kirkpatrick touched on the mental drain for players and media alike as spring can drag on:

Two-thirds of spring practice was completed Wednesday when the Oregon State football team finished its 10th workout. As grueling as it is for the players, the media is just as worn out mentally. Fall camp is twice as long, but at least there are games to look forward to when it's over. Now it's only the spring game to look forward to. Insert the kissing your sister line here.

It's so grueling that RB Yvenson Bernard has actually taken an afternoon class that is in direct conflict to practices on Mondays and Wednesdays. Hmmm, star running back elects to add to his workload to avoid practices? That pretty much says it all!