You know the phrase, “what are we doing here?” That is what I feel about the new rule change the NCAA made regarding kickoffs in college football.
From NCAA.com:
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved altering football’s kickoff rules to allow the receiving team to fair catch the kick inside the 25-yard line and have it result in a touchback. The Football Rules Committee was behind the proposal to continue efforts to increase the number of touchbacks during kickoffs since fewer injuries occur during kickoffs that result in touchbacks than on kickoffs that are returned.
So I have a question. Since the article went on to say that other aspects of the kickoff will remain the same, why didn’t the Football Rules Committee go ‘full-radical’ and change ALL of the aspects of the kickoff?
Why allow the onside kicks? Hell, why even allow kickoffs at all?
Because we all know the elimination of kickoffs altogether is the inevitable. And while that would rankle a large number of fans, that would REALLY ensure the sport is a lot safer, right? Yet the NCAA is not going that far – YET. Meanwhile, it’s almost as if the NCAA is trying to have it both ways.
Look, I know this rule change will go a long way in making the game safer, but this hurts me as a traditionalist. After all, there is a reason why not many young men play football. It’s not a sport for the faint-of-heart. It ain’t for everybody.
I want my gladiator sport back, dammit. Sue me…
Categories: college football
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