[Blue37]

I attended a college (high level D-1) game Saturday. I usually do not watch the Umpire, but he got my attention early, so I concentrated somewhat on him. I have not attended a college game in a couple of years, so this might be standard seven-man mechanics.

He seldom went outside the hashes. The following descriptions varied somewhat depending on the the amount of yards gained or lost, but generally held true.

If the play ended inside the hashes, he went to the pile if it was close and spotted the ball. If the pile was not close, he relayed the new ball to the Referee, who then spotted the ball.
If the play ended between the hash and the numbers, he went to the pile if it was close. Sometimes he spotted the ball, but most often, he relayed the new ball to the Referee, who then spotted the ball.
If the play ended outside the numbers he stayed at the hash, even if the play ended in the team box.

What got my attention was the lack of deadball support he provided on sweeps. The deep wings could offer little help. The Referee was very mobile and was in the bench area helping the L or LJ, but the Umpire was inside the hash.

I am not identifying the game or the conferences involved as I do not want to be viewed as slamming the official. I just want to know if these are the normal mechanics for NCAA Umpires.