With 2008 College Football right around the corner, I thought I’d take a moment and look at the upcoming rule changes as they affect game play.
The powers that be cannot seem to figure out that a college football playoff system for Division One schools is a good thing.
While no one wants to tamper with the almighty bowl system, no one has any problems tampering with the minor aspects of the game.
So, here is a quick peek at the changes, and my own thoughts on what they mean.
Rule Change No. 1
A 40-second play clock will replace the 25-second clock in most instances, and will start when the previous play is whistled down. Some exceptions to this rule will be in the last two minutes of each half, at change of possession, and after timeouts. Those situations will still use the 25-second clock.
My Interpretation:
This appears to put the NCAA games more in tune with how the NFL operates, which I will neither interpret as good or bad. However, with the extended amount of TV time interruptions in the college football game, I believe this to be a more effective way to attempt to speed up the game play than the 2006 rule change of starting the game clock on every change of possession. That was a rule that everyone in general seemed to dislike, and was repealed prior to the start of the 2007 rule change.
Rule Change No. 2
The replay official may now: a) review any play that leads directly to a fumble; b) review a field goal attempt that is above or below the crossbar and below the top of the uprights; and c) correct any significant game clock error.
My Interpretation:
Being a fan of instant replay, in the hopes of getting the right call, this looks like a great rule to implement. Theoretically, this works once again to limit the amount of human error in a high-speed sports environment. I’m sure that everyone will agree, that replay officials don’t always make the right call, but theoretically, this gives them the chance to do a better overall job of officiating the game.
Rule Change No. 3
Horse collar tackles are now considered personal fouls and will garner a 15-yard penalty.
My Interpretation
I believe that in the NFL safety Roy Williams is responsible for this rule, having broken at least two different players' ankles by tackling someone this way. Personally, while knowing that football is a violent sport, I see no reason why certain types of tackles that have a higher chance of creating injury shouldn’t be eliminated from games. There’s no reason to be subjecting amateur athletes to this type of tackling.
Rule Change #4:
Coaches who win their ‘coaches challenge’ will keep their right to challenge one additional play.
My Interpretation:
5 comments Last one added 12 months ago — Leave a Comment
mark andrew 12 months ago
Do you know why this article is showing on the front page For Formula 1 ?
Have you used some tags that are about anything to do with F1 ?
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Chris Alfson 12 months ago
Mark,
I have no idea. In no way did I intentionally tag or send the article to a F1 based readership.
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William Berry 12 months ago
Front page of NFL too. I guess because you mention the NFL, like, twice they decided it was an NFL article.:)
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mark andrew 12 months ago
No i put it so there was no Tags that suggested f1 .
Chris whoever edited your article used the Tag " Williams " , but it was the williams F1 team Tag so thats why it was on the F1 page , i took it off but left your original tags on mate .
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James Gray 12 months ago
very informative article thanks
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