December 30, 2005
How it looked & sounded: The final play of the Alamo Bowl
For those of you who missed the ending to the Michigan-Nebraska Alamo Bowl game (and for those of you who saw the ending & still can't believe it), here's a look at the final play as well as the play-by-play calls from the ESPN booth, Michigan booth, and Nebraska booth:
ESPN's Mike Tirico: Looking for a Music City Miracle, they're back behind the line of scrimmage. The game is not over yet. The game is not over yet! Nebraska players are on the field. The play hasn't been whistled dead yet. Hang on a second here. The play is still alive! As Ecker goes down the field for Michigan. (Commentator Kirk Herbstreit interrupts and says, "Oh my gosh!") ... Out at the 15-yard line.
Michigan radio network's Frank Beckmann: Hart's running with it. Nebraska's got the whole team on the field. (Color man Jim Brandstatter interrupts, "They haven't blown the whistle!") Racing it up the right sideline, Tyler Ecker to the 15-yard line. Now the whole Nebraska team is on the field. Clearly they have too many men on the field. Now, did they ever blow it dead? That's the question. I'm assuming they did, because the officials are running off the field. And the ball game ends on the Blue Diamond Almonds nuttiest play of the game. And Nebraska wins the game.
Nebraska radio's Jim Rose: Avant then throws it back a la California and gives it to Manningham. Manningham looking for help ... throws it back to Avant. Time has expired. What's going to happen? Avant throws it up for grabs. The pass is caught by a Michigan guy, taken it out of his hands, and the ball game is over and that's a Nebraska Alamo Bowl win. Michigan continues to run the ball down the field. There are players all over the football field as the Huskers tackle him at the 15-yard line.
Sign of a classic radio guy - the UM broadcast team managed to work in their corporate sponsor.
And here's how the play looked (from the Detroit Free Press):
Meanwhile, the NCAA has come out & said that the officials should have penalized both teams for having too many players on the field. The offsetting penalties would been moot however, as time had expired.
A day after a wild, lateral-filled ending to the Alamo Bowl, David Parry, the N.C.A.A.'s national coordinator for officiating, said that the officials should have thrown flags because Michigan and Nebraska had too many players on the field as the final play unfolded.
Nevertheless, Parry said, the mistake did not affect the outcome of the game, because the penalties by each team would have offset each other, and because time had expired. Parry said that the officials should have explained to each team why the game had ended so abruptly.
...
"Simply what you had was too many men on the field by Nebraska - a whole slew of them - and Michigan had two or three extra men out there," Parry said in a telephone interview last night. "Since both teams had too many men and both teams fouled, it was an offsetting penalty, and the game was over. I think it might have been wise to throw penalty flags and to announce, to say, that it was an offsetting penalty, the game was over."
Comments:
michael said:
posted on December 30, 2005 11:33 AM — 129.118.52.96 — link — abuse?
Not to get nit pickey, but the Alamo Bowl is sponsored by MasterCard. Diamond, which markets the brand, Emerald Nuts, sponsors the bowl in San Francisco (?), which featured Utah and Georgia Tech. Regardless of the bowl game, its location, or its sponsor, Georgia Tech did not show up.
Fan of the Game said:
posted on December 30, 2005 12:54 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
Kevin, according to the NCAA rules ....A period shall not be extended until a down (other than a try), free from live-ball fouls not penalized as dead-ball fouls, has been played when:offsetting fouls occur during a down in which time expires.
Does this mean that in all actuallity, There should have been a final untimed down at the original line of scrimmage? Or am I readint the rule wrong?
Fan of the Game said:
posted on December 30, 2005 1:38 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
Kevin...from what I've been able to find i the rules. In order for the refs to declare the game over, the refs could not have ruled too many men on the field as the infraction. This would be an offsetting, "live ball" infraction that would result in an untimed down from the original line of scrimmage due to the fact that the game clock had expired during the play. However, if the refs ruled offsetting penalties due to "Game Administration interference" meaning personnel associated with the game, excluding players, and including coaches, trainers etc. This would result in a "dead ball" foul on both teams and the game would be ruled as "over" with no chance for another play. I guess we are to assume that his was the ruling by the officials? This is acceptable, but in this case the "too many men on the field" call would have been incorrect, as it applies to players, not administration. David Parry, the NCAA National Coordinator for Officiating has given the public the wrong answer. His answer, by rule would have given Michigan an untimed down at the original line of scrimmage.
