Matthew Schnell '22
Introdution
I am watching week five of the college football season. The Michigan Wolverines face off against the Northwestern Wildcats. Michigan takes the opening kickoff from its own endzone and elects to return it, starting from their own 17-yard line. On their next possession, after a Northwestern touchdown, the Wolverines return it to their 14. Here are the Wolverines ensuing kickoff returns: 10 yards to the 31, 18 yards to the 21. Michigan needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the upset-minded Wildcats 20-17. Yet as I watched the game, I noticed time and time again, Michigan chose to return the ball, turning down the option of a touchback and starting at their own 25. In total, Michigan lost 17 yards of field position by returning the kickoff. Sure, 17 yards might not sound like a lot, but in a narrow game, every yard goes a long way to helping your team win. ...continue reading "With College Football’s New Kickoff Changes, is Returning the Kick Really Worth the Risk?"