What is the competitive advantage...

of lining up with five in the backfield?

I suppose there must be one, therefore the rule, but I don't get it.

I am sure one of you guys has some ideas.

Geaux Tigers.

 

You know that Tebow-type pass play Saban wants looked at? It's deceitful to the defense. Same theory here.

 

Strictly my opinion, but I think it's to help determine who the eligible receivers are.

 

Correct. Doesn't let you disguise some bs.

 

If it's such a big deal why are linemen allowed to line up off the line?

 

Cause they're not eligible receivers??

 

its to keep college football from becoming the arena league.

 

Then they need to stop saying 5 men in the backfield and say 4 eligible receivers in the backfield.

 

It's more about preventing ineligible receivers from going downfield. i.e. someone lining up with a receiver's number but covered by the wideout. If they go downfield on a pass that crossed the line it's a foul.

 

In case you haven't noticed the SEC doesn't really give 2 shits about ineligible downfield.

I think these officials should be graded every week. If they miss anything or screw something up the get bumped down or fined. Too many times over the last decade they have been the deciding factor in games and that shouldn't happen.