Friday, February 16, 2007

NCAA Repeals Clock Rules?

It looks like the NCAA is about to repeal the stupid clock rules that they instituted last year. If the motion to repeal is passed on March 12, college football will go back to the old rules where the clock stops on changes of posession and does not start until a kick return receives a kick-off. In 2006, the clock started when the kicker's foot touched the ball.

This is fantastic move. College football games were 12 plays shorter on average last year, which means we get to watch more football this year. The impetus for the change was Wisconsin head coach Brett Bielema. Late in the first half of one game this season, his Badgers intentionally jumped off-sides on a kick-off. This enabled them to kick-off again with less time on the clock. They used the same tactic several times in a row until there were very few seconds left in the half. Then, they squibbed a kick to end the half with the lead. Going back to the old rules removes the possibility of a coach utilizing this tactic. It's about time the NCAA got something right.