NCAA Proposes new kickoff Rules

Submitted by carolina blue on

This article from ESPN.com talks about a couple of new proposals for kickoff and timing rules changes. The timing rule changes include a 40-second play clock after touchdowns and kickoffs. If this speeds up the game, then I'm all for it. They also propose a ten second runoff if, inside one minute of the half ending, a play is overruled and that the correct ruling would not have stopped the game.  The first scenario that comes to mind is if a pass is completed a yard short of a first down but the initial ruling is a first down, but then instant replay correctly rules short of a first down, then you'd see a ten second runoff.  I'm very suspicious of this rule change and feel it may be an unwarranted disadvantage to the team with the ball. 

The kickoff rule change allows a team to call a fair catch anywhere between the goal line and the 25 and have it count as a touchback, placing the ball at the 25.  This simply increases the number of touchbacks and it takes out a HUGE advantage by the teams with good kickers and sound strategy.  Pinning kicks inside the five near the sideline could then be fair caught.  I hate this rule for that reason, and really hope they don't implement it.  But, because they're so concerned with head injuries (or at least good PR of looking concerned) this rule will probably be implemented.

Arb lover

March 3rd, 2018 at 9:13 AM ^

Wasn't Michigan supposed to return the best special teams unit next year? (Not that I agree, but based on production). First thing I thought of here. New special teams goal: dropped returns.

mrawatson

March 3rd, 2018 at 11:04 AM ^

Just another way to take the edge out of what is supposed to be a CONTACT SPORT. If a player doesn't want to get nailed while handling a short kickoff DON'T CATCH THE BALL. This will eliminate many exciting kickoff return plays ala Ted Ginn. Why not just wrap everyone in bubble wrap while they are at it?