šŸˆ The SEC is adding a "Delay of game - defense" penalty.

I don't understand that. If defense shifts to adjust for offense and so why is it their fault that OL jumped?

It's worded weird, but a defense can still shift (or stem) before the snap, but if a lineman flinches and doesn't follow through with the movement, and an offensive lineman moves as a result, the defense can be flagged.
 
How can the SEC make up their own rules like that? Wouldn't the NCAA have to do that? It would be crazy to subject non-SEC teams to different rules than they're used to when they play SEC teams.
 
How can the SEC make up their own rules like that? Wouldn't the NCAA have to do that? It would be crazy to subject non-SEC teams to different rules than they're used to when they play SEC teams.

It's a modification to a current rule to add more specific language (guidance), not just for the SEC but all of CFB. It was one of the rule changes approved by the NCAA Rules Oversight Panel in the spring.
 
As it was further described, I agree with the change. A D lineman moving toward the line shouldn't have to be in the neutral zone for him to have drawn the OL off. I hate those calls where an DL doesn't quite get the neutral zone and the lineman flinches in response.

That being said, lateral movement along the DL should never be a penalty on the D.
 
For those that care, here are the rule changes for this upcoming season... [copied and pasted]

• Referees will only say a call on the field is "upheld" or "overturned." The terms "confirmed" and "stands" will no longer be used on instant replay decisions.

• No offensive player can be in the direct line of the snap to the potential kicker or within the frame of the snapper on punts for the formation to qualify as a scrimmage kick formation. If a team is not in scrimmage kick formation, it must have five players numbered 50 through 79 on the line of scrimmage. Additionally, if the snapper is on the end of the line by formation, the snapper will lose scrimmage kick protection, and the opposition can line a player over the snapper.

• If any player on a kickoff return team makes a "T" signal with his arms during the kick, the team gives up the right to return the kick, and the play will be whistled dead.

• Enhanced rules regarding simulating action at the snap and words or signals that distract opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play will also be effective next season. No player can call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of the offensive signals. The defensive terms "move" and "stem" would be reserved for players on that side of the ball and could not be used by the offense.

• After the two-minute timeout in either half, if the defense commits a foul with 12 or more players on the field and all the players participate in the play, the officials will administer a 5-yard penalty. The offensive team would have the option to reset the game clock back to the time at the start of the play. If the 12th player is attempting to leave the field and has no influence on the play, the defensive team will be penalized 5 yards with no adjustment to the game clock.

• Coach-to-player communication, similar to technology implemented for the FBS last year, will be allowed for teams that compete in the FCS.
 
It's worded weird, but a defense can still shift (or stem) before the snap, but if a lineman flinches and doesn't follow through with the movement, and an offensive lineman moves as a result, the defense can be flagged.
Again, this is incredibly fucking stupid. Teach your o-lineman not to flinch when reacting to the stem. If they keep doing it, oh well..... that's on them.
 
My main problem with the rule change is this. What's stopping the o-lineman from just flinching now? Every time a line shifts, we'll probably see an o-lineman flinch now to try and get that penalty. And with that, we'll now likely not see teams shift as much anymore. Maybe I'm wrong and it won't be that way, but that's why I think will happen.
 
My main problem with the rule change is this. What's stopping the o-lineman from just flinching now? Every time a line shifts, we'll probably see an o-lineman flinch now to try and get that penalty. And with that, we'll now likely not see teams shift as much anymore. Maybe I'm wrong and it won't be that way, but that's why I think will happen.

If an OL flinches without a false/deceiving move by the DL, it would still be a penalty on the OL. Bassically, if 3 DL stem to the right in unison before the snap, and the left guard jumps, it's a false start on the OL. But if 2 of those DL stem to the right, and the 3rd just moves his arm quickly like he's about to move or rush, but doesn't, causing the right tackle to jump, it's a 5 yard penalty to the DL. It isn't something that should come into play often, IMO.
 
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