I'm wondering if the window the NCAA allows for spring practice closes that Friday. That's the only thing I can think of that makes sense.
It's not that... there are other
Spring Games that take place after the 21st.
More likely just a function of the practice schedule that the new staff has mapped out.
UConn's first spring practice is slated for March 21 (UConn's Spring Recess runs from 3/11 to 3/18 - not including the Saturday before and Sunday after those dates)
They get a max of 15 spring practice days, including the Spring Game. 4 hours a day - no more than 20 hours a week.
Only 12 practices can have contact, and the first two must be non-contact. Of those 12, only eight can involve full-fledged tackling. Of those eight, only three can devote more than half their time to 11-on-11 scrimmaging, and the Spring Game counts as one of those three. So teams only get two pure practices of 11-on-11 scrimmaging.
Makes no difference to me but can see the angst for out of staters and traditionists.