Can you spike the ball in College Football? All you need to know

A Navy Midshipmen player was flagged for spiking the ball after scoring against the Army Black Knights in the college football postseason. Hence, the referee made us consider the NCAA rules for spiking a football.

Let's examine the rules and determine whether the referee was right to punish Navy's Eli Heidenreich in an action-packed game against the Army.

Can you spike the football in College Football?

According to the NCAA rules, players are not allowed to do anything that could "provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to match officials or to the image of the game."

Such infractions are:

(a) Pointing the finger(s), arm(s), hand(s), or ball at the opposing team or a player imitating throat slashing.

(b) Baiting, taunting, or mocking an opponent verbally.

(c) Inciting spectators or opponents in any other way, such as putting a hand by the ear to request recognition or simulating the firing of a weapon.

(d) Any excessive, delayed, choreographed, or prolonged act by which a player, player, or team member tries to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).

(e) An unopposed ball carrier alters stride as he nears the opponent's goal line or hops into the end zone.

Spiking could fall under one of the above categories, and it's assumed that's why the referee threw a flag in the Navy versus Army game. Unfortunately for Rob Gronkowski-inspired players and fans, no, you cannot spike the ball in College Football.

Who is the favorite to win the CFB National Championship?

With the regular season in the rearview mirror, let's look at the favorites to win the highly coveted national championship. These are the odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Oregon Ducks: +350
• Texas Longhorns: +350
• Georgia Bulldogs: +380
• Ohio State Buckeyes: +475
• Penn State Nittany Lions: +650
• Notre Dame: +1100
• Tennessee Volunteers: +2800
• SMU: +4500
• Indiana: +4500
• Clemson: +5000
• Arizona State: +6000
• Boise State: +7000

This season's expanded format makes the college football playoffs even more enjoyable. 12 teams rather than the typical four will compete for honors. All the teams listed above were thoroughly impressive during the regular season and have decent chances at winning it all come January.