5 Unpopular Football Opinions To End The Month Of June

I’m going to wrap up June with some unpopular opinions. With training camp and media days starting next month, I expect the football news cycle to pick up tremendously. And with the early start to the season this year, July is also the last month without any college football games.

1.) I’m not a fan of the new fair-catch rule that was enacted last season on kickoffs. Special teams play is one of the most exciting aspects of football. And I think it takes away from both teams a chance to swing momentum. While long returns always make the highlight reels, there is also a lot to be said about a hard hitting tackle that stops a return man in his tracks. We need more returns in football not less.

2.) I look forward to preseason NFL football. While most fans criticize the glorified scrimmages, I actually am fairly intrigued by the games. It’s fun to see the Baylor players try to make the rosters, and we get first looks at the top draft picks. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t tune in to see Kyler Murray take his first NFL snaps.

3.) I think the UIL should get away from all State Championship games being played at At&T stadium, especially the small schools. I understand the logistical reasons why they try to keep all the games in one place, but it just feels really empty even when the smaller schools bring lots of people. Waco might be the biggest benefactor if the change would be made. Back in the day there were some great state championship games that took place at WISD. I think packing out a large high school stadium could be just as exciting as playing at an empty AT&T stadium.

4.) Even though it might be more beneficial for the Big 12, the CFP should remain at 4 teams. The best thing that distinguishes college football from the NFL is the emphasis on every single game. Every game is important and one slip up can ruin a season. If the playoffs expanded to 8 teams, I could see the conference championship games becoming less and less important along with other marquee games.

5.) I think Petros Papadakis is a good announcer. I’ve seen him get a lot of grief because of his unique voice, but there really isn’t much to dislike. He’s witty, knowledgeable and always very complimentary of Baylor and the Big 12. I enjoyed listening to him on Saturday afternoons.