Coming off a turbulent and tumultuous offseason, fans of college football were anxiously awaiting the upcoming season. Though wild speculation and dissension fill the air, one can’t help but be skeptical of what looks to be a season full of unexpected rankings, breakout teams and a plethora of changes. Some will, undoubtedly, help the game. Others may have the opposite effect.
Regardless, what changes may come will cast college football into a whole new light.
The Legacy of Tressel Changes the Big Ten
A championship staple for over a decade, Ohio State University lost much of its luster in the wake of a horde of scandals, ranging from academic to rules violations. In the post-sweater vest era, can OSU continue its dominance of the Big Ten or will contenders like Michigan State, Wisconsin and the newly added Nebraska take hold of the reigns?
Michigan and Notre Dame Sports New, Old School Jerseys
On Sept. 10, Notre Dame will invade the “Big House” for the first ever night game in Michigan history. Both squads have agreed to don revamped uniforms for the spectacle. Though both look like surefire money makers, the decision to break from tradition and sport the new threads has given both schools a water-cooler talking point.
Blocking Below the Waist Considered Criminal
One major rule change the NCAA has employed is the penalization of blocking below the waist. Though the safety concerns are warranted, it will be difficult for any official to continuously keep track of when, where and how many times an offending player commits the act.
The Brady Hoke Era Begins
Since leaving behind the high-flying offense of Rich Rodriguez, the Michigan Wolverines have gone back to their roots of hard-nosed, smash-mouth football. The offseason hire of former Lloyd Carr disciple, Brady Hoke, ushers in what U of M hopes to be a return to glory. Hoke has aligned himself with a horde of intelligent, experienced personnel, including the former defensive coordinator of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Along with the nation’s best recruiting class, Hoke and the Wolverines look poised and ready to deliver a large serving of “I told you so” to the sporting “experts.”
Officials Look to End Taunting
In an effort to eliminate excessive celebrations, the NCAA has ruled that all taunting penalties will now be judged as “live ball fouls.” Any taunting made during the act of scoring would nullify the score. Also, dead-ball fouls will be assessed on the following kickoff. As with the low-blocking changes, it will be extremely nerve wracking for players to understand what will and will not be penalized.
The author, D. Benjamin Satkowiak, is a successful entrepreneur who intently follows the University of Notre Dame. A published author, he has also tailored works on various sports, health and fitness topics. He currently serves as a Yahoo! Contributor Network Featured Contributor, and beat writer, for Detroit Tigers’ baseball and Notre Dame football.