NCAA Approves Major Changes

FOOTBALL

The NCAA approved a number of changes this week in Indianapolis that will have a significant impact on the game this fall.

• Kickoffs will move up from the 30 yard line to the 35 and will make a touchback much more prevalent than a return.
• Members of the kicking team will be limited to a 5 yard running start.
• Following a touchback, the offense will begin play at the 25 yard line instead of the 20.
• Any player that loses his helmet during a play will be forced to leave the game for one play.
• Jumping over a blocker in an attempt to block a punt will no longer be allowed.

These changes were approved to lower the injury risk on what has become the most dangerous play in the game….returning a kickoff.

With a freshman kicker and punter arriving on campus this fall to replace Blair Walsh and Drew Butler and the dismissal of three key special teams players, these changes could prove to be beneficial to the Dawgs.