The Notre Dame-Michigan State game had an incredible ending to a fairly dull game. With Notre Dame leading by three in overtime, Michigan State called a fake field goal and threw the game-winning touchdown. This was not without controversy though. As soon as the game ended, people pointed out that the play clock had expired and that Sparty should have been called for a delay of game. If you look (or click on it) at the screen cap above, the clock is indeed at 0.00. As Bubba pointed out, Sparty got the snap off 0.2 seconds after the play clock expired. Surly this game will be talked about on Monday and not just for Notre Dame losing on a fake field goal.
(Screen cap via Mock Session)
Keep in mind, though, the officials have to read and react to that play clock running down. So often times for better or for worse, an offense is generally given a half second or so buffer between the time when the clock runs to 0 and the moment the official signals a delay of game. Pay attention tomorrow to when the whistle for delay of game occurs in relation to when the play clock expires. It is rare that you see a whistle blown .2 seconds or sooner past the play clock expiration.
ReplyDeleteNot only that, but if you freeze it at the perfect time, you will notice ABC's play clock is not perfectly in sync with the play clock on the scoreboard, the one that the refs are going by. That decreases the timing by at least .1 second. I'm sorry, but the referees missing a delay of game call by .1 second is not a controversy, though Notre dame cry babies are sure as hell going to milk it up for all its worth.
ReplyDeleteI will be putting up the screenshots for proof in a bit.