Ad Disclosure
While there are always calls that frustrate fans each Saturday, this week’s games largely were devoid of widespread controversy. Two calls stood out from the Week 7 slate.
PLAY CLOCK KARMA?
Florida lucked out on questionable play clock rulings in an overtime win against Kentucky and a one-point victory over Tennessee, so it only seemed fair that the Gators took the unfortunate end of another controversial clock ruling on Saturday.
After a Jeff Driskel interception late in the fourth quarter, LSU tried to set up a game-winning field goal. But after running a play, the clock dwindled under 10 seconds, then three seconds. Overtime appeared imminent. And then the officials ruled that Florida’s players were intentionally delaying the game by preventing LSU from getting off the ground and lining up to spike the ball.
I think it was the correct call — though it was nerve-wracking, for once this wasn’t a case of Les Miles mismanaging the clock. The Tigers should’ve had plenty of time to spike the ball after the play, and the team needed to get closer to the end zone for a field goal to be feasible. But I understand why Florida fans are upset. It’s a gut-wrenching way to lose.
On clock issue at end of #Gators loss to LSU, SEC spokesperson said officials felt UF did not "un-pile in a timely manner" & delayed game.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 12, 2014
LSU runner down w/ 20 secs left, referee stopped clock to ready ball for play, "reset game clock to time at which he recognized the delay."
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 12, 2014
PASS INTERFERENCE COSTS AUBURN
Elsewhere in the SEC West, Auburn fell to Mississippi State after a difficult offensive pass interference call early in the third quarter.
Sammy Coates hauled in a 68-yard catch that would’ve set up the Tigers with a first-and-goal, but Coates and the Bulldogs defensive back each stuck out their arms just before the ball arrived.
Auburn scored later in the quarter to get within 28-20, so a touchdown there could’ve changed the complexion of the game.
I agree with the broadcasters that a no-call would’ve been the correct decision on this play, but it’s a tough and subjective judgment.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
