Knowing that the NCAA FBS Rules Committee lurks here to see what rules need implementing or changing, I propose the following:
1. A 1 yard wide neutral zone at the sideline. The zone itself would be out of bounds. If a player who could be hit on the field of play is hit in this zone, it is not a foul. This rule is to keep runners from dancing down the sidelines, faking like they are going out, then lunging further downfield. They are taking advantage of the fact that a defender cannot come full tilt without risking a penalty if the runner just steps out. With the neutral zone, the runner had best run out of bounds with some purpose or he's getting lit up.
2. A 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty needs to be implemented for players who leave themselves defenseless. Since it is SO important to protect players, the ones who recklessly expose themselves need to be penalized. This is to level the playing field for defenders - WRs and QBs especially need to take some responsibility for being in the position to get crushed. Aaron Murray was lit up in last night's game after an interception. It probably should have been a penalty under the current rules and it definitely should not have been a penalty if the rules were thoughtful. The current rules penalize the hot stove for the idiot who touches it.
1. A 1 yard wide neutral zone at the sideline. The zone itself would be out of bounds. If a player who could be hit on the field of play is hit in this zone, it is not a foul. This rule is to keep runners from dancing down the sidelines, faking like they are going out, then lunging further downfield. They are taking advantage of the fact that a defender cannot come full tilt without risking a penalty if the runner just steps out. With the neutral zone, the runner had best run out of bounds with some purpose or he's getting lit up.
2. A 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty needs to be implemented for players who leave themselves defenseless. Since it is SO important to protect players, the ones who recklessly expose themselves need to be penalized. This is to level the playing field for defenders - WRs and QBs especially need to take some responsibility for being in the position to get crushed. Aaron Murray was lit up in last night's game after an interception. It probably should have been a penalty under the current rules and it definitely should not have been a penalty if the rules were thoughtful. The current rules penalize the hot stove for the idiot who touches it.
