Move to eliminate kickoffs should be a nonstarter
College football wouldn't be the same game without the chance for Brandon Boykin to take it all the way. (Associated Press)
College football without kickoffs. If you have trouble wrapping your mind around that concept, Mark Richt doesn’t.
Richt said Tuesday at the Peach State Pigskin Preview held at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon that he would support a proposal by Rutgers coach Greg Schiano that the kickoff be eliminated. Schiano’s idea is that kickoffs, considered the most dangerous play in football, would be replaced by a team punting from their own 30-yard line after scores and at the start of each half. If they chose to, they could opt to go for it in a fourth-and-15 play that would serve the same purpose as an onside kick.
As quoted in the Athens Banner-Herald, Richt noted that kickoff plays are violent. “You’ve got a bunch of guys that can run fast and are strong and they are not afraid, it’s kind of a manhood thing. No one’s going to back down.”
It’s easy to see where these coaches are coming from. Rutgers player Eric LeGrand ended up paralyzed from the neck down while covering a kickoff last season. At Georgia, Decory Bryant suffered a broken neck that ended his playing career and just last year freshman T.J. Stripling had a season-ending injury while covering a kickoff.
So it’s not surprising that Richt said, “if it went to a vote, I would vote for no kickoff also. I would just place the ball at the 23-yard line or whatever the average has been. I’m sure the defensive coaches would want it on the 18. Offensive coaches would want it on the 30.”
It’s also not surprising that while coaches might support getting rid of kickoffs, players likely wouldn’t, even if the move is aimed at their safety. As the Dogs’ Christian Robinson said Tuesday, “You don’t just want to line up and play. That first kickoff when the crowd is going wild, that’s part of the game. If you eliminate that, you eliminate part of the game.”
As the Bulldogs Blog reported, even Richt admitted, “It is an exciting play. It’s probably gonna be a bigger story than it should be. I don’t think it’s gonna happen anytime soon, I don’t. It’d be a major, major rule change, no doubt.”
On the surface, you’d think this idea would go about as far as a squib kick. But Rogers Redding, the infamous former Southeastern Conference coordinator of officials and current national coordinator for officiating, told the Birmingham News recently the proposal will be discussed next year by the NCAA Football Rules Committee. “I think it certainly makes sense to explore it,” Redding said. “Player safety is first and foremost on the agenda of the rules committee. I have no doubt this will come to the committee and will get some serious consideration, if for no other reason than it’s intriguing.”
OK, most fans are in favor of emphasizing player safety, but at what point do you start compromising the game beyond repair? And can you really imagine Georgia football without the likes of Gene Washington, Scott Woerner and Lindsay Scott racing down the field returning kickoffs?
Not forgetting, of course, the Dogs’ current kickoff return threat, Brandon Boykin, who is tied for the SEC record, having raced back four kicks for touchdowns in his career. And three of those returns covered the entire 100 yards of the field, the most recent last year at Kentucky.
Do we really want to eliminate that kind of thrill from college football?
That’s not intriguing. That’s crazy.
QUOTABLE DAWG
Christian Robinson at the Macon Pigskin Preview on Georgia’s offseason workouts this year: “We’re working more efficiently right now and we have a mindset. We’re not just lifting weights. We’re lifting weights to win a game on Saturday.” I know we hear that sort of quote every offseason, but I’m hoping this time it more accurately reflects what we’ll actually see on the field come fall.
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195 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
June 15th, 2011
2:24 pm
OH what fun it would be to see some of you chest thumpers tell Greg Schiano what a wuss he is. I would really enjoy watching that.
UGA Insider
June 15th, 2011
2:25 pm
You may be right Stinky Dog but Urban is headed to The OSU. The next UGA coach will be Chris Peterson of Boise State or Dan Mullen of Miss St. And no I don’t care if he just signed an extension with Miss St. It means nothing to UGA because they can afford any buyout for anyone in the country. We are loaded with money.
Dean
June 15th, 2011
2:27 pm
I would support this move. Player safety first and foremost.
German Shepherd Dawg
June 15th, 2011
2:31 pm
Eliminate the onside kick? If that’s such a problem, move the ball up to the the 35 or 40 so there are more touch backs.They just moved the kickers back a few years ago because there were too many touch backs. As big a Dawg fan as I am, the AU/UGA game changed (for the worse) on the 2nd half onside kick brilliantly executed by the Tigers. It hurt for us to lose (and I really thought he touched the ball at first) but replays showed it was a helluva play. Until the NCAA strips them of all their wins from last season, I’ll still remember that play as helping Auburn win the NC.
