First Down Kentucky: Chain-less First Downs?
Stevie Nicks said that we will never break the chain, but that is exactly what the NFL is trying to do with our traditional yard markers. For years Matt Jones has lamented the chain gang on Kentucky Sports Radio. The most popular sport in the world uses the most antiquated piece of technology to determine the important line to gain. KSR’s Fearless Leader was on to something.
CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reports the NFL is experimenting with an optical tracking system to determine when and if a team gets a first down. The NFL competition committee approved the use of this system in March to be used on a trial basis in the preseason.
Anti-chain enthusiasts have always wondered why microchip technology in footballs could not be used to determine the most accurate spot of the ball. After all, tennis reviews and soccer VAR appear to have it down to a science. There are microchips in footballs, but they will not be used to determine first downs.
This system does not use microchips, just optical tracking. It was used at MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium last year and if all goes well this preseason it will be installed at all 30 NFL stadiums.
This will not be taking the jobs of members of the chain gang. The traditional markers will still be used as a reference point for players, fans, and coaches in the stadium. It could be in effect this fall or tabled until 2025.
If you’re a college football traditionalist, do not fear. This feels years away from entering the college game. This year will be the first time radios are used in helmets to call plays after decades of use in the NFL. Cost was the primary deterrent of the delay and that will certainly be the case for a sport that has four times as many stadiums in use each fall.
The Funniest Blown First Down Call
Even though the chain gang is a staple of the sport, user error sometimes shows its ugly face. One of the most infamous instances of this happened in the 2013 Outback Bowl. Michigan called a fake punt on fourth and four. It was immediately sniffed out by South Carolina. Even though the ball was marked short of the first down, officials moved the chains.
The old saying is “ball don’t lie.” It did not lie in the Outback Bowl. Few remember the blown call on fourth and inches. They remember what Jadeveon Clowney did on the very next play.
Private Capital in College Football?
The ACC became the second of the Power Four leagues to approve the proposed settlement in the House lawsuit. With drastic changes underway, some schools don’t want to be left behind in the college football arms race. Ross Dellenger reports a former Florida State quarterback has formed a group to infuse cash instantly into programs via private capital, a plan that will surely not eventually blow up in their faces.
Kentucky Native with a Surprise Retirement
As OTAs started around the NFL, one Kentucky native decided he was done with football. DeVante Parker was a standout at Louisville Ballard High School before starring for the Cards. A bonafide Cat-killer, he single-handedly is responsible for Louisville’s last Governor’s Cup win in its home stadium, catching six passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-40 come-from-behind victory. Parker spent nine seasons with the Patriots and Dolphins, who drafted him in the first round back in 2015.
Fox Friday Night Football is Funny
Some of these matchups produce laugh out loud reactions. Nothing says Big Ten football quite like Rutgers at USC. Are you ready for Iowa at UCLA? What about UCF and Utah in a Big 12 matchup? Those two teams can’t possibly be in the same conference, but it’s true. As much as I joke now, there’s a good chance I will have action 90% of these games.
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