New NCAA Kickoff Rule Getting Buzz as Revolutionary Change

Much of the debate within college football last year centered around Rule 3-2-5-e. The rule changed several clock start and stop rules but in effect removed valuable possessions from each team. It was summarily reversed but in its stead are several new rules.

Notable among them is that teams must now kick off from the 30-yard-line instead of the 35. Fans have been quiet but coaches are starting to make noise about its influence on the college game.

"I think it could change college football as much as anything we've ever seen," Texas coach Mack Brown said.
"I spent three years in the NFL, so it's not a shock to my system," Colorado State special-teams coach Dave Arnold said, "but it's a shock to the college football system."
Added Missouri coach Gary Pinkel: "It'll be a huge impact. Obviously, it depends on your kicker."

Ramifications include opening scholarships up for booming-leg kickoff specialists, more (worn out) starters on the return teams, shorter scoring drives and increased scoring (unless teams get into an SEC-style punts down in the 20, good luck going 80 yards type game).

If nothing else, I'm excited because it opens up the kickoff return game which is one of the most exciting plays in sport. It's also helped guys like Desmond Howard and Rocket Ismail earn fame as exciting returnmen as well as receivers. Expect more of that type of player to once again carve a role into the college game.

Now's a good time to study up and get familiar with the names on this list.

(H/T: The Wiz)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-13-2007 @ 6:17PM

SportSnipe.com NCAA Football said...

I have been amazed how this rule change is flying under the radar with most fans. It is going to be a huge change for the college game since 95% of the kickers will never be able to kick it to the end zone, and the real bad ones wont get it pass the 20-30 yard line. I think its going to inject some real excitement and at least quadruple the amount of touchdown returns. I am all for the rule change!

http://www.SportSnipe.com/ncaa_football

8-13-2007 @ 8:34PM

RobinFiveWords said...

The first coaches' reaction to this rule that I remember was concern that fewer touchbacks would lead to more injuries on special teams.

8-14-2007 @ 12:15PM

TUTSIE30 said...

AS A FORMER KICKER I HAVE SEEN THE HISTORY OF PLACEKICKING CHANGE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACET IN THE GAME OF FOOTBALL. WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL TONY FRANKLIN AND RUSSELL ERXLEBIN (SP) TOOK TURNS EVERY SATURDAY BREAKING THE FIELD GOAL DISTANCE RECORD. THE NCAA THEN MADE THE RULE TO USE ONLY GAME BALLS FOR KICKING. WHEN JOHN LEE WAS A 4 TIME ALL AMERICAN AT UCLA HE USED A 2 INCH FIELD GOAL BLOCK. HOWEVER WHEN HE WAS DRAFTED IN THE 1ST ROUND BY THE CARDINALS THEY QUICKLY FOUND OUT THAT HE STRUGGLED KICKING OFF OF THE GROUND. BO SCHEMBECHLER DESPISED THE KICKING BLOCK SO MUCH HE RANTED AND RAVED THAT THE OFFENSE WAS IN SCORING POSITION WHEN THEY CROSSED THE 50 YARD LINE. THE RESULT:ANOTHER RULE CHANGE, NO MORE KICKING BLOCKS! I COULD GO ON ALOT MORE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT, BUT THERE IS ONE TRUE FACT: THE FOLLOWING SEASON AFTER KICKING RULE CHANGES WENT INTO EFFECT, THE PERCENTAGES OF MADE KICK INCREASED! AND NOW BECAUSE A KICKER HONES HIS SPECIFIC SKILL TO A HIGHER LEVEL, NOT UNLIKE A QUARTERBACK OR RECEIVER, HE IS PENALIZED AGAIN. PRETTY SAD... POOR OFFENSES HATE TO START AT THE 20! A GOOD KICKER OR PUNTER IS A WEAPON! DO WE LENGTHEN THE WIDTH OR LENGTH OF THE FIELD BECAUSE A QUARTERBACK CAN THRW THE BALL 60-70 YARDS IN THE AIR? I THINK NOT. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU REPLYING THAT I JUST HAVE A KICKERS MENTALITY ABOUT THIS AND I WAS NO REAL FOOTBALL PLAYER, REMEMBER THESE 2 KEY POINTS: YOU CANNOT START A GAME WITHOUT A KICK-OFF, AND 35% OF ALL GAMES ARE WON BY A FIELD GOAL!