Bad Spot on third down?

[transfer2BGSU]

I keep thinking there is some laser application for first down markers. A beam to shoot across the fieldat the point where a first down would be gained. Then there's no need for chains to come out for measurement-if the beam hits the ball- First Down. there would have to be some kind of track along the field for the laser to move back and forth and it would no doubt be expensive but it gives me something to shoot for in my retirement. Any of you who attended BG's Engineering school feel free to tinker with this.

I was under the impression it was the responsibility of the network broadcasting the game to provide such application to be used.

[footballguy51]

I keep thinking there is some laser application for first down markers. A beam to shoot across the fieldat the point where a first down would be gained. Then there's no need for chains to come out for measurement-if the beam hits the ball- First Down. there would have to be some kind of track along the field for the laser to move back and forth and it would no doubt be expensive but it gives me something to shoot for in my retirement. Any of you who attended BG's Engineering school feel free to tinker with this.

I was under the impression it was the responsibility of the network broadcasting the game to provide such application to be used.

I think he is suggesting that we use a laser to replace the chains. It would definitely be accurate, as long as it is constructed correctly, however I don't like the idea. The chains have been the standard way to measure for as long as I can remember, and it's part of the game. The current method is pretty darn accurate, down to about a fraction of an inch. A laser on a track could get trampled when plays go out of bounds, and that is very expensive compared to a set of first down chains. Remember, you can't set it back too far or else the team gets in the way between the 30's.

Additionally, remember that the field does have a slope from the middle to the sidelines. The laser would have to contend with this curve, which is probably not easily achieved. If you notice on TV, that laser line moves a bunch. I think that's because it's generated by the TV station, and has nothing to do with the first down markers (although I could be wrong). Also, that line tends to lie.

[h2oville rocket]

Additionally, remember that the field does have a slope from the middle to the sidelines. The laser would have to contend with this curve, which is probably not easily achieved.

Killjoy. OK, you run a tiny line of prisms vertically down the center of the field to refract the light to the far sideline. And its a fifteen yard penalty for stomping on the laser. "Stomping on the laser, Towel guy for the offense-fifteen yard penalty. Repeat second down."

[toddpav]

You guys are kidding with the "laser" system, right? The TV channels just use that for graphic representation. In no way shape or form are there actual laser systems in use (in the NCAA or NFL, to my knowledge). I know the guys on our chains crew that run the BG games (only non paid chains crew in the MAC, I might add), and they have two systems in place to make sure the chains go in the right place.

In the end, it still up to the refs.

[h2oville rocket]

You guys are kidding with the "laser" system, right? The TV channels just use that for graphic representation. In no way shape or form are there actual laser systems in use (in the NCAA or NFL, to my knowledge). I know the guys on our chains crew that run the BG games (only non paid chains crew in the MAC, I might add), and they have two systems in place to make sure the chains go in the right place.

In the end, it still up to the refs.

Not kidding at all. Didn't know the TV thing was even a laser and no one was saying they are in use now but I certainly could see it as an application for lasers in the future. Like I said- too expensive now and impracticle under current circumstances but it could certainly be made to work someday. You'll wish you had thought of it when you see my timberframe mansion in Allenspark, Colorado. Think big, Todd.

[transfer2BGSU]

And its a fifteen yard penalty for stomping on the laser. "Stomping on the laser, Towel guy for the offense-fifteen yard penalty. Repeat second down."

Actually, unless you needed 16 or more yards, it would be a first down.

[h2oville rocket]

And its a fifteen yard penalty for stomping on the laser. "Stomping on the laser, Towel guy for the offense-fifteen yard penalty. Repeat second down."

Actually, unless you needed 16 or more yards, it would be a first down.

Uh, penalty was on the offense- reread post.

[Redwingtom]

I keep thinking there is some laser application for first down markers. A beam to shoot across the fieldat the point where a first down would be gained. Then there's no need for chains to come out for measurement-if the beam hits the ball- First Down. there would have to be some kind of track along the field for the laser to move back and forth and it would no doubt be expensive but it gives me something to shoot for in my retirement. Any of you who attended BG's Engineering school feel free to tinker with this.

Hey A$$hat. We all know that we don't need an Engineering school to be better than UT.
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We just need to buy a Medical school