I have to jump in here to voice my support for the officials. The correct call was jump ball -- it is clearly evident on the replay, regardless of what the commentators say.
The defensive player had good position with his hands in the air. The offensive player (Kent State) initiated the contact, which was all hand-to-ball.
The NCAA rule for a held ball in this situation (Rule 4 -- Definitions) is that "A held ball occurs when an opponent places his or her hand(s) ... on the ball to prevent an airborne player from throwing the ball or attempting a try."
There is nothing in the rule that states that the offensive player had to return to the floor. Nor would that be the "common sense" interpretation. In fact, common sense would dictate that as soon as the try was prevented, the held ball should be called.
The only reason that this was a disputed call was because of the way the coaches and commentators reacted.
Did it
look like a foul? Yes. At least from the first (far away) camera angle. But when shown from a better angle -- one closer to that of the official making the call -- it is clear that it was certainly not a foul.
I'm all for "common sense" but this play is not even a rules question -- it is a judgement call. There is no way that there was a foul on the play -- it was totally legitimate defense by Pitt. I don't think that you can make a case for a "no call" either because of how long the defender prevented the try from being attempted.
I'm going with the officials (and Mark) on this one.
BTW -- in real time last night, I thought that they blew it, but after the replay I thought that they got it right. Then, a few minutes ago, I went back on my
TiVo to take another look and I have no doubt that the held ball, however unpopular, was the correct call.
For whatever that's worth
