Expert: Thom Brooks - 3/14/2008

Question
Why was the field goal seldom used in the 1940's and 1950's
in college football, as compared to today? Was there a rule change, or several, that made the field goal more viable?

Answer
Luke, hello!

I will do some research for the best answers.  I coach a men's baseball team and have been talking with 4 guys about baseball tonight.  My mind needs to get refocused on football!  

The answers that come to mind, will be:

1.  Football started as a running game, then evolved into passing, and then added kicking as an offensive weapon.

The first season a Touchdown was Worth Six Points
1912 – From 1892 to 1898, a TD was worth four points.
From 1898 to 1911, it was worth five points.

2.  The field goals used to be drop kicked.

3.  Footballs used to be round not pointed.  

4.  No one knew it could really win games.

5.  I cannot remember when they set the goal post back off the end zone line, nor when they widened the goal posts, but those could have been factors also!

Go to the website below:

NFL Field Goal Record


They have a great history on your inquiry.  

Take care,

Thom Brooks