Former @MSU_Football ST Coach MSU Alum 22'
Joined September 2013
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Mason Ruddy retweeted
The other fact is that 0.74% of punts last year were considered “deceptive” fakes. This “unfair” advantage of the punt team is less than 1% of punt plays. This punt rule is a drastic reaction to such a small percentage. #SavePunt
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Terry has clearly never had 6’3 240 lb linebackers who run 4.5, rush full speed through his chest before
There most certainly is a compelling reason. Kicking teams had become extremely creative with formations in order to confuse the receiving team with respect to who may or may not be eligible, i.e., who needed to be covered in case of a fake punt.
There was an unfair advantage that is now significantly reduced or eliminated.
Fundamental principle of the rules: Start the play fairly for both sides of the ball.
Mason Ruddy retweeted
A 2025 study of 150 blocked punts found that 80.7% happened out of the same 2x2 formation this proposed rule would require. Another 12.7% came from formations that would become illegal, while just 6.7% were due to poor operation.
Mason Ruddy retweeted
What if I told you guys this isn’t a gimmick at all, @PeteThamel & @PatMcAfeeShow? But rather rule that pushed through hastily without taking into consideration legitimate player safety concerns and potential roster implications…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
We certainly wouldn’t want any creativity now would we?
What unfair advantage? The one that requires the defenders to know where the eligible players are & account for them? Perhaps we should require every offensive formation to use 2 backs & 3 TEs so we know who’s eligible.
There most certainly is a compelling reason. Kicking teams had become extremely creative with formations in order to confuse the receiving team with respect to who may or may not be eligible, i.e., who needed to be covered in case of a fake punt.
There was an unfair advantage that is now significantly reduced or eliminated.
Fundamental principle of the rules: Start the play fairly for both sides of the ball.
You would think a BIG 10 reporter would do some digging before you post some crap like this. Did you even try to ask one person about this rule change before you fired off this tweet? Terrible take and poor judgement. Be better.
Mason Ruddy retweeted
How does this make the game better for players, coaches, officials or the fan experience?
Still don’t understand how a major rule change of this magnitude is passed without the support of the coaches most significantly affected.
The issue that the Big Ten coaches are most animated about at Big Ten meetings? The new/complicated punting rule (below), as the Big Ten coaches are 18-0 against it. Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz, a longtime punt advocate, was among the many animated coaches. “There’s no compelling reason to change it. It was already perfectly fine.”
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Here's the link to the CFO2026 Preseason Video 1 Scrimmage Kick Numbering. This video lays out the nuts and bolts of the new NCAA "punt rule."
🚨🚨Major Changes:
1. Formations must be 2x2 on either side of the snapper. Unless there are five players, wearing numbers 50-79 on the LOS.
2. Players are locked into the 2x2 formation with the Guards & Tackles in, or touching the tackle box. No shifting, and they are ineligible.
3. If five players wearing 50-79 are on the LOS, normal football rules go into effect (shifting/eligibility).
4. If a team elects to change player jerseys to alleviate numbering exceptions, a team may fill out a form and present it to the referees in the pregame meetings. An announcement will be made prior to the play about the changes.
youtube.com/watch?v=wNIIhmOT…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Couldn’t have been a better day for a @LeVarWoods mic’d up ☀️🎙️
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Pandora’s box has been opened
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Speaking to a half-dozen college special teams coaches, multiple head coaches & rules experts this much became a clear: A rule change to punt formations - 2 coaches said “The Notre Dame rule” - is becoming a major controversy. Only @usatodaysports: usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Speaking to a half-dozen college special teams coaches, multiple head coaches & rules experts this much became a clear: A rule change to punt formations - 2 coaches said “The Notre Dame rule” - is becoming a major controversy. Only @usatodaysports: usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
New rules should elevate players, schemes, and the game itself - not limit them. #SpecialTeams
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Here's the exact wording of the rule, tucked away, under "Other rule changes."
I wonder how many coaches even know this rule changed...
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
A controversial new NCAA punt rule has college football's special teams coaches up in arms
footballscoop.com/2026/04/09…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
Elite article standing up for voices of reason on this INSANE rule change. #SavePunt
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…
Mason Ruddy retweeted
61-1 for a reason. Allow us to be creative on Special Teams. @FootballScoop @WeAreAFCA
A survey conducted by Division I football special teams and head coaches showed a 61-1 vote who opposed the NCAA rule change on punts. usatoday.com/story/sports/nc…