WRAL Sports Fan

Some college rules that need to be looked at

I saw the Duke quarterback slide yesterday, feet first and was hit by a tackler. I know this is a rule in the NFL that when the quarterback slides feet first, he can't be hit by a tackler. The commentator said it wasn't a rule in college football. If it's not, it should be.
The other rule I don't like is the block below the waist out in the flats. Georgia Tech uses this all the time on their option plays. I know other schools are using it. I know the rule is very complicated, but players are getting bigger and faster, and these block are causing injuries.
http://blog.al.com/tide-source/2009/09/blocking_below_the_waist_is_a.html

RE: Some college rules that need to be looked at

^^^^^^

This just happened in the Panthers/Tampa Bay game (still being played). Carolina got called for a hit on Freeman as he was sliding. The Carolina defensive player really couldn't stop his momentum, but he was flagged all the same. I suppose if the NFL has this rule to protect the QB, college should have it as well, but in the game today, it was a tough call to make - it easily could have been a no call.

Football has always been a brutal sport, but it does seem to be getting even more brutal because like you said, players are getting bigger, faster and stronger.

RE: Some college rules that need to be looked at

I think that if a qb runs he turns himself into a running back. There should be no more protection for him at that point than anyone else. Period. Asking defensive players to play differently because of a players position is crazy. If the quarterback does not want to get hit, don't run. Or should we require rb's to slide so that we can eliminate all tackling?

RE: Some college rules that need to be looked at

I agree hovis, but there are rules that protect the quarterback that don't protect other players. My point was that in the NFL they have the sliding rule, and in college football they don't. Also, I think when ever a player is basically giving up, and that what the quarterback is doing, then a hit to the head with the shoulder pads is unnecessary. As you know protecting players from concussions and permanent injury is the purpose of those rules. The cut blocking outside of the "lineblocking area" for lack of a better term, should be addressed, as I'm sure it will.
One other is blocking a defensive back who is in pass coverage not in the netural zone. This is nothing more than setting a pick.

RE: Some college rules that need to be looked at

I agree hovis, but there are rules that protect the quarterback that don't protect other players. My point was that in the NFL they have the sliding rule, and in college football they don't. Also, I think when ever a player is basically giving up, and that what the quarterback is doing, then a hit to the head with the shoulder pads is unnecessary. As you know protecting players from concussions and permanent injury is the purpose of those rules. The cut blocking outside of the "lineblocking area" for lack of a better term, should be addressed, as I'm sure it will.
One other is blocking a defensive back who is in pass coverage not in the netural zone. This is nothing more than setting a pick. 

- Posted by cussmeoutmike2

I agree with the "spirit" of the rules and protecting a defenseless player. I just think they are a little too quick to throw the flag. A lot of times the defensive player has already committed to a clean tackle and then the offensive player drops his head. This often causes more damage to the defensive player but they don't throw a flag on the offensive player. Should be a two way street. I also think that unless it becomes flag football people are going to hit each other and people are going to get hurt. I have not noticed any difference in the injuries or the concussion amounts even with the new rules and the stats back that up. Just sayin.