Had it not been for COVID-19, Michigan would have played their first game of the season this past Saturday against Washington. Unfortunately, that did not happen and as of now, the 2020 Big Ten season has been postponed.
Many are still holding out hope that the decision to postpone the season will be reversed and Wolverines’ players are doing their part to make sure they stay safe, both on and off of the field.
Below is a photo of the helmet/face shield combo that Michigan players have been using in practice and would use if games end up being played.
From Detroit News:
The Michigan players, like those around the country, are attempting to decrease virus transmission by wearing a two-piece plastic face shield in their helmets to prevent droplets, coughs and sneezes from being released in the air during practices and, for those playing, in games. The NCAA in July issued guidelines for players to wear helmets with a mask or face shield.
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye showed a video to The Detroit News last month demonstrating how he adds the lower half shield to his helmet, which also has a visor so the entire face is covered and contained.
“Some other schools have the plastic thing over the full face mask and it looked horrible,” Paye said. “Our guys made it good with the visor and the small thing down here.”
Paye said the first day wearing it was “uncomfortable” but he adjusted.
“I figured out a way when the wind is blowing, if you turn your helmet a certain way you can feel the air through the ear hole and the side of the face mask,” Paye said, laughing. “I’ve been doing that a lot during practice.”
Harbaugh explained earlier this summer on the “In the Trenches” podcast that he and his staff initially limited reps, especially for the linemen, so they could get used to the helmets with face shields and not overheat.
“A lot of thought, a lot of planning,” Harbaugh said on the podcast. “As our guys wear their helmets now, you can see that face shield over the face mask, it does collect the spray that comes out of somebody’s mouth.”
Nation, do you think we will get a chance to watch the Michigan players where these helmet/face shield combos in a real game this year?
