What Bundesliga’s return could mean for college football in 2020
By John Scimeca
4. No-huddle college football offense becomes the norm
Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Clemson led the nation in yards per play, all averaging more than seven yards per snap. As all four of these teams are CFP mainstays and/or recent national champions, it’s safe to say that that explosive offensive playmaking has become the key to success in modern-day college football.
These four teams all placed among the nation’s six most prolific offenses, all averaging more than 510 yards per game in 2019. As huddles decrease to encourage social distancing, the number of plays may increase — but will this result in more sloppy execution? You know, like you’re breaking in a freshman quarterback or you have a hapless play caller?
3. Sidelines need social distancing
The sidelines of a college football game tend to look markedly different than those in the NFL. College sidelines contain more players on scholarship, walk-ons, athletic staff, medical staff, university boosters and the occasional random celebrity.
If CDC guidelines on social distancing remain in place through the fall, the sidelines will have to look different. Will coaches have to yell at referees from a respectable distance? Will backups be required to stay six feet apart, as they are in the current iteration of the Bundesliga? Maybe the sidelines will have to be extended to each end zone to accommodate the extra space.
The training staff will have to sanitize the turnover chain or the turnover Mardi Gras beads after usage, depending on your rooting preferences.