Filed under: Oregon, Oregon State, Officiating
Pretty much this entire Zebra Report stems from things Oregon does on offense and from one particular play in the Oregon-Oregon State Civil War game, but that doesn't mean it's Oregon-centric. These discussions are all things that apply to every team in football -- starting with the unnecessary roughness penalty on Oregon State with 2:22 left in the second quarter. For those who didn't see the play, Ducks running back Kenjon Barner was running toward the sideline and was shoved out by the Oregon State defender seemingly right as he stepped on the out of bounds line. A penalty was called. ESPN's Pat Forde tweeted that it was a "garbage" call and I'm seeing this as a common refrain from many fans who don't regularly quack.
But here's the issue: Barner was noticeably slowing down and running straight out of bounds. His intent was clear, in that he was going straight out of bounds (notice how much time was left in the half). Whether fans or the defense like it or not, it is part of the defense's job to know where the sideline is and for all players to avoid unnecessary contact. If a ballcarrier is in the act of going out of bounds, he has to be allowed to do so without being shoved in the middle of the back.
Now, I know the arguments that commonly follow this logic. Let me use some telepathy and answer the forthcoming questions and complaints before they hit:
1. But, Matt, what if he changed his mind and cut back?
2. He wasn't out of bounds yet when the defender touched him!
3. This is football! If he doesn't like getting hit, he shouldn't play.
4. I bet you never played a down in your life!
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/09/zebra-report-late-hits-getting-set-more/
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