FanPost

Fixing Clock Issues - a modest proposal


USC/Stanford.  USC/Stanford last year.  Texas/Nebraska.  Lots of other games.  We have all seen clock operators screw things up by a second here or there.  We normally only notice it at the very end of games, but it happens all the time.  Like with officials marking spots with a foot then measuring for a first down exactly, it seems silly at times, but can decide a game.

But what can be done about it?  I will radically fix it, with details after the jump, but here is the kicker:  we are gonna get rid of the clock.

Thats right, no clock.  Oh, we will keep the play clock around, we will still need it.  But instead of a time clock, quarters will consist of a predetermined number of snaps from scrimmage.  I think 40 is the right number, but that can be debated.  Kickoffs, as they arent scrimmage plays wouldnt move the "clock".  Nor would xps, because, duh.  Penalties would be the trickiest, it would depend if the play counts or not. 

This does have some changes to the way the game is played, but most are for the best.  The two minute drill changes dramatically.  Its about advancing the ball in a limited number of plays, running to the line isnt necessary anymore.  Getting first downs or out of bounds to stop the clock isnt necessary.  The pass down the middle of the field has to be defended now.  Timeouts arent for stopping the clock anymore (on offense or on defense).

Running a hurry up offense doesnt get you extra possessions.  But it does still change pacing, so it still is useful.  Burning clock isnt just about rushing, its about running a lot of plays, whether its running the ball or short passes.  The 4.5 hour game between two teams that throw lots of incompletions are a thing of  the past.

Mostly the game stays the same.  Its a silly idea, but only because we are used to a clock.  But a play counter is just as logical, just different.  And anyone thinking this is overly serious, read the headline again.

For those who like to think about how things could be different, discuss in the comments, what other changes - good or bad - would this make to the game?

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