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Arizona Football: New Rules for the 2018 Season

By Mark Barrera

7 Oct 2000: A shot of a helmet of the Arizona Wildcats and a football during the game against the USC Trojans at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Wildcats defeated the Torjans 31-15.Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport
7 Oct 2000: A shot of a helmet of the Arizona Wildcats and a football during the game against the USC Trojans at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Wildcats defeated the Torjans 31-15.Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport /
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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats srambles with the football past linebacker Shemar Smith #41 of the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 11, 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats srambles with the football past linebacker Shemar Smith #41 of the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 11, 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The pace of play is a topic for almost every sport at every level.

College basketball created the catastrophe freedom of movement for the offensive player to speed up play, although it feels like it completely slows the game down.

Baseball has been tampering with a pitcher’s clock. Basketball’s shot clock, both men and women’s, has been adjusted a few times over the years to help the pace of play pick up.

Our society is one that doesn’t want to wait around for something. It’s how people are today, and athletic events feel the need to adapt, whether good or bad.

Reducing the overall game length is constantly discussed. The rules committee has been looking for ways to decrease dead periods. In the NFL we see a continuous clock, no matter if a first down is made or not. In college, a first down still stops the block briefly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this goes away soon.

Staring this year, the time it takes between a touchdown and an extra point, as well as kickoff return and first offensive possession, is being sped up a bit.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

In both situations, the 40-second play clock will start as soon as the ball is dead. Previously there was a pause for one minute between a touchdown and an extra point attempt. Now the 40-second play clock will begin as soon as the touchdown is scored. Say bye-bye to group “celebrations,” as much as they are even allowed to do. Teams will have to rush off and rush on the special teams quickly.

As for kickoffs, once the ball is dead after the kickoff, the 40-second play clock starts. This part of the rule could see an increase in delay of games and time-outs taken. It is absurd to see when they’ve been huddled and planning for an entire series, but it happens at least once in every game. Teams will need to be ready to roll right away.

Time management from head coaches and coordinators needs to be an even bigger focal point moving forward.

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