on defensive gameplans/adjustments? Hypothetical situation: Florida breaks the huddle on 1st down in an I-formation, with 2 TE's and 2 WRs. We counter with a 4-3 having Cutrera, Riley, and Sheppard out there. We stuff them on 1st down. After the play, Florida sends all of the TE's and RB's back to the sideline and comes out in a no huddle with 5 wides and empty backfield. With the new clock rules, how can we possibly see this fast enough to get the right personnel groups on the field and a defensive play called? Combine this with having co-defensive coordinators arguing about whether to blitz the linebackers or not...
The scenario presented has nothing to do with the new clock rules--it could have happened under the old rules. The defensive coaches need to be ready with their substitutions packages when the offense is making their substitutions. Once the offense lines up, (whether they huddle or not), it's too late to effectively substitute no matter how much time is on the play clock. I seem to remember a rule passed about offenses allowing time for substitutions if they substitute, but I have never seen it enforced in any way. That is why so many teams are going to the no-huddle style, where they line up and then look to the sideline to get the play. Auburn fans called it the "prairie dog" look before Tony Franklin was fired. Lots of HS teams in Alabama have started to do this. Tennessee also did this last year in the SECCG. The next step for defensive coordinators would be to figure out the best base defense for the spread. And you know they will. GEAUX TIGERS
