Football far removed from days of drawing plays in dirt

Welcome to college football bowl season in the 21st century. The topics of eligibility and, except in the case of Florida State, injury have given way to opt outs and transfer portals. Old-fashioned sign stealing has given way to espionage. Coaches no longer need certain players to come near to hear a play or scheme. In Nashville this week at the Music City Bowl, one topic of discussion was whether or not each team would use helmet communication. Maryland will, Auburn won’t. Meanwhile, across the country in California, iPads became a conversation piece when Alabama players revealed they were b