Alabama v Ohio State Sugar Bowl - Clock Ran in 4th after Incomplete?

[Lhaynes90]

Was just watching the Sugar Bowl and wondering if anyone else saw with about 1 minute remaining in the 4th quarter, the game clock kept running after an Alabama incomplete pass? It was the play where the commentators originally believed it was a fumble.

I'm pretty sure I'm not under the effects of any sense altering substances right now but just want to make sure I wasn't seeing things

[JasonTX]

I believe that is the play where they ruled the runner down and not a fumble nor incomplete.

[Lhaynes90]

Ah ok. I must've missed the signal. I only remember hearing the announcers changing their tune to "i think they are calling it incomplete" and that was all I heard.

Rookie mistake - believing a commentator...sheesh

[TexLJ]

That was a weird play, but they had to have ruled a completion because they marked the ball at the spot where the runner was "down."

[backjudge79]

I think you are talking about the 2nd play on this video. This play should have been reviewed. Looks like an incomplete pass to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtsBwyHFGMQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=42

[Kirby]

I think you are talking about the 2nd play on this video. This play should have been reviewed. Looks like an incomplete pass to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtsBwyHFGMQ&feature=player_detailpage#t=42

The 2nd down play? Upright receiver turns upfield with firm control which indicates the process of the catch has been completed. Contact by defense is what causes the runner to go to the ground. Runner goes to the ground and his helmet makes first contact. Then the ball pops out. HL has a great look and sells the call, which can be confirmed by the line feed. Stopping the game for IR would given the offense an extremely unfair timing advantage.

[backjudge79]

The 2nd down play? Upright receiver turns upfield with firm control which indicates the process of the catch has been completed. Contact by defense is what causes the runner to go to the ground. Runner goes to the ground and his helmet makes first contact. Then the ball pops out. HL has a great look and sells the call, which can be confirmed by the line feed. Stopping the game for IR would given the offense an extremely unfair timing advantage.

Yep, that's the play. You must of had the privilege of a different replay angle. From that angle, no way to tell when the ball came out.

[AlUpstateNY]

Yep, that's the play. You must of had the privilege of a different replay angle. From that angle, no way to tell when the ball came out.

Actually there is a "way to tell" at least for the clock operator. Focusing on the covering official(s) and responding to the specific signal (or no signal) given dictates whether the clock continues to tun, or stops.  Of course clock operators usually don't enjoy the benefit of TV Announcers audio (and banter), and have to struggle without it, relying on the competence of the field officials.

[NVFOA_Ump]

Focusing on the covering official(s) and responding to the specific signal .......

Al's right on top of this.  The covering wing official, looking directly in at the catch and ball position moves immediately to the spot of the tackle and I believe from the brief view at the end of the play is winding the clock as he's holding the DB spot.  That indicates to me that he's got a completion with subsequent down by contact.  If we had a reverse view it would be exactly what the official saw from just a few yards away.  The clock operator would be keying on that official first for a possible stop the clock signal.

[Sumstine]

Stopping the game for IR would given the offense an extremely unfair timing advantage.

I think this play could have been reviewed without a time advantage other than time to rest but that goes for both teams. Had the replay official stopped the game when team A was on the line the page would have come down at around 50 seconds. The snap happened at 48. If the ball was out prior to the body contact with the ground you are either going to have an incomplete pass or immediate recovery. If not the play will stand or be confirmed as a catch and the clock starts on the ready without being reset. If overturned to an incomplete pass the clock would be reset to the end of the last play and if overturned to a fumble team B would have been awarded the ball. Looks like a good play to stop.

[NVFOA_Ump]

I think this play could have been reviewed without a time advantage ..............

But in reality it almost certainly was reviewed at least once or twice.  Assuming given the events that the replay official saw what the calling official saw he probably simply decided that no "further review" requiring a stoppage in play was warranted. 

[xkath]

Rom Gilbert's page was created 8/20/13. I believe the interpretation that this should be PSK was altered after this date.