I thought I would invite discussion about something I'm observing, and becoming distressed about, as a long-time college football fan. I readily admit my opinion is open to criticism, and I'm open to other points of view.
There's a good book I recommend called "The Return of the Four Hour Round" by Patrick Mateer, addressing the effect increasingly slower pace of play in golf is a major factor in the decline of people playing golf. Reading the book caused me to think about the fact that college football games are long and getting longer, and four-hour games are becoming more and more commonplace. Again in my semi-educated opinion, this is not a good thing.
I read an article stating that college football games especially FBS games, but also becoming an issue in FCS and smaller divisions are longer than any other professional or top-level college team sports experience. And they are getting longer each year. College games are almost 30 minutes longer now than they were 20 years ago. And at the same time, college football game attendance has been declining.
The reasons most often cited are television and replay. But there's third reason being talked about: the spread offense. The spread offense means more plays and more first downs and more clock stoppages. Games are more exciting (I don't necessarily agree) and high-scoring, but they are definitely longer.
Before someone dismisses me as a grumpy old man, I am not repeat, not calling for the end of the spread offense. But I'm beginning to believe that it may be time for a long, hard reevaluation of rules of the game governing the clock. The rules were originally designed for a shorter, more run-oriented offensive scheme. But the game has changed dramatically, and it may be time to look at changing some things.
I have some ideas I'd like to throw out there, but first, what do y'all think?
Axe 'Em
'87 SFA grad
There's a good book I recommend called "The Return of the Four Hour Round" by Patrick Mateer, addressing the effect increasingly slower pace of play in golf is a major factor in the decline of people playing golf. Reading the book caused me to think about the fact that college football games are long and getting longer, and four-hour games are becoming more and more commonplace. Again in my semi-educated opinion, this is not a good thing.
I read an article stating that college football games especially FBS games, but also becoming an issue in FCS and smaller divisions are longer than any other professional or top-level college team sports experience. And they are getting longer each year. College games are almost 30 minutes longer now than they were 20 years ago. And at the same time, college football game attendance has been declining.
The reasons most often cited are television and replay. But there's third reason being talked about: the spread offense. The spread offense means more plays and more first downs and more clock stoppages. Games are more exciting (I don't necessarily agree) and high-scoring, but they are definitely longer.
Before someone dismisses me as a grumpy old man, I am not repeat, not calling for the end of the spread offense. But I'm beginning to believe that it may be time for a long, hard reevaluation of rules of the game governing the clock. The rules were originally designed for a shorter, more run-oriented offensive scheme. But the game has changed dramatically, and it may be time to look at changing some things.
I have some ideas I'd like to throw out there, but first, what do y'all think?
Axe 'Em
'87 SFA grad
"Just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field boys!" — Hank Stram
https://youtu.be/MnPr1R_QlTM
https://youtu.be/MnPr1R_QlTM