Quote:
Originally posted by JMN
I would be curious to know everyone's opinion on the 2 issues mentioned above from this angle:
1. Sideline warning - I've never seen this on an NCAA televised game. Have you? Was this necessary? Should the flank official have done something else to manage the sideline?
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As someone said somewhere else, I think the sideline warning was for having unauthorized people in the coaches box. It is the first one I've seen in a while, but I've also seen one or two in the NFL in the past couple of years. My guess is that the flank DID try other things first and had to resort to the sideline warning. Or MAYBE it was emphasized to keep it under control. I don't think we will really know the answer.
2. Pulling the coach off the field - Should the official have grabbed the coach and pulled him off the field? Should the R have done anything different to help the flank official?
First, does anyone recall who was he yelling at? I think that makes a difference. As a referee, I think the ONLY thing he might have done is walk over to the sideline (and I mean to the team box) and the coach would likely follow him to continue the discussion. Problem with this is that once it happens once, a coach expects it a lot more and the other team may feel like the Referee is being worked.
In my humble opinion, I think the flank official was trying to do everything in his power to keep from needing to flag Stoops. Maybe pulling him back was a little too touchy. On the other hand, Stoops seemed to go willingly and it prevented a flag. Personally, I thought a flag was more appropriate. But I think flagging a coach is almost taboo in college football (especially in THE biggest game of the year).
3. also, did anyone see one of the flanks continuing the dialogue with the Oklahoma coach. College mechanics in our neck of the woods require the two deep guys on the sideline (FJ & SJ) to have primary communication responsibility with the coaches so that the flanks can be relieved from the ongoing discussions and concentrate on the plays.
I'd be interested in hearing more opinions on this as well.
Good questions JMN.