Last Second Scoring

[PSU213]

This very well could have changed since then, but I recall the Buffalo/New England game several years ago (perhaps 1998?). BUF was up by less than 6. NE drove down the field and was helped by several very 'suspect' calls (including a DPI call on what would have been the game endin Hail Mary by NE). NE scored and BUF was so upset at the manner in which they lost the game, they walked off the field, but NE was required to attempt a try. Since BUF had left the field and would not come back, NE scored an uncontested 2. The reason that NE 'had' to attempt a try is that point differential makes a difference for playoff qualifying/playoff seeding.

Going back even farther is the 1994 Colorado/Michigan game. COL scored on a final play Hail Mary to win by (I believe) 1. After the game the issue was raised of why they did not have to attempt a try since MICH could return it for two. The explaination given then was something to the effect that they (COL) could decline making a try in this situation. Considering this was over 14 years ago, my memory is foggy and I would not be suprised if something has changed with this senario (NCAA rules experts needed here....).