So, the Big 10 allows Northwestern and Illinois to schedule a game at Wrigley Field. And no one thought about the safety issues when they were working this out?
Seriously. One — and only one — end zone will be used.
For those who were/are unaware, Illinois and Northwestern will play this weekend at the home of the Chicago Cubs, historic Wrigley Field.
When the grounds crew laid out the field at Wrigley, they realized that player safety was going to be an issue.
Specifically, players running/being ran headfirst into the outfield wall that sits just a couple of feet outside the east end zone.
As a result of the safety issues, the Big Ten has announced some major changes to Saturday’s game. And have officially made a mockery of the game and turned it into one akin to something we all used to play in the backyard. Or out in the street. In traffic.
According to a press release issued by the conference, the following rule changes were determined to be the best of all options and will be in effect for this game only based on the unique layout of the field:
1) All offensive plays will head toward the West end zone, including all extra points and all overtime possessions.
2) All kickoffs will be kicked toward the East end zone.
3) After every change of possession, the ball will be repositioned for the offense to head toward the West end zone.
4) As a result of a coin toss held by the conference office Friday morning, Illinois will occupy the West team bench in the first half and Northwestern will occupy the West team bench in the second half and for all overtime periods.
Seriously. One — and only one — end zone will be used.
For those who were/are unaware, Illinois and Northwestern will play this weekend at the home of the Chicago Cubs, historic Wrigley Field.
When the grounds crew laid out the field at Wrigley, they realized that player safety was going to be an issue.
Specifically, players running/being ran headfirst into the outfield wall that sits just a couple of feet outside the east end zone.
As a result of the safety issues, the Big Ten has announced some major changes to Saturday’s game. And have officially made a mockery of the game and turned it into one akin to something we all used to play in the backyard. Or out in the street. In traffic.
According to a press release issued by the conference, the following rule changes were determined to be the best of all options and will be in effect for this game only based on the unique layout of the field:
1) All offensive plays will head toward the West end zone, including all extra points and all overtime possessions.
2) All kickoffs will be kicked toward the East end zone.
3) After every change of possession, the ball will be repositioned for the offense to head toward the West end zone.
4) As a result of a coin toss held by the conference office Friday morning, Illinois will occupy the West team bench in the first half and Northwestern will occupy the West team bench in the second half and for all overtime periods.
