The Week 1 feedback on sideline-to-helmet communications: lots of praise, some frustration
Associated PressThe AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “I thought our staff did a great job,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said after the 63-0 win in his debut at the school, “because that’s something you don’t practice.” Helmet communication has come to major college football, with a single player on each team designated with a green dot on his helmet — the quarterback on offense, typically the on-field play-caller on defense — being able to hear voice instructions from the sideline until 15 seconds remains on the play clock. “You probably saw me cover my ears a couple times, trying to get it, ‘What’d you say?’” East Carolina linebacker Zakye Barker said after his team’s win over Norfolk State. Pretty smooth for the first time out.” The helmet communication hasn’t fully replaced hand signals, placards, flags and whatever other methods teams have been using to send plays in from the sideline. “Game 1 to Game 2, you’ve got to find some of your biggest jumps,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said.