Replay coming to Big Ten

Big Ten football officials will have life a little easier next season. \nThe use of experimental replay during Big Ten football games has been approved by the NCAA Division 1 Championships/ Competition Cabinet, following recommendations made by the NCAA Football Rules Committee.\nIU coach Gerry DiNardo has supported the idea of replay since he first came into the league in 2002. \n"I was in favor of it," DiNardo said. "I'm glad (the Big Ten) did it. I've been in favor of it right from the beginning."\nThe recommendation will only be used in games between Big Ten teams, according to an NCAA press release. Non-Big Ten teams will have the option to use the replay system when they visit Big Ten stadiums. \nThe addition of technology to the college game gives DiNardo some comfort.\n"I think what they're going to do is overturn some really blatant misses," he said of the officials.\nThe experimental replay differs from the NFL-style replay fans are accustomed to with the main difference being the lack of referee intervention. On-field officials will not be reviewing nor overturning calls.\nA technical advisor, assigned to every league game by the conference, will be the only person able to use the video replay and make a decision of the reviewed plays. The replays will be provided by the Big Ten's television partners. \nBut, the advisor will not be allowed to "communicate with network personnel to request replays of specific plays or to request shots from specific camera angles," according to the release. \nThe only feed the technical advisor will be allowed to use will be the network's video feed.\nHoosier quarterback junior Matt LoVecchio thinks the replay will make the officiating more efficient.\n"Sometimes in a close game with a few close plays, it could be the difference between winning and losing," LoVecchio said.\nBig Ten officials have come under scrutiny over the last few years because of blown calls and poor officiating. Coaches have spoken out against the referees -- most notably Penn State's Joe Paterno. \nBut IU freshman safety Will Meyers thinks the experimental replay might affect the way the game is officiated.\n"I think it's probably a good thing," he said. "Anytime you can get something right."\nBut Meyers did show some concern over the possible negative effects of replay but said it is good for college football.\n"The one negative is that it stops the flow of the game," Meyers said. "It definitely helps college football, but it all comes down to whether or not we make the plays."\nWhen it comes to coaching, DiNardo doesn't forecast any change in his style of coaching or his game plan.\n"I don't see any impact on my coaching style," he said. \nBringing replay to the Big Ten will pay for itself if plays do, in fact get overturned, DiNardo said.\n"If it allows the league to overturn one bad call, then it's worth it," he said.