Possible IW in Alabama/Fla Game?

[bama_stripes]

Can any of you guys with SEC contacts get an explanation of the call late in the 1st half that resulted in the Florida QB being ruled down and in possession?

It obviously didn't affect the game, but it looked really strange.

[TXMike]

I think it is one Rom Gilbert is using this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8LCFnh5yrE

[Atlanta Blue]

I think it is one Rom Gilbert is using this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8LCFnh5yrE

The HL ruled that the QB was down in possession.  The title of the Youtube video is misleading, as the play WAS reviewed.  ALL plays are reviewed in games with an RO.  The game was not stopped, but the play WAS reviewed.  People often confuse those situations, thinking that only those plays where the game is stopped and the R is called to the headset are those that are reviewed.  That is simply incorrect.  It's only when the RO can't confirm the call between plays where the game is stopped and the R goes on the headset.  But by then, the play has already been reviewed, often from numerous angles.  The dead ball period between plays is a very busy time in the replay booth.

The TV announcers butchered the call, as they confused the Florida time out as coming before the play, not after.  The play by play clearly shows they were wrong.  But tha could have been avoided with a good announcement from Curles.

Two criticisms: I'm not sure the QB did have possession on the ground, in fact I'm pretty sure he didn't.  But in any case, Marc Curles sure could have made an announcement and cleared up a confusing situation, and he didn't.  I know that will be discussed this week.

[GoodScout]

From my eyes, it looked like an IW. Curles, who was closest to the play, clearly saw it as a fumble and beanbagged it. He looked like he was ready to follow the play to the EZ when he apparently heard the H's whistle from all the way over at the backside sideline, knew the play was pooched, and stopped. I'm sure Rogers will talk about it, and hey, IW's happen. But where I think the crew fell down was in not owning the call, and either announcing a) "QB was ruled down on the field" or b) "We had an inadvertent whistle on a loose ball play, and by rule we go back to the previous spot." Leaving the questions unanswered wasn't owning up to what happened, IMHO.

[TXMike]

I don't think anyone is saying the H did not agree there had possibly been a fumble.  But he had a much better view of whether or not the QB regained contraol than did the R.  If the R asked him if he saw the QB regain possession while down and the H said yes, then there was no IW (although replay sure seems to suggest the QB never really got a firm grasp and control).

[GoodScout]

Again, because they didn't announce what happened on the play, we're forced to speculate. That said, since there was no foul, there really wasn't cause to make an announcement.

[bama_stripes]

Thanks, for the link, Mike -- it has several angles the CBS broadcast didn't show.

I still can't tell whether the QB ever had secure possession of the ball.  It's quite possible that he did, since #91 tugged TWICE to get it out.  But it's also possible that he was merely on top of the ball without having it secured.

I have an admitted bias in this game.  But I thought the philosophy when working "replay" games was to leave the ball live if possible, and let replay overturn if necessary.  Has that changed?

[RMR]

As far as an IW is concerned, Curles really did not look happy at all when he went over to talk to his H during the timeout.

[Osric Pureheart]

Is it just me, or did the H look more than a bit grateful that they brought in black trousers for all games?

[blindref757]

Looks like 91 rips it out of QB's hands with great effort...and even if it was a tad loose, he possesses with a knee on the ground.  Not a TD any way I look at it.

[Magician]

I have an admitted bias in this game.  But I thought the philosophy when working "replay" games was to leave the ball live if possible, and let replay overturn if necessary.  Has that changed?

The Big 10/MAC direction is to officiate the game as they always do and not consider replay.