Some new rules for 2018 announced yesterday:
With the accumulation of kickoff rules, I'm starting to believe that it makes sense to eliminate them. Just hand over the ball at the 20 or 25. Might have to see what this new rule does to returns and average field position, but it's getting where strategically, it makes a lot more sense for the deep men to fair catch than to attempt a return.
Edited to add link. I thought I put it on there last night.
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/alteration-football-kickoff-rule-approved
- Kickoff fair catch: Any fair catch on a kickoff that happen inside the 25 will be considered a touchback, and the ball will be placed at the 25
- No blocking below the waist except within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, and all blocks below the waist must come from the front, except for interior linemen
- There will be a 40-second play clock for all extra points, and for kickoffs following a score
- There will be a 10-second runoff in the last minute of the half for any play which is reversed, and the correct call would not have stopped the clock.
- Officials outside the stadium (such as conference offices) may continue to collaborate with replay officials on reviewed plays
- Leaping over players on field goals and extra points is not ruled the same as on punts (can't jump over another player's body)
- Penalty enforcement on FGs (personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct) can now be assessed on the ensuing kickoff.
With the accumulation of kickoff rules, I'm starting to believe that it makes sense to eliminate them. Just hand over the ball at the 20 or 25. Might have to see what this new rule does to returns and average field position, but it's getting where strategically, it makes a lot more sense for the deep men to fair catch than to attempt a return.
Edited to add link. I thought I put it on there last night.
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/alteration-football-kickoff-rule-approved
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