Kickoff Rules???

[NavyBulldog1]

Did i miss something?? Kickoff from the 35, touchback starts at the 25? I think this will make kickoff much much less relevant...

[GatorDawg]

Did i miss something?? Kickoff from the 35, touchback starts at the 25? I think this will make kickoff much much less relevant...

The idea is to encourage more touchbacks for safety. However what we will see is kickers kicking higher and giving coverage more time to get down field for big hits.

[RhinoDawg]

Isn't it also illegal for the kicking team to get a running start (except the kicker) or did I just dream that?

[BoutThemDawgs]

Isn't it also illegal for the kicking team to get a running start (except the kicker) or did I just dream that?

Only if they pass the kicker before he hits the ball. That would be called Offsides, resulting in being moved 5 yards forward and redoing the kick.

[GatorDawg]

Isn't it also illegal for the kicking team to get a running start (except the kicker) or did I just dream that?

NFL has that rule. Not sure if college adopted that too yet.

[RhinoDawg]

Only if they pass the kicker before he hits the ball. That would be called Offsides, resulting in being moved 5 yards forward and redoing the kick.

Really?!?! Offsides?! What a revelation!

[RhinoDawg]

NFL has that rule. Not sure if college adopted that too yet.

Thanks. Knew I had heard that somewhere

[NavyBulldog1]

Bottom line is that this will have a large impact.

[FishingBack]

Vandy had a good return to the 50 against SC last night

[dawg419]

I believe that there was a rule change to only allow the kicking team to have a 5 yard running start. Most teams had a 10 yard start. Again supposed to be a safety related rule change.

[Houston Techsan]

Remember the old "bubble rule". It was ridiculous so they repealed it even though it was for the safety of the punt returner. If the kick-offs become too boring they will go back. A lot of us can remember when the kick-off was from the 40. I believe the change was made in the 80's.

[techman05]

The idea is to encourage more touchbacks for safety. However what we will see is kickers kicking higher and giving coverage more time to get down field for big hits.

exactly, why would you kick it through the end zone and guarantee great starting position at the 25 when you can pooch it down to the 5 and crush the return man inside the 15? Crazy bassakwards thinking.

[RealityCheck]

I believe that there was a rule change to only allow the kicking team to have a 5 yard running start. Most teams had a 10 yard start. Again supposed to be a safety related rule change.

Kickoff team has to start with at least one foot touching or beyond the 30-yard line (or 5 yards behind the kick spot).

[GatorDawg]

Honestly the new kickoff rule doesn't bother me near as much as the new helmet rule. I can see this rule leading to a team's star player sitting out a key play at some point this year because an opponent takes of the players helmet while the officials are not looking. In fact I'd be shocked if that doesn't happen a few times this year.

[HogDawg]

Honestly the new kickoff rule doesn't bother me near as much as the new helmet rule. I can see this rule leading to a team's star player sitting out a key play at some point this year because an opponent takes of the players helmet while the officials are not looking. In fact I'd be shocked if that doesn't happen a few times this year.

I actually like the new helmet rule. It should improve safety. Too often a few players lose their helmets on too many plays.....when you KNOW it's avoidable. And it's usually the same few players who lose their helmets over and over again. That needs to stop. Strap it up, boys......or be prepared to sit out a play.