Rules review video: Fouls on failed 4th downs, hits with the crown of the helmet, and shortening quarters in a blowout

2024 media video #2

National coordinator of college football officials Steve Shaw posted his second video of the season breaking down rules and interpretations.

Week 1 was the first real test of all the new technology that was implemented this year, such as upgraded coach-to-player communications and tablets on the sidelines. Shaw noted that “other than a few outliers,” the technology worked well and already has shown an improved experience for the teams.

While there’s only been game action in weeks 0 and 1 so far, it’s worth noting that both game duration and total plays are down from last year, but scoring is up. Targeting is starting the same trend as each of the last 3 seasons where week 1 had a really high number of targeting fouls enforced. The hope and assumption is the number of targeting fouls per week will reduce each week as the season goes on.

• Intentional grounding. On this play, the QB was flushed out of the pocket to his left where he ended up throwing the ball away out of bounds. This was originally flagged for intentional grounding, as there was no receiver in the area; however, the rule states that if the passer was outside the pocket and the ball is thrown beyond the neutral zone extended — that is, including out of-bounds area as well — there is no foul. This is similar to the NFL rule, except the requirement is to cross the line of scrimmage extended.
• Dead ball fouls on a failed 4th down conversion. On a 4th down run, the quarterback slides too early and is hit too late. The ball is spotted short of the line to gain. Multiple flags were thrown; one foul was for a late hit with targeting and another was a dead-ball unsportsmanlike conduct foul. Both penalties are enforced by rule. Replay reviewed the targeting aspect and correctly overturned that, however the late hit penalty remains, just sans targeting. The late hit is, by definition, a dead-ball foul, and since all the fouls are dead-ball, the penalties are assessed after the turnover on downs. The 30 yards in penalties are assessed before the chains are set, so it is 1st & 10 and not 1st & 40.
• Targeting with the crown of the helmet. Two plays show the use of the crown of the helmet and whether or not it is a foul. In the first instance, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm targeting, which means, by rule, the targeting is removed. (Any “stands” call for targeting does not revert to the call on the field; it must be confirmed by replay.) The second example was for a hit that was not flagged, but the replay official stopped the game for a review. In this case it was confirmed, so replay is permitted to add targeting to the play.
• Identical jersey numbers. When there are identical jersey numbers, there is a 5-yard penalty assessed from the previous spot and the down is repeated. In this case, a 4th & 15 punt became a 4th & 10 field-goal attempt.
• Shortening quarters. With Auburn leading Alabama A&M 52-3 at halftime, the third and fourth quarters were shortened to 10 minutes in length. Any quarter can be shortened if both coaches and the referee agree to do so. There is no mercy rule in college that allows there to be a running clock or any other modification to the clock rules other than the length of the quarter.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct. Shaw acknowledged that there is discretion applied to player celebrations, particularly within a group. Following a score, LSU players were dancing which was pushing the limit of that discretion. However, in the celebration, one of the players directed a taunting action toward his opponent, which was a clear foul. Additionally, gestures that simulate firing a weapon are also automatic unsportsmanlike conduct, however this single action is only one penalty, either one being acceptable. After a score, the 15-yard foul can either back up the extra-point try or be assessed on the ensuing kickoff.