Ad Disclosure
Important rule changes for B1G, college football in 2018
Published:
A new year in college football is upon us. And with that fresh new season comes a fresh set of rules for the upcoming season.
While there are some important rule changes in college football and the B1G, there aren’t really any that will drastically change the game, at least this fall.
Most of these changes were addressed at B1G Media Days in July, but who couldn’t use a quick refresher course with kickoff beginning Thursday? Here’s a look at some of the more important rule changes heading into 2018.
Uniform rule
Pads and pants must completely cover the knee. The stomach, backplate and shoulder pads all must be covered, as well. If there is any issue with a player’s uniform, that player will not be permitted to participate.
Kickoff/Pace of play
The play clock will be set at 40 seconds and will run immediately following the kickoff in an attempt to speed up the game. The play clock will also run following a touchdown to help expedite the pace of play.
Low blocking
While low blocks are still permitted, a player will be penalized for a low block if it occurs five yards or further from the line of scrimmage. This is an attempt to improve player safety.
Fair catch
If a player calls for a fair catch on a free kick or a kickoff inside his team’s own 25-yard line, the result will be a touchback, giving the team the ball at the 25-yard line.
Travel roster
The B1G has changed the allotted number of players eligible for the travel roster for the 2018 season. Teams can take up to 74 players for road games, an increase from the prior number which was 70.
Redshirt rule
Players may participate in up to four (4) games without losing their redshirt season.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB