AP Story
Andrew Carter of The Orlando Sentinel takes a look at the notable rules changes for the 2008 college football season, which kicks off Thursday night:
The 40-second play clock
Explanation: For a long time, the offensive team had 25 seconds to put the ball in play, the clock ticking from the moment the official signaled the ball was ready. Now the 40-second clock will begin the moment the previous play is ruled dead.
There still will be a 25-second clock, though, if play is stopped for an “administrative purpose.” That means there's still a 25-second clock, for example, after a timeout or at the start of a quarter.
What It Means: There's now even less of an excuse for delay-of-game penalties.
Faster clock after out-of-bounds plays
Explanation: After plays that go out of bounds, the game clock will now start when the ball is marked ready for play, not when the ball is snapped. The exception comes during the final two minutes of the half and in the final two minutes of the game. During those periods, the old rule will take effect.
What It Means: We might be free ? thank goodness ? of 3 ?-hour games.
Ban on horse-collar tackle
Explanation: A penalty will now be assessed when a player grabs the ball carrier's collar ? any part of it ? and pulls him down. When deciding whether a play of this nature is illegal, officials will place an emphasis on the immediacy with which a player is yanked to the ground.
What It Means: Defenders just lost one more weapon of intimidation against the likes of Florida's Percy Harvin and Florida State's Preston Parker.
Five-yard facemask
Explanation: Minor contact with a ball-carrier's facemask will not be met with a 5-yard penalty this season. The 15-yard personal foul penalty for grabbing and holding the facemask is still in effect.
What It Means: Fewer delays, and inadvertent contact now will not impact the game.
Sideline warning
Explanation: Officials once would give a “sideline warning” to teams that demonstrated unsportsmanlike behavior. Now, though, there will be no warning. In its place will be a 5-yard penalty.
What It Means: Coaches must now keep an orderly and respectable sideline.
