The term "hurry-up offense" could take on a whole new meaning in college football this year.
The Washington Huskies found that out first-hand Saturday during their first scrimmage this year involving a complete group of officials.
The Huskies spent a significant portion of the scrimmage practicing their two-minute offense, in part to get a handle on new NCAA rules mandating when the clock will start following a change of possession. Previously, the clock didn't start until the ball was snapped. Now, the clock will start when the official gives the "ready for play" signal.
"It changes a lot," said UW quarterback Isaiah Stanback.
It could have its most impact late in games. Say the Huskies are behind in the late going — not a far-fetched scenario — and their defense creates a turnover. Under the old rules, the offense would have a few seconds to gather itself and call a play, not having to worry about the clock. Now, the offense will have to get organized as quickly as possible since the official will start the clock at his discretion.
NCAA officials changed the rule to help cut down the length of games. Some have estimated the rule change could eliminate as many as 20 plays a game, shortening games by as much as 12 minutes.
"A lot of guys really don't like it," said Stanback, who as UW's quarterback will have the most on-field responsibility for making sure the Huskies make the rules work in their favor. "I think it's going to decide a lot of games this year for a lot of teams. It really is. I understand they are trying to speed up the game and all that kind of stuff. But I don't think that's the right way to do it.
UW camp box
What happened: The Huskies held two practices, going in full pads in the morning and no pads in the afternoon. Coach Tyrone Willingham seemed pleased, calling it "good work."
Gold standard: The only winner of a gold jersey Wednesday was receiver Corey Williams, who was honored for his work on offense in Tuesday's practice and then in the first Wednesday practice. Williams wore the gold jersey in both Wednesday practices.
Mello, Yellow: It's traditional for quarterbacks to wear a yellow jersey in practice, signifying to defenders that they are not to be hit hard, if at all. Now, UW's kickers, punters and deep snapper are wearing yellow as well in what Willingham said is likely to be a regular occurrence. UW backup kicker Michael Book suffered a hyperextended knee recently which helped lead to the idea. "We want them (the defense) to have some awareness that these guys are out there," Willingham said.
Injury report: Willingham said there were no serious injuries from either practice Wednesday. TE Johnie Kirton appeared to have his hand in a splint but Willingham said it wasn't a major injury and Kirton wasn't wearing yellow. There were no new players in yellow.
What's next: The Huskies will have one practice today and then their final two-a-day on Friday for what will be the symbolic end to fall camp. UW will then begin a normal game-week schedule with the opener looming Sept. 2 against San Jose State.
Bob Condotta
"That's an important part of the game. If you've got a minute and something left and there's a turnover and you're on the sidelines talking to your coaches, you've got to run and get everybody and get the huddle up, and coach has to find out where the ball is and you have to come up with a play and run out on the field. And while you're doing that, the clock is going. It's hard, but it's something you have to adjust to."
Trying to make that adjustment is why Willingham brought in a full officiating crew Saturday to make his team aware how it will play out on the field.
"I think it's going to create some real changes, at least in approach," Willingham said.
Willingham thought his team struggled initially to adapt to the new rule during the scrimmage Saturday, one reason the offense looked sluggish.
"It kind of messed with some of us," Stanback admitted. "And we can't let that happen."
Stanback said he thought the team will handle it better now that it has had some practice. Still, Willingham said it's impossible to prepare for every situation that might arise from the new rule.
Consider an incomplete pass on fourth down. Usually, an incomplete pass means the clock is stopped until the ball is snapped again. But since a fourth down incompletion would result in a change of possession, the official can start the clock when he deems that play is ready.
"We'll have to speed up our tempo in that area," Willingham said. "And it will be interesting to see how it is interpreted across the country. It may be different when we go to a Big 12 crew down in Oklahoma."
Willingham said a simple three- or four-second difference from when an official decides to start the clock one week from when a different crew starts it the next week could make a big difference.
In another change to speed up the game, the clock will now start when the ball is kicked off and not when it is received.
Willingham said he's not a fan of any of the changes.
"I don't think there are many coaches around the country that like this change, and I've been one of those," he said. "We have a wonderful game in college football. I haven't seen the fans jumping up and down, saying, 'Shorten the ball games.' I think they come for the total experience, the whole package. One of the things that makes the game special is the number of plays you get in a game — you get 70, 80, 90.
And now you've reduced the number of plays, reduced all the things that in my mind make college football so different from pro football and make it a great game. I'm disappointed with our move in that direction."
Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com
E-mail article
Print view
PREV
E-mail article
Print view
Back to top