This would be easy to investigate

A few years before I played at Clemson, when dinosaurs roamed he earth, all players had to go both ways. No subs except for injuries. Then, in the early 60's they passed the rule where coaches could sub 2 players on defense, usually the QB and one other. Then platoon football began in the 60's with offensive and defenses teams as we have today. I don't remember ever hearing a player ask to be taken out because of fatigue when they played both ways. I guess they did, I just never witnessed it. Today, we have to rotate players every few plays or they get worn down. Why is that? Are they not in shape? Is the off season conditioning not up to snuff? Often wondered about why we need to have so many subs so early in games, whereas in the old days, the same 11 guys played the entire game? Any thoughts??

ClemsonTiger1988®

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Dean Smith said you can't rest a player after he tires.

Oct 29, 2024, 7:21 PM

Actually, player fatigue is uncommon but if you watch games all the way though a defense that isn't rotated in and out will get worn down. That's why when teams are over match they just want to go into the 4th qtr with a close score.

However, fatigue isn't the reason Dabo subs early and often.

1. The bench is the safe zone, no one ever got injured on the bench so the more bench time a starter gets over a season the less the probability he is injured.

2. Those who rotate in to sub for starters desperately need the playing time. Not just so they can develop for when they might be starters but so they can develop so they can be good backups later in the season. Forbid that starters get hurt and the bench has to replace them.

3. If a kid does his best according to the system laid out before and he becomes decent at his position he deserves a chance to show what he can do on the field. Seldom are starters sat when the backup isn't proven to be a viable alternative.

4. Dabo's system attract kids who may not be starters but want the opportunity to develop with the knowledge that as soon as they are ready for action their numbers will be called.

I'm sure those more familiar with football then I can offer more and maybe better reasons to sub early and often.