The world of college football ushers in changes now and then. For the 2024 season and onwards, the NCAA has come up with a new rule. Popularly known as the 2-minute warning that would revolve around coach-to-player helmet communications. However, no matter what changes NCAA introduces, Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes are the least bothered. Even in this case, Coach Prime and his squad clearly stand at an advantage. All kudos to the Buffs HC’s verbal wizardry and leadership skills. However, mind you, this new rule is not a win-win for all. Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart stands as the ideal example. 

On April 19, the NCAA approved several rule changes. Among them, one alteration has been particularly interesting. From the 2024 season, there will be an implementation of coach-to-player helmet communications. This has been a big break for college football, since earlier only NFL players had the privilege to utilize it. Going by the rule, coaches will be able to communicate with only one chosen player who would be identified by a green dot on their helmet. But the communication line would be turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock. And how is Deion going to take full advantage of the rule?

Deion’s speeches even though sometimes come in a concise manner, they are enough to shake up the players. The Buffs HC in no way would allow any thoughts in the players’ minds other than flipping the 4-8 script. He once stated, “We’ve got to finish & finish strong. Let’s complete the assignment & win in the process. I don’t care how tough it gets you’ve got to finish. I don’t care what they say about u, finish. Finish whatever u start & don’t start Their u ain’t gon finish.”

Now imagine a player is at a crucial juncture in the game, with the clock ticking towards the finish time. This vocal tonic would be enough to supercharge the player. Deion lays it out in a nutshell—no fluff, just the good stuff. Not everyone’s holding that ace up their sleeve!

Smart’s time management struggles

In this case, the Georgia Bulldogs’ luck might not favor them. Their HC Smart is not that smart like Deion when it comes to communication and time management. Now that college football will be mirroring NFL rule, to delve into detail, the Locked on Bulldogs arranged for a podcast with host Daniel Monroe where he highlighted, “They had new clock rules…running clock after even on a first down. Not stopping the clock except inside the two minutes after a first down.”

As far as the complex game of synchronization is concerned. This would demand some serious talents. And here the podcast host drops a big claim revealing one of Smart’s greatest weaknesses, “Early on in Kirby’s career he had this problem. It was a problem early on as a head coach time management was not his strong suit.”

However, this should not be the case since there was a time when the now-Bulldogs HC juggled between his two roles- one as the Georgia HC and other tackling Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense. But the reality is different. That being said, is Deion about to make the two-minute rule his personal sprint to glory? Do share your thoughts.