Stinkin' dog
June 15th, 2011
2:32 pm
UGA Insider – I’ve always thought Chris Peterson would be good to have in the SEC. Perhaps the game this fall is an in-person audition?
jerry
June 15th, 2011
2:46 pm
Your opponent has just scored. You are down 6 with 55 seconds left in the game. You need a long kickoff return. Your opponent punts from their 30. Your only option is to fair catch the high hanger at your 20. That sucks.
Delbert D.
June 15th, 2011
2:56 pm
Bring back limited substitution. That should bring down scoring. It would also get rid of the 350 pound ball of blubber offensive linemen. Reinstate the rule that prohibited these OL guys from extending their arms while blocking. That would make passing less attractive to coaches. Take the game back to 1960.
jerry
June 15th, 2011
2:57 pm
@UGA Insider…………..they have always been loaded with money and they have never in their history hired a head football coach that had been successful AS a head coach at a major college. They are more likely to turn to nepotism, e.g., Griffith, Goff.
DawginLex
June 15th, 2011
3:08 pm
If Greg McGarity is meeting with Chris Peterson at anytime during the week of the opener, then all the integrity UGA has been working so hard to get has been sent down the crapper.
I for one don’t believe it.
How do McGarity and Richt continue as AD and head coach if Richt turns things around in 2011? The answer is they can’t. The relationship would be permanently trashed. How would they have a meeting the week after the SC game in McGarity’s office if Richt is sitting at 2-0 and have a conversation?
They can’t.
We might as well have Danny ford running the show if this crap is true.
DawginLex
June 15th, 2011
3:11 pm
Insider, they just named Fickell the head coach at OSU. They removed the interim tag didn’t they? Meyer isn’t going up there.
AthensDawg
June 15th, 2011
3:12 pm
They shouldn’t get rid of kickoffs because it would take the excitement away from football. Those of you who think this is a good move are idiots.
Mike T.
June 15th, 2011
3:14 pm
A kickoff return for a TD is one of the most exciting plays in football.
do away with it, that stupid.
rabundog
June 15th, 2011
3:17 pm
Oh well – nothing stays the same forever
CMR will kill "Go Dawgs Sic'em Woof Woof Woof"
June 15th, 2011
3:17 pm
Im done with Mark Richt. Like someone mentioned earlier he ditched two a days last year and we sure found out in the second qtr last year against SC that our guys were boys against men. BIG Mistake!
Dawg in Malta
June 15th, 2011
3:18 pm
I cannot believe this subject is even being discussed?
The kick-off is one of the most exciting plays of football.
All athletes playing different sports know about getting hurt.
I have 3 sons playing different sports and tell them you cannot play scared.
When you play scared that’s when you get hurt!
Unfortunately kids like Jonathon Taylor get hurt playing the game that they love.
Jonathon my thought and prayers go out to you and your family!
From articles I read…I can see from your courage and determination you will prevail.
Eliminating the kick-off(s) in football would be a disgrace to the game.
I cannot believe CMR is supporting this….and I support him!!!!
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 15th, 2011
3:20 pm
I think the Dan Mullen stuff is getting way out of hand…he’s been 1-4 in the SEC West two years straight now…whoopee do
dentaldawg
June 15th, 2011
3:26 pm
players have evolved..so should the game. get rid of the kick off.
UGA Insider
June 15th, 2011
3:33 pm
Like it or not McGarity and Chris Peterson are having an “informal” meeting the week of Chick-Filet Game. It happens all the time in CFB. How do we know CMR hasn’t informed McGarity that he wants to retire in a few years?? A good AD must keep his options open at all times…that’s how the game is played.
UGA Insider
June 15th, 2011
3:38 pm
Mullen and McGarity have worked together for years and Mullen was the brain who brought UF 2 titles in 3 years. Mullen will be a strong contender for the UGA in the next 3 or 4 years.
I personally think CMR will survive in 2011 and have a really good 2012 then retire or go to an ACC school where the pressure is lessened. I’m sure he is about burned-out on the SEC. I could see Peterson or Mullen staying put until 2013 or 2014 as well which would make sense.
truedawg
June 15th, 2011
3:40 pm
No punter in football? no GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Dawgs! Sic em! woof woof woof..just wouldn’t be the same. No quick return for 7 with very little time. Never happen. Bad idea.
