Coach Haughton's exposition of the new football rules, published in another column this morning, gives an expert opinion of what these changes will accomplish. From Mr. Haughton's wide experience it may be expected that the general differences he predicts will be found to a greater or less degree in the play of practically all the college teams. Especial interest, however, attaches itself to the varying methods in which the details of the game will be adapted by different coaches to the new regulations. The prominent part which Coach Haughton played in framing these rules, together with his former success, forms an assurance of his developing one of the most effective styles of play to be found this fall.
Probably the most fundamental change in the game will be the absence of pushing and pulling the man with the ball. This will result in the use of lighter and faster men in the backfield, and do away entirely with the use of heavy and powerful combinations to force their way by mere weight and strength through the opposing line. The rule prohibiting flying tackling will be violated by many players, for cases will occur when a 10-yard gain can be saved by incurring a 5-yard penalty.
The rules with regard to the forward pass and on-side kick will help to do away with the chief objections to these plays, their uncertainty. By preventing interference with offensive players until they have passed 20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, the chances of recovering the ball are greatly increased. This should obviate the deplorable inconsistency in the effectiveness of this style of attack.
The work of the team this afternoon will be watched with great interest as the first explanation of Coach Haughton's conception of the altered game. The team seems remarkably far along for so early in the year, and the old players adapt themselves to new plays and formations without apparent friction.
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