Whether you are an avid college football fan or simply enjoy the football experience, this Top 10 list reviews basic football concepts, and not-so-obvious terminology that will help you Get in the Game (and even impress those silly boys).
I assume you understand the basic downs and yardage of scoring in football. We will use Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss as our example when needed. In no particular order, here we go!
1)
Home and Visitor. The first team listed on TV and in the newspaper is the visiting team.
2)
Eligible players. There are 11 players on the field for each team at all times. Not 13, Coach Dooley.
3)
Play clock. The play clock is set at 25 seconds before each play. It denotes the time given to the offense to begin the play. A Delay of Game penalty is called when the center does not snap the ball before 25 seconds runs off the clock.
4)
Football field basics. Most are self explanatory, except for the hash marks which are two rows of lines near the center of the field and near the sidelines, marking one-yard increments. All plays start with the ball on or between the hash marks.
What are those bright orange things on each corner of the end zone? These are pylons. A pylon is a short orange (or red) foam marker that marks all four corners of each end zone. A player must get any part of the football over the goal line
or touch the pylon to score. See Bulldog Anthony Dixon...
5)
Field goal attempt. You must add 17 yards to the line of scrimmage for the actual field goal yardage. For example, if the ball is downed on the 20 yard line, the ball will be spotted 7 yards from the line of scrimmage. You must also add the 10 yards that make up the end zone (20 + 7 +10 = 37). The field goal attempt is 37 yards.
6)
Territory. Let's say the Rebels have the ball on the Bulldog's 20 yard line. Are they close to scoring? Yes, you could say that. They are 20 yards from the end zone in Bulldog territory. If the Rebels are on their own 20 yard line, then they are 80 yards from the end zone.
7)
Point after touchdwon. Also known as a PAT, it is only worth 1 point, whereas kicking a field goal can put 3 points on the scoreboard.
8)
A catch. A college receiver is only required to have one foot in bounds to make a catch. Rule 2, Section 2, Article 7 of the NCAA 2009-2010 Football Rules and Interpretations:
To catch a ball means that a player: Leaves his feet and firmly grasps a live ball in flight, the ball first touching the ground inbounds while still in his firm grasp.
9)
Holding and Pass Interference penalties. Holding is an offensive penalty called when an offensive player literally "holds" a defensive player's jersey. Pass interference is a defensive penalty. This occurs when the defensive player makes contact with the receiver before the ball arrives, interfering with his opportunity to catch the ball. See the chart below for common referee signals.
10)
The BCS. I'm sure you've heard someone refer to the BCS. The BCS is the Bowl Championship Series that creates 5 bowl games each year for the top 10 ranked teams, including the National Championship game.
You may be familiar with the Top 10, or you may not care about football beyond your cute outfit. Whatever the case, happy game day!
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