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Posted 07/23/2007 at 09:55 AM
They finally got this one right. This spring the rules and oversight panel approved two time changes that will bring the game back to the way it was in 2005. Stopping the clock on possession changes and not starting it on kickoffs until the receiving team touches the ball.
These changes will hopefully eliminate the problems of teams that were losing from sprinting onto the field after a kickoff, punt or late turnover to save time off the moving clock. It will also eliminate teams with the lead getting on the field late to waste clock, since they could burn 25 seconds before the ball had to be snapped.
With kickoffs (this happened in the Penn St. / Wisconsin game) the problem with the clock starting when the kicker touched the ball teams would intentionally run offside to burn up to 5 or 6 seconds to run out the clock, giving the losing team virtually zero chance for an exciting return or get into field goal range.
These changes happened because fans and coaches alike complained about how the game was changing for the worse. Since instant replay was adopted last season, officials wanted to find new ways to “speed” up the game. This was accomplished, approximately 14 less plays occurred per game compared to 2005, while games were 15 minutes real time faster.
Gamblers saw a dramatic change in posted totals. Totals of 35 or 36 that was rarely seen was becoming commonplace.
The rules committee did adopt some new changes that they feel will speed the game along. Kickoffs will now happen from the 30 yard line, moved back from the 35. The committee hopes this will result in more returns and less touchbacks.
On televised games, after media timeouts, teams will now only have 15 seconds to run a play. In the past teams had 25 seconds, officials are hoping that this change will eliminate teams from wasting time in running their offense.
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