CP at Boise, not a good fit at UGA, if its true the GM is talking to him, it isn’t much. CMR will bounce the team back this year and win some big games. CP is a good coach, but not ready for SEC football. In 10 years when CMR RETIRES…then look for a coach. maybe Van Gorder? Smart?
GO DAWGS!!!!
Gillislee
June 15th, 2011
3:42 pm
Mark “2-8″ Richt is the softest coach in the country
DawginLex
June 15th, 2011
3:43 pm
So Richt works for someone who thinks it is OK to be having informal meetings with other head coaches who are potential candidates for the Georgia job?
And if Richt has a successful year, McGarity will explain it away by saying “it was an informal meeting”, “I had to keep my options open”???
The Georgia job is a great job. I don’t think McGarity will have any problem getting candidates. Plus, how does Boise’s AD feel? Abandoning ship because of NCAA sanctions instead of riding it out? They just changed conferences to get a better look from the BCS and then he is going to leave?
I would tell Peterson to hit the road.
If I were Richt and I have a turnaround season, I would tell GM to shove it.
FanSince59
June 15th, 2011
3:54 pm
Why don’t they just do away with the damn sport period. It figures that Richt would support a proposal like this. Another example why he will never win a national championship.
ga gator
June 15th, 2011
4:00 pm
Does not surprise me that some coaches would favor abandoning kick-offs, but I don’t believe it will ever happen. Here is one Gator who hopes Richt survives and I predict he will. If he doesn’t I would go after Mullen as my #1 and Petersen as #2. Trust me Dawg buddies, you do not want egotistical drama queen Urban in your job. Besides it wouldn’t go over to well with his oldest playing volleyball for GT.
GTBob
June 15th, 2011
4:02 pm
kick-off from the 40 …
After thinking about it, I think this is the best solution for now. It would add to touchbacks a little but would also lessen the speed some. The NFL has already voted to do the same thing for player safety, college football should probably follow.
beebee
June 15th, 2011
4:02 pm
You tell ‘em FanSince59.
If Richt had his way with college football, the game would be mandatory Pool Splashes and Dive with the players; Daily prayer meetings instead of practices; not that any of that is wrong. They seem to be his focus, not championship football.
What kind of head coach has his little wifey-mate prepare cookies and tea for the boys behind the team bench DURING FREAKIN’ GAMES?
Georgia will not only NEVER win the BCS Natl. Championship under Richt, they won’t win another SEC title either.
beebee
Alabama Jack
June 15th, 2011
4:16 pm
What Richt thought they asked was he in favor of being kicked off the job.
oledawg
June 15th, 2011
4:16 pm
Bill, you’re the one who is crazy. Since when does a ball kicked from a tee become more exciting than a punt? That’s teleological thinking. The players on the punt return team can still make the blocks and the runners don’t lose any speed. Those players who you named for running back kickoffs can still be utilized for punt returns. Schiano is not one of my favorite people, but that shouldn’t stop you from being objective no matter how long you have to think before you type. You never did well in science subjects, did you?
DawginLex
June 15th, 2011
4:18 pm
beebee
Got the Powerball numbers ???
Since you know for a fact Richt will never win the BCS or win another SEC title, I thought I could get rich from your Nostradamus like skills.
Rabid Dawg'84
June 15th, 2011
4:18 pm
Does anyone know how many scholarships we can fill in FEB 2012?
I say get rid of the soccer players altogether. No FG or PAT.
If you want 1 point after a TD, run a play from the 2, if you want 2 points after a TD, run a play from the 5. If you need 3 points to win, cross the other teams’ 20 yd line. Games should be won or loss by offense and defense, not a soccer player who doesn’t practice with the team.
Go Dawgs.!
AltamahaDawg
June 15th, 2011
4:21 pm
I would love to see that 4th and 15 option put in though. (and I assume a punt would be in play) THAT would add some excitement. Nobody in the stadium knows what is going to happen.
Line up, take a shot, or surrender field position. Eithere by failing or just punting from behind the line. Still gives you a better chance than an extrememely rare onside kick recovery. That’s more of a roll of the dice. Luck. This would be an actual football play.
I can see that whole sequence throttling back the freight trains running into each other too.
