The Fresno State football team will unveil their helmet communication system at defending national champion and No.9 ranked Michigan on Saturday in the season opener.

And, Bulldogs coach Tim Skipper is glad that the NCAA finally approved the technology long embraced by the NFL.

“I think it’s exciting. Being able to communicate before a snap is crucial,” Skipper said this week.

“Coach Kevin Coyle (defensive coordinator) and Pat McCann (offensive coordinator) have done a lot with it. … The kids at first were like ‘Can you hear me?’ and hitting their helmets to get it to work in the beginning. We’ve gotten through that, we know what we’re doing, and ready to see how it works in the games.”

The new tool could come in handy for the Bulldogs playing in “The Big House” before an estimated 100,000 fans. If the technology doesn’t work, then they’ll have to rely on traditional methods such as hand signals, wristband play scripts, and sideline signs to call plays.

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NCAA Approval Follows Sign-Stealing Allegations

After years of debate over cost and equity, the NCAA approved widespread use of helmet communication in April for the Bowl Subdivision. Meaning 134 teams around the nation will have the option to use it beginning this season.

Approval of the communication came in the wake of allegations last fall of sign-stealing and impermissible scouting by Michigan. The case is being investigated by the NCAA. The organization does not ban efforts to decipher an opponent’s sideline signs on game days. However, in-person advance scouting is banned.

Programs have spent the past four months preparing how to use coach-to-player helmet communications. There’s been no clear estimation of how many teams will use it. Some programs experimented with it during bowl season last year, but it was optional then and still is.

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How Helmet Communication Works

A single player on offense and a single player on defense will be able to hear from a coach; communication will be turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock or when the ball is snapped, whichever comes first. Designated players will sport a green dot on their helmets.

Years of discussion about cost and equitable use delayed approval of an electronic system similar to the NFL, which implemented transmitters between coaches and QBs in 1994 and then defensive players 14 years later.

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Mixed Reactions Across College Football

When it comes to changes in sports, it’s going to have its supporters and naysayers. There’s been differing opinions across the college football landscape.

It remains to be seen which side of the ball will benefit most from the technology. At the very least, plays could feature more clarity with perspectives that could benefit many positions.