Scott Reed has done a terrific job with ongoing reporting about concussion research and how the findings impact the future of college football.
The NCAA is planning major changes to practice rules in response to a five-year concussion study completed in February.
https://www.si.com/college/2021/04/22/college-football-fall-camp-changes-concussion-study
Ross Dellenger of cbssports.com reports that the Football Oversight Committee members
"are considering a reduction of full-padded camp practices (from 21 to eight), the complete abolishment of collision exercises (such as the “Oklahoma” drill) and limiting a team to two scrimmages per camp (lowered from three and a half)."
This would represent some major change in how the Ducks do business, while creating an extra challenge for a team that wants to establish a physical, tough-minded identity.
However, the data about concussions and their long-term effects puts a lot of pressure on the organization to do something.
Meanwhile, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved changes to the overtime rules that will go in effect next year.
Teams will have to go for two in the second overtime period, and beginning with the third overtime, the teams will engage in a two-point shootout.
Teams will now be forced to go for 2-point conversions after touchdowns beginning in the second overtime
www.cbssports.com
The rule change is intended to shorten games in the interest of player safety while reducing the chances of a marathon slugfest like the 2018 Texas A&M-LSU contest that went to 74-72 in seven overtimes.
It increases the value of having an athletic dual threat quarterback who is effective in the red zone and puts defenses in a bind with run/pass options.
Practice, preparation and scheming 2-point plays take on extra importance.
Additionally, the Rules panel has added new points of emphasis for officials regarding taunting and coaches entering or exiting the team area to debate calls.
The Ducks will have to be careful about both--they are a high-style team that tends to be demonstrative after big plays, and Cristobal is a passionate head coach who more than occasionally gets in an official's ear, especially after a bad call.
Knowing and adapting to these rule changes could save a team a win or two.