Richt`s Hammer
June 15th, 2011
4:28 pm
I think it is a great idea. Hey I thought of that.
buzzn
June 15th, 2011
4:32 pm
Sounds like a lazy coach who doesn’t want to coach special teams.
MCDAVIDDAWG
June 15th, 2011
4:47 pm
Not surprising Richt is for it. He’d also like to play only high schools.
Direction Kicking
June 15th, 2011
4:51 pm
My skills will no longer be needed. Richt has never coached a team that defended kickoffs well. Maybe that’s why he wants to get rid of them.
Bobby Cox
June 15th, 2011
4:51 pm
And I thought I couldnt possibly dislike Richt any more that I do. He has gotta go.
Direction Kicking
June 15th, 2011
4:55 pm
So the first play of a huge conference game or even national championship game would possibly be a fair catch? What a bummer.
Man Up
June 15th, 2011
4:58 pm
I cant be live some of you pansies defending Richt on this topic. I guess Richt gives all of you a tingling sensation running up the leg.
Direction Kicking
June 15th, 2011
5:01 pm
Let’s start playing two hand touch football. That should be much safer.
Buckeye
June 15th, 2011
5:09 pm
OMG! When would the dogs utter woof woof woof?
Buckeye
June 15th, 2011
5:10 pm
The way things have been going for us lately they’ll probably vacate Tedd Ginn Jr’s TD return against Time Out Time Out Time Out.
Buckeye
June 15th, 2011
5:18 pm
And what, pre tell, do we do about the on-side kick – one of the most intersting and desparate plays in football? As long as there’s a chance to recover the on-side kick, there’s a chance.
Buckeye
June 15th, 2011
5:19 pm
While we’re at it, eliminate the hail mary too. jeez.
Been there
June 15th, 2011
5:24 pm
Having played wide receiver in college and returned kickoffs, nothing was more dangerous to me than catching a punt. People coming full speed at you, all the while you are focusing on a ball that never drops in a vertical plane. You will take maximum hits and never see them coming. Maybe more people are injured on a kickoff, but show me a kickoff return man that has to worry about being hit before the ball gets there. RUGBY…loved that game …played 14 years against some of the best teams in the country and a few of the top international teams. It is a sport that demands incredible conditioning and perseverance. I would not trade a moment of my rugby career for anything, including my 4 years starting in college football, but a hit in rugby is not the same as football. Football helmets and pads combined with stoppage between plays mandates the most violent collisions this side of an asteroid hitting earth. Rugby is about possession and the best teams and players do not sacrifice themselves for one big hit. A rugger must stay involved in every movement and last the entire game, therefore a one play, full out body assault is not smart. A football helmet is a weapon and is used as such. Long gone are the days it was designed as player protection. It tears our ribs, shoulders, knees and the like. I am not for changing the rules in football or rugby, but there is a difference in how the injuries occur and what can be done to minimize them without changing the game.
What the Huck!
June 15th, 2011
5:36 pm
I was in the stadium when Lindsey Scott quieted the Tiger Stadium crowd by taking the second half kick-off to the house…and I was also in the house when Gene Washington suffered a broken leg against Alabama on a kick-off return…..Yes, it’s a violent play–but I agree with Christian Robinson–it’s a part of the game…I would rather get rid of calling kids “student athletes” who can’t pass a high school graduation test.
SuperB
June 15th, 2011
5:40 pm
Why don’t they just eliminate tackling and play flag football. All this safey mumbo jumbo from coaches, whose teams now play 12 games instead of 10– creating more opportunities for injuries– and reinjuries.
RedPantsDawg
June 15th, 2011
5:40 pm
Richt’s comments shed some light on why his team finished 6-7 with a gutless performance in a bowl game.
SuperB
June 15th, 2011
5:45 pm
One idea might be to kick off from either the 30 or 35, but have the coverage team lineup on the 40 or 45 yard line. That would assure a return but slow down the speed and velocity of the impact of hits on the returner.
hind tit
June 15th, 2011
7:26 pm
Just turn it over to the girls.
AltamahaDawg
June 15th, 2011
7:47 pm
Really, he has never had a good KO coverage team? He didn’t lead the league in that category just this past season? His squads were also not in the top half of the SEC almost every year he has been here, with rare exception, most noticable the year he was breaking in a freshman kicker, the first year of the 30 yr line rule and playing shorthanded of reserve LB s? That stuff never happened, huh?