Why Michigan Football offense is scoring less in 2023

There’s been a lot of opinions about this 2023 Michigan Football offense. Many are quick to say that this team isn’t as good because they aren’t blowing out non-conference opponents in the same manner they were a year ago. Others will blame it on the new clock rules. So what is really going on?

Are the New Clock Rules to Blame?

If you haven’t been barraged by complaints of the new rules yet let me fill you in. This year the NCAA decided to solve the most pressing issue facing college football today. That’s right- the lack of commercials during games.

Finally, fans’ lingering complaints of wanting less football and more Wendy’s commercials are no longer falling on deaf ears. This year the NCAA finally took a stand and eliminated the game clock stoppage after first downs to ‘speed up the game’.

However, games conveniently are still scheduled for the same TV time slots of three and a half hours meaning less football and more commercials!

Okay, enough complaining. These new rules have resulted in fewer plays per game and thus less chances to score. Michigan football this year is only running 57 offensive plays per game compared to 64.5 through the first four games of last year.

Does this mean the clock rules are entirely to blame? No. Seven and a half plays is definitely significant and taking points off the board, however, the clock rules aren’t the only cause for decline in scoring this year.