This used to be known as the "dog days" of a season. Teams have been practicing since October. The finish line still isn't in sight with 12 games left. Fatigue and malaise settles in with many, especially younger, players.
While every team usually shortens practice time to save players' legs for games and later in the season, some MVC coaches aren't subscribing to the "dog days" theory.
"That stuff gets too much credit," said Missouri State's Dana Ford during Monday's MVC coaches teleconference. "It takes what it takes, and if you want to get it done your guys definitely will get it done.