College Football Games to be Shorter in 2023 Season: What to Expect
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel recently approved three rule changes for the upcoming 2023 college football season. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the length of games, making them shorter and more in line with professional football. In this article, we will explore the rule changes and their potential effects on the game.
Clock Continues to Run After First Downs
One of the most notable rule changes is that the clock will now continue to run after first downs, similar to the NFL. Previously, the clock would stop until the ball was set, resulting in longer game times. With this new change, teams that can effectively rush the ball will benefit from a clock that keeps moving, leading to quicker game expiration. Coaches like Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State believe that this change will significantly impact the pace of the game.
Banning Consecutive Timeouts and Carrying Over Penalties
In addition to the clock change, the NCAA has also banned teams from calling consecutive timeouts. This rule change aims to reduce unnecessary stoppages in play and keep the game flowing smoothly. Furthermore, penalties at the end of the first and third quarters will now carry over to the next quarter, eliminating the need for untimed downs. These changes are designed to address player contact issues and further contribute to shorter game times.
Reasons for the Changes
The decision to implement these rule changes stems from two main factors: player contact concerns and the length of games. According to an NCAA study, college football games in 2022 averaged 180 total plays and 3 hours and 30 minutes in length. In comparison, NFL games averaged 155 plays and 3 hours and 10 minutes. The competition committee believes that these rule changes will reduce games by approximately seven to ten plays per game and up to 10 real-time minutes. Additionally, with an expanded College Football Playoff on the horizon, it is crucial to address game length to accommodate more games.
Coaches’ Perspectives
While some coaches expressed concerns about the clock change, many of them downplayed its significance. Houston coach Dana Holgorsen, for example, welcomes any change that shortens games, as he believes that shorter game times are more enjoyable for both players and fans. Coaches who employ up-tempo offenses, such as UCF’s Gus Malzahn, do not anticipate a significant impact on their strategies. They argue that previous rule changes, such as starting the clock on change of possessions and after kickoffs, had a more dramatic effect on game length.
Criticism and Alternative Solutions
Not all coaches are in favor of the clock change. TCU coach Sonny Dykes believes that the rule change lacked sufficient input from coaches and worries that it will hinder a team’s ability to come back in the fourth quarter. Some coaches suggest that other measures, such as reducing reviews or TV timeouts, should be implemented instead to shorten games without reducing the amount of football played. Major League Baseball, for instance, has successfully shortened games by implementing a pitch clock without compromising the sport itself.
The Future of College Football Game Length
The upcoming 2023 college football season will serve as an experiment to determine the effectiveness of these rule changes in shortening game times. While there may be some initial resistance and adjustment from coaches and players, the overall goal is to maintain the excitement and competitiveness of the game while making it more time-efficient. The hope is that these changes will bring college football games closer to the three-hour window, similar to the NFL.
In conclusion, the NCAA’s rule changes for the 2023 college football season aim to make games shorter and more in line with professional football. The clock will now continue to run after first downs, consecutive timeouts are banned, and penalties at the end of quarters will carry over. These changes address player contact concerns and the length of games. While some coaches have expressed concerns, many believe that shorter game times will enhance the overall experience for players and fans. The 2023 season will provide valuable insights into the impact of these rule changes and their potential for long-term implementation.