New rules changes regarding onside kicks...

[austinponie]

So, say goodbye to the most exciting play in the game....
(from the Austin American Statesman)

"Teams receiving onside kicks will be allowed to have an unimpeded chance to field the ball."

"Teams receiving onside kicks can now signal for a fair catch on balls after they the hit the ground once."

[SMUer]

I'm actually surprised this hasn't been protested before! Can't they still drill it soccer-style into a player's chest or face-mask?

[couch 'em]

Stupid

[ponyte]

Obviously too many Big Boys lost onside kicks last year.

[Junior]

worst rule change in a while.

[couch 'em]

Makes the onside kick worthless

[PoconoPony]

Makes the on side kick worthless. Terrible rule change.

[Junior]

Next rule change: If UT at any time in the game takes a lead, the game will be called immediately and UT will be awarded a victory.

[soccermom]

Next rule change: If UT at any time in the game takes a lead, the game will be called immediately and UT will be awarded a victory.

[SMU89]

OT will be determined by coin toss

[SMULaxer]

Probably in our favor. We'll be 10-2 and on the receiving end on a couple of those "fair catches"

[SMU 86]

Safety issue.

[peruna81]

Safety issue.

^^^^this^^^^^

perhaps "perceived" safety issue would be more accurate

[PK]

Safety issue.

In that case let's just make all the games flag football with no blocking allowed. Count to five after the snap before rushing the QB. Think of the money we would save...no helmets or pads needed.

[SMUguy]

I'm actually surprised this hasn't been protested before! Can't they still drill it soccer-style into a player's chest or face-mask?

Sure they can, but kicking a ball with pointed ends that accurately is extremely difficult. Aiming a high, end-over-end kick is difficult enough, but breaking out the driver and aiming a tee shot at a human-sized target is akin to shooting a bullet through a keyhole -- it can be done, but it also can be missed. Very easily.