Defense: How Does That Happen?

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

CKill said we were gassed because the pace IU ran the offense at did not allow substitution. Hopefully, Saban and a few other coaches can get some kind of rules change that allows time for defenses to substitute on a regular basis, even if it is only once per four down series, etc.

I actually don't want to see the rule changed (even though I think it would benefit the Gophers). I firmly believe that when you have possession, you have the right to dictate pace of play within the confines of the play clock. If they run the hurry up all the time, they run the risk of formation and snap count penalties, and miscommunications on play calls. Also, if they are scoring quickly, their defense is not getting much rest either. That is not our style of football, and I don't want it to be, but if they think they can win with it, I am fine with them trying.

 

[FireDaveLee]

This may be a totally half-baked idea and I wouldn't object to being called an idiot, but what about an additional timeout that can only be used when you're on defense and even has to be used in the 1st or 3rd quarter to allow a defense a chance to catch its breath? Almost like you get 3+ timeouts, and the + can only be used under those situations? Something that would help just a tad, but not cause that much difference in the outcome of a game as it wouldn't affect teams' ability to stop the clock late in the 2nd & 4th quarters or save a team a delay of game penalty?

I want offenses to be able to dictate the tempo, but Indiana is that on steroids. They were literally running 3 plays per 20 seconds. I only see fake injuries to slow things down becoming more & more frequent.