NCAA Implements New Rules After Oregon’s Strategic Play

In a significant development for college football, the NCAA has decided to close a loophole exploited by the University of Oregon during their recent victory over Ohio State. This comes after Oregon coach Dan Lanning revealed that the Ducks used a tactic of having 12 players on the field to intentionally run down the game clock, leading to a 32-31 win.

On Wednesday, the NCAA shared a new interpretation related to penalties for having 12 players on the field. According to the updated rules, if the defense has 12 active players during a play in the last two minutes of either half, the offensive team can choose to reset the game clock to the time that was on display at the snap. This means teams can no longer strategically benefit from such a penalty if one of the extra players is actively participating in the play. The only time a clock reset will not occur is if one of the 12 players is just trying to leave the field without impacting the play.

During Oregon’s game against Ohio State, a key moment arose just before the snap when defensive back Dontae Manning entered the field, creating an additional defender. Although the Ducks were flagged for an illegal substitution and lost 5 yards, they successfully managed to take four seconds off the clock, which proved crucial as Ohio State quarterback Will Howard scrambled in an attempt to make a play. Unfortunately for Ohio State, the resulting play ended the game.

NCAA football’s secretary-rules editor, Steve Shaw, commented on the situation, stating that the NCAA aims to eliminate any advantages teams might gain from committing intentional penalties. He emphasized that, “Football is a very dynamic game,” and it is important to ensure penalties do not provide an unfair benefit.

This new rule change will likely have a significant impact on how teams strategize in future games. The NCAA’s decision reinforces the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in college football.