OU vs UT

[jc]

In the 2nd quarter today, OU scored a TD at the pylon on the LJ side.  The ball was snapped from the 5 yd line and it was 3rd and goal, so the goal line was the LJ responsibility.  For some unknown reason, the LJ backed up to the 3 yd line leaving the goal line uncovered.  The FJ was on the end line at the pylon and had the sideline help.  There was no one on the goal line to rule if the plane was broken.  Fortunately, they got it right, but clearly the LJ was out of position.  He should have backed wider out of bounds staying on the goal line. 

[TXMike]

I will have the clip up later.

What conference do you work in and what is your conference's guidance for the L when there is a pass play?

[Etref]

In the 2nd quarter today, OU scored a TD at the pylon on the LJ side.  The ball was snapped from the 5 yd line and it was 3rd and goal, so the goal line was the LJ responsibility.  For some unknown reason, the LJ backed up to the 3 yd line leaving the goal line uncovered.  The FJ was on the end line at the pylon and had the sideline help.  There was no one on the goal line to rule if the plane was broken.  Fortunately, they got it right, but clearly the LJ was out of position.  He should have backed wider out of bounds staying on the goal line. 

Pure mechanics wise you may be correct. However, had he done that he could never have seen the catch/no catch and neither would have the F.

Buck says he gets kudos from his supervisor on the play.

[blindref757]

I watched the play 10 times.  It's a classic case of the L being in a "catch 22" situation.  If he stays on the GL, he can't see the ball and has to guess or hope for help (partner or replay) on the catch-no catch.  If he goes for the angle and gives up the GL, he risks missing the ball breaking the plane...and people questioning his move on the internet.  Personally, I think he made the right choice.  IR probably shows up on the GL better than a ball touching the turf in most cases.

[jc]

His main responsibility has to be the goal line.  He has help on the sideline, but not on the goal line.  If he gets wider on the goal line, he probably can still see the catch, but where he ended up has no prayer of seeing if the ball crossed the plane.