Originally Posted by CruiseMan

Got to sit and watch the OSU/Michigan game today which was a nice treat. I believe in the 3rd quarter, an OSU receiver made a great acrobatic catch in the end zone right near the sideline. Made a great effort to keep his feet in (i know he only needs one, but that one was really really close).

Anyway, the SJ made a great call. He was right on the pylon, about 3 yards back. You could clearly see him looking at the feet, then double-checking to make sure the receiver still had the ball and then signaling touchdown.

On the subsequent replays, after the announcers gushed over the catch (and rightly so), to my surprise, they began to gush over the official's call and mechanics. Herbstriet I think it was, even said "That's great mechanics by that official". Brent M. then identified the side judge by his full name and commended the entire crew for the job they had done thus far.

I was pleasantly surprised and proud at the same time.

Originally Posted by Bob M.

REPLY: I don't think there's a foul there Monte. A pick play involves an offensive player going out and initiating contact with a defender for the express purpose of taking him out of coverage. If the defender swerves to avoid that contact, I don't believe there's a foul.

Originally Posted by mick

I thought SJ waited for BJ, which means to me that the announcers missed it again. [ Although, it coulda been another game I watched.]

Originally Posted by tommyboy0125

The announcers also supported the officials on the play that may have sealed the game for Ohio State - the hit to the head by the Michigan defender. All 3 announcers agreed that it was the right call, even in such an important situation (it would have been 4th and long). Debatable whether the hit was out of bounds. A no-call would have been best on a late hit, but the hit to the head, and with the helment made it a call that had to be made (epecially being that they always protect the QB). They broadcast team also made a good point in distinguishing between NFL (helmet to helmet) and the college rule.

On another note: did anyone notice the difference in demeanor of the two head coaches? Jim Tressel was cool and calm the entire game, and is the same EVERY game. You didn't see him arguing when his player leveled the center on the punt, or on any other foul, for that matter. Meanwhile Lloyd Carr was arguing with the Linesman at every opportunity. When his player was downed at the 1 yard line, he was arguing the spot instead of taking care of the next play.