Crazy Question.

#1
floridavol

floridavol

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Nov 30, 2004
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#1
During the game on Saturday my wife asked me why the game ball for the Vols has stripes and the game ball for NFL teams have none. I Googled the question and came back with descriptions and rules but no reason as to why. Anybody know?
 
#2
#2
Kinda like "How many licks does it take to get to the middle of a Tootsie Roll Pop?" The world may never know. On a serious note, I have often wondered that myself, but have never really tried to find the answer.
 
#3
#3
the size is actually different and it has to do with NFL rules vs. NCAA rules. there are regulations as to the size of the ball just like basketballs. The NCAA ball is a little bit 'shorter' and more 'blunt' on the nose. The NFL ball is also a touch 'fatter' the stripes I think are just traditional markings most companies like Wilson, Nike put on the noses of the ball. Ambiguous I know but I really think the markings go back to simple tradition and presentation for the almighty camera
 
#4
#4
OrangeU said:
the size is actually different and it has to do with NFL rules vs. NCAA rules. there are regulations as to the size of the ball just like basketballs. The NCAA ball is a little bit 'shorter' and more 'blunt' on the nose. The NFL ball is also a touch 'fatter' the stripes I think are just traditional markings most companies like Wilson, Nike put on the noses of the ball. Ambiguous I know but I really think the markings go back to simple tradition and presentation for the almighty camera
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I had always thought that the NFL ball is longer than the NCAA ball. That is why when I buy a new football I get an official collegiate ball as opposed to an NFL ball.
 
#5
#5
i remember being told before that the stripes make it easier to pick up in the air. Kind of an aid if you will. I tried looking it up to no avail though. I'm guessing the NFL just took the "aid" away.
 
#6
#6
Answer

All college and NFL footballs used to have full stripes. But players began complaining that their thumbs were slipping on the paint of the stripe. As a result, the NFL decided to eliminate the stripes from their official footballs all together. The NCAA wanted to keep the strips for two reason: 1) the white stripes helped to illuminate the footballs and most college stadiums are not well let, 2) by keeping stories, the NCAA was differentiating itself from the NFL. The NCAA did decide, however, to change to half stripes (on top half on the ball only) to eliminate the slipperiness of the ball.
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#7
#7
But players began complaining that their thumbs were slipping on the paint of the stripe.
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:lol:

They shouldn't have complained, that eliminated an excuse for not being able to catch it.
 
#9
#9
Only bowl I'll make it to would be the Hawaii Bowl. Thanks for the offer tho. :salute:
 
#12
#12
back in the days before HD and even stadium lights, the lines on footballs were used to help "pick up" the ball in flight. now it is basically tradition.

some teams in the late '80s and early '90s actually used the NFL balls with half stripes on them.

now everyone has a contract with someone and they are made specifically for the college game.
 
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