For the Kansas University football players, nothing can top the adrenaline and intensity that comes when the Jayhawks play a Big 12 Conference foe in the fall.

But for the purposes of today’s spring scrimmage, that intensity will be toned down just a tad.

Today’s 3 p.m. spring game at Memorial Stadium won’t have the format of a normal game, and although there will be textbook tackles, well-timed blocks, normal play-calling and pumped-up players, don’t expect a KU linebacker to take off quarterback Adam Barmann’s head when a simple wrap-up tackle will suffice.

After all, when it’s all said and done, they’re still on the same team. And the last thing any program wants to deal with is a serious injury from a spring scrimmage — a game with minimal implications compared to what’s coming up this fall.

Special teams is one example. Coordinator Clint Bowen won’t be concerned with kickoff coverage, leveling a punt returner or unleashing vicious blindside blocks when the opportunity presents itself.

“We’re going to limit the way we do some special teams for the spring game,” Bowen said. “It won’t be a normal situation for that. We want Kyle Tucker to hit his punts well, and obviously, whoever is kicking the field goals and extra points, we want to do well.”

As of Friday night, the KU coaching staff still was unsure on what kind of format they would use today, but quirks such as a running clock and fair catches on punts are among the possibilities.

Jayhawks healthy for spring game Fambrough eager to lace ’em up again

Admission to the game is free. It will be preceded by a 1 p.m. alumni game, featuring former KU players in a no-tackle scrimmage. Gates will open at noon.