Let's review the rules changes for the 2021 season

OK, enough about NIL and conference realignment and the proposed College Football Playoff expansion. Let’s turn our attention to on-field matters — specifically, a reminder about the rules changes for the 2021 season.

The biggest change deals with overtime: Teams now will be required to run a 2-point attempt after a touchdown when a game reaches the second overtime. The old rule required a 2-point attempt starting with the fourth overtime.

In addition, if the game goes to a third overtime, forget starting at the 25-yard line. Instead, the new rule mandates that teams run alternating 2-point plays. The old rule had the alternating 2-point plays start in the fifth overtime.

In the first overtime, teams still can opt to kick an extra point or attempt a 2-point conversion.

Rules-makers said the change is to limit the number of plays from scrimmage (and, thus, the potential for injury) and to end the game quicker.

Other rules changes and points of emphasis

• Team area on the sidelines: Until 2020, the team area on the sideline extended from the 25-yard line to the other 25. Last season because of COVID protocols, it was from the 15 to the 15. Enough people liked last season’s change that starting this season, it’s from the 20 to the 20.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct: Starting this season, video board, audio and lighting system operators are included in those personnel who may not create any distraction that obstructs play. In other words, a team now can be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct because of the video board guy.

• Faking injuries: If you ask certain people, the faking of injuries has become a scourge on college football. Well, now there is a protocol to possibly remedy the situation: A school or conference can request a postgame video review about questionable actions through the national coordinator of officials. After the review, the national coordinator will communicate any findings with the athletic directors. One caveat: There is no set penalty for such transgressions.

• Taunting: Is there too much taunting in the game? Some folks think so. To that end, officials will penalize any taunting action directed toward an opponent. Of course, what is and isn’t “taunting” still remains rather subjective.

• Uniforms: There will be a crackdown on players who officials think are in violation of uniform rules; the players can be sent to the sideline to correct the issue. This deals with pants, jerseys, T-shirts worn under jerseys and knee pads.

• The coaches box: Another point of emphasis is to penalize coaches and players who enter the field of play or leave the team area to … ahem … debate officiating decisions. It’s supposed to now be an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.