BBW no call

[Covid 22]

I haven't called in a couple of years now but I was wondering about BBW restrictions for running backs.   In the Boise State game their premier RB blocked a linebacker (maybe defensive end) at the knees just outside the tackle position.  It was a pass play and the announcers praised him for the block.   Isn't a RB restricted from BBW in this instance?   It was right in front of the "R".

Let me know what I missed.

Thanks 

[dammitbobby]

For it to be legal, a back must be in the TB at the snap, can only block low from the front, and the ball must be within the tackle box when the block occurs.  From your description, assuming the other criteria were met, it sounds like the R judged him to be still be within the confines of the tackle box; otherwise, it is a missed call.

[Legacy Zebra]

I’ll add on to Bobby’s response. When in question, the blocker and ball are still inside the tackle box. They want to allow RBs to continue to cut blitzing line backers as long as it is from the front and part of normal pass protection. They don’t want the surprise blocks from the side or for him to leave the tackle box and seek out a defender. But from your description, it sounds like a legal play.

[bossman72]

FWIW, we don't nit-pick the edge of the tackle box when it comes to RBs cutting.  If it looks like normal pocket pass pro, leave it alone.  Only when everything is clearly out of the tackle box would we want a foul.

[ElvisLives]

Only when everything is clearly out of the tackle box would we want a foul.

I know you are only talking about a block by a qualified back, so forgive me if we expand the discussion to mitigate any misunderstanding such a broad sounding statement might cause, even though not at all incorrect.
There are several types of illegal blocks below the waist that can occur within the TB.
A stationary back within the TB at the snap is qualified to block below the waist FROM THE FRONT (only) in the TB, and while the ball is in the TB. For a qualified back, no, we are not going to be technical about the limits of the TB for a block FROM THE FRONT. A block, by a back, from the side below the waist is a foul, anywhere, anytime. A block below the waist, from any direction, by any back that is, or was ever, outside the TB, is a foul.

Linemen in the TB at the snap are qualified to block below the waist from the front or side, when the block is part of their ‘initial charge,’ which is a horrible label for what has been interpreted since we first got this rule change. We are all certainly OK with what has been interpreted, but a much better label would be the ‘initial engagement.’ Backpedaling a couple of steps and diving at an oncoming defender - even from the side - is not truly a ‘charge,’ (although it is considered such, by interpretation), but it is an ‘engagement,’ and that is OK. Truly charging forward, or backpedaling, before engaging is completely OK for a qualified lineman. Any block from the front by a lineman within the TB and while the ball is in the TB, is legal. Chasing a defender to then block him below the waist from the side within the TB, from any direction outside the TB, or from any direction after the ball has left the TB, is a foul. Again, if the question is the limits of the tackle box, we aren’t going to be too technical.

BBW is probably the most complicated rule in NCAA football. So many variables to analyze in real time. Penalty enforcement is complex, but we have time to ‘run the traps’ on that, and get help from crew mates. We don’t have that luxury with blocking below the waist.
And we didn’t even address BBW by Team B…