By now most of us are aware of the new rules regarding college football kickoffs. However I read a new spin on the rule and the effects it might have on the game. My new thoughts are based on an article based on talks with Boise State Football Coach Chris Petersen and one of the Bronco kickers.
Football kickers will be teeing it up at the 35 for kick off and coming out to the 25 for touch backs we may see some new strategies, such as finesse kick. What this means is teams that are not strong kickoff return teams may find that weakness exploited. As Petersen indicated in his interview all of that will be discussed. Don't be surprised to see teams with strong kick off teams have the kicker boot the ball high for more hang time and try to have it land around the five yard line, forcing the a kick off return, hence finesse kicking.
Petersen pointed out the average starting point for a team after a Boise State kick off was the 23. Many times their opponent was pinned down deeper than the 20 yard line. Given the success of Boise States kick off team, why not try to force the run back and try to pin the opponent down in side the 20 or 15 yard line.
Kicking off from the 35 puts the coverage team 5 yards closer to the return man and with a high kick and increased hang time, the coverage team does have plenty of time to get down field.
The new rule was designed to reduce injuries by reducing kick off returns. I am no so certain the NCAA will get what it wants. Perhaps all they have done is just changed the kick off strategy and the way kickers kick.
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