New NCAA Clock Rules

[Bob M.]

REPLY: Play #3 is the one that's going to get everyone's shorts in a knot. There's no really good reason to start the game clock on the snap. Imagine this scenario. A (no time outs remaining), 3rd-8 from his own 10 with 0:15 to go in the half. A32 runs for a huge gain down to B's 4. Covering official stops the game clock for the new series. Play clock resets to 0:40 and begins to run. By the time all players, officials, and the chain crew get downfield, the play clock hits 0:20. R dutifully stops the play clock. Now when everyone's set, he issues the RFP, but the game clock doesn't start. A benefits by getting the full 0:25 to get his play and run it. Doesn't seem fair to me. Can't imagine it will stay this way.

By the way...I wasn't the first to notice this. Saw it on another board.

[FredFan7]

I'm not an NCAA official (hope to be someday).

This rule seems like it will create more problems than solve. IMO there are better ways to speed up the collegiate game.

[NickelDeuce]

Instructions to the play clock operator are crucial. On the long play you had Bob M., the play clock operator can hold the play clock for a couple of seconds. As soon as the guy gets tackled he doesn't have to immediately reset to 40 and start it. He must be deliberate not only on this play but every other play in the game. If the offense lolligags down the field I believe it's their problem, not ours.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by NickelDeuce

Instructions to the play clock operator are crucial. On the long play you had Bob M., the play clock operator can hold the play clock for a couple of seconds. As soon as the guy gets tackled he doesn't have to immediately reset to 40 and start it. He must be deliberate not only on this play but every other play in the game. If the offense lolligags down the field I believe it's their problem, not ours.

I don't see any rules justif'n for the play clock operator's judgement. I don't think you're going to delay the dead ball signal. And any inconsistency deliberately introduced by the play clock operator would be even worse IMO than the problem Bob M. stated, which is at least predictable.

Robert

[NickelDeuce]

You always tell the play clock operator of a 40/25 clock to be deliberate after the dead ball signal. If you're looking for a rule to justify that you're going to be looking for a long time.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by FredFan7

This rule seems like it will create more problems than solve. IMO there are better ways to speed up the collegiate game.

Was that a stated (or unstated but suspected) purpose of that change?