The NCAA Football Rules Committee has proposed a number of changes for the 2019 season, including harsher penalties for targeting and an attempt to avoid marathon overtime games.

Regarding targeting, the Committee has recommended an additional one-game suspension for a player who commits multiple targeting fouls in the same season. Currently, a player is ejected from the game and suspended for an additional half after being flagged for targeting, but there is no cumulative penalty.

In addition, the instant replay official will examine the play to make sure all elements of targeting are present. If not, the targeting foul and the 15-yard penalty associated with it will be overturned.

“The targeting rule has been effective in changing player behavior,” said Steve Shaw, NCAA secretary-rules editor. “The progressive penalty is to ensure that a player re-evaluates his technique, with coaching staff support, after he receives a targeting foul. Additionally, the instant replay review changes will ensure that when a player is disqualified, it is clearly warranted.”

In addition, the committee has proposed tweaking the rules if a game reaches a fifth overtime. At that point, teams would run alternating 2-point plays, rather than start another drive at the opponent's 25-yard line.

Rules for the first four overtimes would remain unchanged, though the committee is proposing a two-minute rest period after the second and fourth overtimes. The changes are being proposed in the wake of last season’s seven-overtime game between LSU and Texas A&M, in hopes of ending games sooner.

“The NCAA overtime rules continue to be very popular with our fans and coaches,” Shaw said. “This change impacts only a small number of our contests but will eliminate plays from long overtime games."

Other modifications proposed include the elimination of the "two-man wedge" on kickoffs, as well as outlawing a blind-side block with "forcible contact." Such plays will now be considered a 15-yard penalty and perhaps a targeting foul.

In order for the above rule changes to take effect, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Committee must approve them at their April 17 meeting.