During the Texas / OU game the LJ flagged the defense for Offside. Replay showed the defensive lineman "flinch" his leg. He never came out of his stance and never entered the NZ. The Team A tackle reacted to this movement and came out of his stance. Does anyone have any insight into the Big 12 philosophy about this play? I remember a Big 12 official stating that the defender did NOT have to be in the NZ for this to be flagged. This seems to be in contrast to the rule and the ARs. This play is similar to 2a in the AR.
7-1-5-a-2
No player may enter the neutral zone causing an offensive lineman to
react immediately or commit any other dead-ball offside foul (Rules
2-18-2 and 7-1-2-b-3-Exception) (A.R. 7-1-3-V and A.R. 7-1-5-III).
AR 7-1-3-V
A66, a restricted lineman between the snapper and the player on the
end of the line, or A72, a restricted player on the end of the line of
scrimmage:
1. Lifts a hand or hands from the ground immediately when threatened
by B1, who is in the neutral zone. RULING: Blow the whistle
immediately. Team B dead-ball foul, offside. Penalty—Five yards
from the succeeding spot.
2. Lifts a hand or hands from the ground upon initial charge by B1, who
(a) does not enter the neutral zone or (b) enters the neutral zone but
does not threaten the position of A66 or A72. RULING: In both (a)
and (b), blow the whistle immediately. Team A dead ball foul, false
start. Penalty—Five yards from the succeeding spot.
