2008 Rule Changes

by The One That Got Away on Jul 16, 2008 8:35 PM EDT

Here are the highlights of the changes:

1. 40 second play clock which commences at the end of the previous play.

2. After an OB play, clock resumes when ball is set by the officials.

3. Any contact with the facemask is now a 15 yard penalty.

4. When a kick-off goes out of bounds it is now marked at the 40, not the 35.

The Bleacher Report mentions a few other rule changes on their site and you can click on that link to see them.

I am not a big fan of these rules, just as I was not a big fan of the 2006 clock rules. I do not see why they are set on trying to speed up the game. No one wants that to happen. The abolishment of the incidental facemask is another blunder being made by these rule changes.

Feel free to discuss.

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Comments

That out of bounds rule might ruin football...

One minute drives are going to become a lot harder.

by Juco All-American on Jul 16, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions

Any facemask contact 15 yd penalty... ouch. Think that is a little much.

by Anthonym on Jul 16, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

These rules screw the teams and fans, but are great if you're ESPN or CBS. So much for exciting finishes.

by JimHalpert on Jul 16, 2008 11:37 PM EDT reply actions

The facemask penalty sucks. I'd be willing to bet that Ole Miss will lose a game due to a defensive player brushing someone's facemask with the fringe of their glove, thus netting the offense a 15 yard gain.

by warchief on Jul 17, 2008 12:25 AM EDT reply actions

There will still be amazing finishes because the OB rule doesn't apply to the last 2 minutes of the game. Coaches will still practice their 2 minute schemes.

by Anonymous on Jul 17, 2008 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

All this tells me is that there are a handful of new ways for referees to screw us against Alabama.

I'm sure we'll get a sideline warning or personal foul facemask at a key moment this fall in Tuscaloosa.

by Anonymous on Jul 17, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions