Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College football rule changes we’d love to see happen

By Michael Collins

Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a yellow penalty flag during the game between the Baylor Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a yellow penalty flag during the game between the Baylor Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Oct 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Greg Stroman (3) is called for pass interference on Boston College Eagles wide receiver David Dudeck (26) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Greg Stroman (3) is called for pass interference on Boston College Eagles wide receiver David Dudeck (26) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 – Pass Interference

In the list of silly rules that differentiate the NFL and college games, the pass interference penalty has got to be one of the worst.

More from College Football News

For those who may need a refresher, pass interference is called when a defender prohibits a receiver from being able to make a play on the ball – usually occurring when there is contact prior to the ball arriving. It’s one of those “judgement calls” on the part of the officials, and can really make a huge difference in a game.

In the NFL, this penalty is a spot foul, with the ball being placed where the penalty occurs. While that might seem extreme, it makes sense given the fact that were it not for the defender interfering, the receiver would have likely at least caught the ball at that spot, possibly even taking it further downfield.

However in the college game, this is simply a 15-yard penalty. While that’s still a large chunk of yardage, a defender is smart to interfere if it’s clear that a possible breakaway play could happen if the receiver catches the ball. Better to give up 15 yards in penalty rather than an 80-yard touchdown play.

I’m never for over-officiating games, but this one should be changed to a spot foul just like the NFL. Make the defense earn a stop.

Next: Bowl Bound

Home/College Football News