Over the weekend I was watching a college game where it was first and goal (maybe 2nd and goal) from the 2 year line. The defense committed an unsportsman conduct penalty and the ball was moved to the 1 year line (half the distance to the goal). On the very next play, the offense committed a holding penalty and was penalized 10 yards back to the 11 yard line.

Not an unusual circumstance. Most of us have seen this kind of thing many times. But something just doesn't see right about it.

Why should the penalty yardage be less because of where the ball is on the field? A 5 yard penalty should be 5 yards. A 15 yard penalty should be 15 yards.

Got me thinking of this rule change. If the defense commits a foul, the normal yardage should be marked off. If there is less yards than the foul it should result in a safety. In other words if the ball is at the 4 yard line and defense jumps offside. Safety. 2 points. If the ball is at the 11 and defense commits a 15 yard penalty....safety.

Any thoughts?