I am not one to blame officiating for losses typically. The two PI calls that were similar (both going against UI in the 4’th) are frustrating. The calls though, are somewhat subjective and I would guess that’s how the B1G will respond too BB and JW this week.
What isn’t being discussed much is the UM fumble off the snap that their QB recovered and threw for a first down. Clearly the QB was down when he came in contact with the ball, but that should have been reviewed and ruled a recovered fumble and down at the spot of recovery. That would have resulted in 4’th and 11, I believe. Instead, they gain roughly 10 yards, first down, and kick a field goal a few plays later. There is no subjectivity here.
The rule book:
Ball Declared Dead
ARTICLE 3. A live ball becomes dead and an official shall sound their whistle or declare it dead:
b. When any part of the ball carrier’s body, except the hand or foot, touches the ground or when the ball carrier is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession of the ball as they contact the ground with any part of their body, except the hand or foot [Exception: The ball remains alive when an offensive player has simulated a kick or at the snap is in position to kick the ball held for a place kick by a teammate. The ball may be kicked, passed or advanced by rule] (A.R. 4-1-3-I).
The replay:
View attachment 21564
Though human error will always occur in all sports where there are subjective calls (PI, balls and strikes, fouls in bball, etc), it baffles me how we can roll out instant replay for all these sports, and while officials spend 3-5 minutes reviewing very objective things, they still F it up.
That’s what frustrates me to no end.
If I can watch the game while putting back a 6 pack from my recliner, and see a replay once or twice and know what the call should be after 30 seconds - how do misses like this occur?
Rant complete.
Now go crush NW and roll in a bowl
I L L …