Less Plays

As the chart below shows, games are 15 minutes shorter so far this season thanks to the new clock rules.

Category 2005 2006 Difference
Plays/Game 168 152 16 plays
Game time 3:20 3:05 15 minutes

“It’s making a difference. I think somebody did the stats. It’s eight or nine plays to 12 plays is where we’ve heard is the range,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “I don’t want these games to end in a hurry. I’d rather play and stay out there as long as we can. We only get to play 12 or 13 a year you know. The longer the better, but if we could turn it, I’d vote for turn it.”