SEC Introducing QB "Strike Zone"

[ResLife Hero]

SEC defines quarterback 'strike zone' for defensive players - ESPN

In a move to further protect players from dangerous hits, the SEC has defined a "strike zone" from below the neck to above the knees in which an unabated defender may attempt to tackle an "offensive player in a passing posture."

It sounds like a good idea given that they restrict it to a "passing posture" and won't enforce it if a defensive player is pushed into the QB, but I think the QB is already at a huge advantage. I don't like the idea of flags being thrown because a defender pulls the QB down by his ankle after the QB tried to climb the pocket.

What do you guys think of this? Do you think more of CFB should adopt it?

 

[Black Irish]

So this will be an infraction in only SEC games? I didn't know conferences could make their own penalty rules.

 

[ResLife Hero]

So this will be an infraction in only SEC games? I didn't know conferences could make their own penalty rules.

Not sure. Since each conference has their own refs, do they also have their own subset of rules? That would seem weird if they do that since you could literally "change the game".

 

[Irish#1]

I don't like the "protect the QB" rules at any level. You chose to play football knowing it was a physical contact sport.

 

[ResLife Hero]

I don't like the "protect the QB" rules at any level. You chose to play football knowing it was a physical contact sport.

At some point, everyone on the field is going to be "defenseless" except for linemen.

 

[wizards8507]

This has "classic IrishPat thread" written all over it.

 

[NCND]

For all people that say SEC players are dumb, check out this UGA wideout Chris Conley. Very impressive guy.

 

[wizards8507]

For all people that say SEC players are dumb, check out this UGA wideout Chris Conley. Very impressive guy.

Is he the one who made the Star Wars movie?

 

[NCND]

Yep. Well spoken and impressive. Sounds like a "ND guy" lol

 

[Bluto]

I don't like the "protect the QB" rules at any level. You chose to play football knowing it was a physical contact sport.

As one of my high school coaches used to say "Basketball is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport!".

 

[FearTheBeard]

Really hate this rule. If you dont want to get hit like the rest of players dont play football. The game happens so fast its kind of hard to make sure you hit just the right area of a player.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Really hate this rule. If you dont want to get hit like the rest of players dont play football. The game happens so fast its kind of hard to make sure you hit just the right area of a player.

Let alone the fact that so many sacks are made by first grabbing a foot/ankle/leg. If this is strictly enforced, you're going to see tons of flags, less excitement on D and even bigger offensive numbers.

 

[FearTheBeard]

Let alone the fact that so many sacks are made by first grabbing a foot/ankle/leg. If this is strictly enforced, you're going to see tons of flags, less excitement on D and even bigger offensive numbers.

Yeah i just feel like rules are set up to favor offenses these days. WRs can get away with shoving DBs all the time and then a DB has his hand on a guy running down the sideline and gets flagged. I like to see defenses play aggressive and rules like these take that away. Its BS imo

 

[pkt77242]

I get protecting the QB's head but I feel that rules like this go to far in protecting the player.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Other rules were modified as well:
SEC rules changes include targeting, quarterback 'strike zone'

 

[scUM Hater]

Not sure. Since each conference has their own refs, do they also have their own subset of rules? That would seem weird if they do that since you could literally "change the game".

I know a guy who has been taught by big 10 officials that the big 10 refs are taught to be very lenient on holding by offensive linemen. To the point where the officials may be taken from officiating if they call it too much. FYI.

 

[Fbolt]

I enjoy the fact that the SEC enjoys protecting their QB's but let's teams "gray-shirt", screw players from completing their degree, and general win at all costs. This rule is a WAAC rule-protect the QB to ensure a healthy QB come playoff time.

 

[ResLife Hero]

I know a guy who has been taught by big 10 officials that the big 10 refs are taught to be very lenient on holding by offensive linemen. To the point where the officials may be taken from officiating if they call it too much. FYI.

Well that explains Taylor Lewan.

 

[ResLife Hero]

New 'strike zone' rule will apply in ACC - ACC Blog - ESPN

The ACC is also adopting this rule so it will likely impact our games as well. I really hate the "below the knee" part of this rule, and it sucks that it will be applied outside the SEC.

 

[ResLife Hero]

I re-read the article, and apparently this is likely going to apply to the whole NCAA. Surprised this has been covered as an SEC change.

Rhoads said the rule was passed by the NCAA rules committee and will apply to all conferences throughout the country, adding that it was "on the radar for the past few years." He called it "a good player safety initiative" that the ACC endorsed.

 

[TheRealLynch51]

I re-read the article, and apparently this is likely going to apply to the whole NCAA. Surprised this has been covered as an SEC change.

You shouldn't be surprised. Look what sports media conglomerate ran the story.