CFB rule question

1100011CS

Well-Known Member
Oct 5, 2007
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Marshalltown
When the offense makes a substitution the ref holds the ball to give the defense time to substitute. If the play clock is on, why doesn't the defense take their time and cause a delay of game?
 
  • Informative
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When the offense makes a substitution the ref holds the ball to give the defense time to substitute. If the play clock is on, why doesn't the defense take their time and cause a delay of game?
There are probably cases where it doesn't work, but teams often will do that
 
I think that there should be set time where the ball can be snapped, like 10 seconds left, where of either side is not ready, it’s an applicable penalty. This would also mean that the offense needs to be finished at a certain time, then the defense gets 5-10 seconds more.
 
I think that there should be set time where the ball can be snapped, like 10 seconds left, where of either side is not ready, it’s an applicable penalty. This would also mean that the offense needs to be finished at a certain time, then the defense gets 5-10 seconds more.

I’d just say the defense gets 10 or 15 seconds to get their substitutions after the offense has their players on the field. If the defense takes longer than that the offense can snap the ball and get an offsides, illegal substitution, or just have the defense out of sorts depending on the situation.

So as long as the offense has their personnel on the field with 20 seconds left on the clock, they have a chance to snap the ball without a TO needed.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: SCNCY
When the offense makes a substitution the ref holds the ball to give the defense time to substitute. If the play clock is on, why doesn't the defense take their time and cause a delay of game?
OSU is notorious at leaving the field slowly when substituting. They've even been called for a couple of delay of games.