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College Football's Leaping Rule Clarified

Related Topics: College football, Jumping

Football rules are often complicated.

Such is the case with college football's leaping rule, which is designed to prevent players from landing on each other while trying to block kicks. Last year, the rule was expanded to disallow defenders running towards the line of scrimmage and hurdling blockers, whether they land on them or not.

The rule isn't invoked often, but can result in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. In 2016, the rule cost Michigan State a game against Indiana after the Hoosiers' kicker missed his field goal attempt but was allowed another try.