Helmets popping off at alarming rate in college football

Kelly Whiteside of USA TODAY wrote about helmets popping off at alarming rate in college football during play this college football season. I've seen it occur a number of times while taking pictures on the sidelines (see below). The article states the NCAA is keeping track of the amount of times helmets come off during play and during games, the back judge is the person tallying the times when a player loses a helmet.

A couple reasons this is happening are players keeping the buckles on their chinstrap loose so the helmet can easily pop off. Also, players are slightly deflating the air cushions because they don't want the helmets tight on their heads.

Hopefully the NCAA Football Rules Committee can find a way to cut down on the number of instances helmets come off. How about making the play dead when a player's helmet comes off? Either that or make sure players are buckling the straps properly.

Miami LB James Gaines lost his helmet but continues his pursuit of Maryland RB Davin Meggett


Another lost helmet in this play vs West Virginia