PSU/OSU Illegal Batting Question

[TXMike]

If that is what the announcer said then it is safe to assume that is NOT what happened

[bigjohn]

YouTube - ohio state vs penn state (2008) close game, 13-6

go to the 30 sec mark, psu player whacked the ball.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by FeetBallRef

From TXMike's video, the announcers stated the the PSU player knocked it back to keep it away from OSU.

Originally Posted by TXMike

If that is what the announcer said then it is safe to assume that is NOT what happened

LOL. Good point, Mike.

[refbuz]

looks like a muffed recovery to me...

[jchamp]

This Buckeye fan really wanted a batting call, but given the way that play developed and all that was going on, I wasn't expecting to see it thrown. I wasn't even sure about it when it first was shown, and we were able to see it on my buddy's 50+" HD screen.
The QB made a bone-headed play, that set the rest of it in motion. As far as I'm concerned, his actions should be more important than making what can be a really picky call.

[bigjohn]

I see refbuz is wearing blue shades!

[refbuz]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

I see refbuz is wearing blue shades!

nah, looks to me like the "bat" came as a result of 2 players jumping on his back in an effort to recover the ball.

I think a case could made either way to support a call/no call.

[FeetBallRef]

Originally Posted by jchamp

This Buckeye fan really wanted a batting call, but given the way that play developed and all that was going on, I wasn't expecting to see it thrown. I wasn't even sure about it when it first was shown, and we were able to see it on my buddy's 50+" HD screen.
The QB made a bone-headed play, that set the rest of it in motion. As far as I'm concerned, his actions should be more important than making what can be a really picky call.

Looking at the players motion on my DVR/HD combination from the replays from ESPN, IMHO, it was definitely a Illegal Bat. The defensive player seeing that he would not have a chance at the ball, intentionally knocked the ball 4-5 yards toward OSU's goal line. This was an advantage gained and clearly against the rules. The fact that the OSU QB had the ball knocked away by a great defensive play by PSU should not be a factor in determining if PSU #46 committed a foul.

YouTube - The Fumble: Penn State Beats Ohio State in Columbus

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by jchamp

The QB made a bone-headed play,

No, not at all. The announcer tried to sell that, but it was no different than any other runner's decision, and if it hadn't been for a stellar play to knock the ball (which was being carried on the proper side) away, it could well have been a good run.

Robert

[bigjohn]

I wish we knew someone that was in the replay booth so we could know why it wasn't reviewed and corrected. I guess the booth can't fix this one, right?

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

No, not at all. The announcer tried to sell that, but it was no different than any other runner's decision, and if it hadn't been for a stellar play to knock the ball (which was being carried on the proper side) away, it could well have been a good run.

Robert

Not only that, the announcers went on how the QB made a decision to run to the side instead of straight ahead. The thing is they have no idea if the QB was told by the coaches to do that. Maybe he was coached to run to the side because they thought he would have a better chance over there.