College Football Rule Changes

[State_fan]

Rule changes for college football this fall. Looking to speed up the game a little bit, incorporate more NFL type rules.

Area teams keep eye on college football rule shifts

NCAA, NAIA changes could speed up play

Terry Vandrovec • tvandrovec@argusleader.com • April 10, 2008

The changes in college football that were approved this week by the Playing Rules and Oversight Panel can be summarized in two words: Time and punishment.
In the latest attempt to regulate pace of play, a 40/25-second play clock - similar to what's in place in the NFL - will be used by the NCAA and NAIA beginning this season.
That means a team will have 40 seconds to snap the ball after it has been declared dead at the end of the play, and 25 seconds following an administrative stop such as a change of possession. Previously, the standard was 25 seconds from the time the ball was marked ready for play by an official.
Also, when a ball carrier goes out of bounds, the game clock will begin at the referee's signal rather than at the next snap, excluding the final two minutes of each half.

Also new for 2008:

• A 15-yard penalty has been instituted for making a (previously legal) horse-collar tackle.
• All facemask penalties will result in 15-yard penalties, eliminating the 5-yard variety.
• There will be crackdowns on dangerous plays such as chop blocks and helmet-to-helmet contact.

In other changes, the ball will be placed at the 40-yard line rather than the 35 following a kickoff that goes out of bounds, and sideline control issues will result in a penalty, eliminating the warning system.

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs...TS02/804100340