NCAA to implement rule change in response to loophole exploited by Oregon

Oregon exploited a loophole in the NCAA’s rules by intentionally committing a penalty late in their win against Ohio State on Saturday, and that loophole is getting closed.

With 10 seconds remaining in their 32-31 win over Ohio State at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the Ducks intentionally put a 12th defender on the field. Ohio State was near midfield at the time and looking to get into field-goal range. By using 12 defenders, Oregon prevented a big play while the Buckeyes took time off the clock.

The play took four seconds, so there were just six seconds remaining after the 5-yard penalty was assessed. Ohio State still was not in field-goal range and was left with time for just one final play.

On Wednesday, a report indicated that the NCAA will issue a new rule interpretation to prevent teams from using the same loophole as Oregon. Going forward, the offense will have the option of resetting the game clock to where it was before the snap when a 12-men penalty is committed after the two-minute warning.