Robert Flanders said:
posted on December 30, 2005 2:11 PM — 66.230.105.246 — link — abuse?
Kevin,from what I saw of the game the Neraska players,and staff had entered the field of play first,therefore a penalty flag should have been thrown immediately. Or are we to think that a staff member or illegally participating player can enter the field of play and tackle a ball carrier anytime after the game clock has expired even though the officials had not yet blown the play dead? You might also say the offials should have taken control of the situation better.
posted on December 30, 2005 2:32 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
I don't think you can penalize for Game Administration Interference without sideline warnings being issued. Game Administration Interference is penalized as a dead-ball foul, regardless of when it occurs (during play or after a play).
I think you might be correct in that the head of officials might have misspoken.
posted on December 30, 2005 2:45 PM — link — abuse?
Sorry, that last comment sounded like I has hedging.
Sounds like the head of officials (quoted above) is wrong.
Fan of the Game said:
posted on December 30, 2005 2:48 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
Kevin I agree, Game Administration Interference requires a warning unless the Interference directly resulted in the final outcome of the play. Seeing as no one from either side made apparent contact with any of the ball carriers or tacklers prior to the play ending, the penalty for Game Administration Interference could have only been a warning to both benches and the game would be over. Maybe now we can put this one to rest.
ute4ever said:
posted on December 31, 2005 9:39 PM — 68.105.92.175 — link — abuse?
The final ball carrier had a man about 10 yards from him who had a wide open lane to the end zone (other than a few waterboys, cheerleaders and majorettes), had he made a ninth lateral.HAD he scored, with the idiot Sun Belt officials already headed to the tunnel, the controversy would be sky high. It's best the game ended as it did.
P.S. Look for Utah's 2006 to be like 2004 all over again....with 16 starters returning.
Jason said:
posted on December 31, 2005 10:19 PM — 24.145.251.96 — link — abuse?
The officiating in this game was the worst I have seen all year and I have seen some really bad officiating. However, Michigan showed they are at the bottom of the Big 10 this year with there lack of performance against one of the weaker teams in the Big 12. It should have never even come down to the last play of the game.
The Big 10 is done with the week teams playing in bowl games. Now it's time for the big guns of the league to flex. Go Big Ten!! Go Bucks!!
Huskers said:
posted on January 1, 2006 3:48 AM — 71.31.192.169 — link — abuse?
Guess what, they wont get another play, game over.
Nebraska wins 32 Michigan 28. Where was the blowout everyone was talking about. The ESPN poll had 80% of the world picking Michigan to win. We beat them and they are still crying. But that is expected because they think 97Michigan could beat 97Nebraska too. 97Michigan is a team that averaged 27 points per game and barely beat a team led by Ryan Leif. The 97Nebraska team averaged 47 points per game and beat the snot out of a team led by Peyton Manning. Face the truth, we beat you now and would have blasted the 97 team also. Face the facts. Or keep crying cause we expect it. Big Red Rolls again!!!Rick G Loschen said:
posted on January 1, 2006 7:55 PM — 216.248.96.146 — link — abuse?
I would just like to know how the huskers became the Rodney dangerfield of collage football? NO RESPECT
when they were one the powerhouses of the 80s and 90s and beat someone soundly they were running up the score and when they beat a ranked team they were lucky. and now that we beat Mich oh it was the refs .these kids earned this win there was nothing givin to them so heads up media people with or without your respect the husker nation will returnokcgary said:
posted on January 2, 2006 11:02 PM — 68.12.92.245 — link — abuse?
Football Officials all over the world - with so many people, sports announcers and fans second-guessing football officials all season long I think it is time for many of you to put up or shut up. As a high school official, I can tell you that one of the worst seats in the house is on the field. don't believe me - then become an official. I think almost every state can use good people who want to invest many hours and money into becoming a football official. Then you can do something about improving the game - work them.
Fan of the Game said:
posted on January 3, 2006 3:41 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
okcgary....I have to agree with you. Being a collegiate official is probably a lot harder than any of us "non-officials" can imagine. Without the benefit if instant replay and the numerous camera angles, we at home are privy to, game officials are expected to be able to make a call and get it right during the play, without hesitation. As a whole, I believe that most of the NCAA officials do an outstanding job under less than admirable circumstances. There are still those few officials, who seem to have a tougher time than other officials at managing a game. As in the case of the Nebraska/Michigan game. I think that a large number of the people who have voiced their dislike of the officiating in that game, were more appauled at the lack of management by the officials, more than any bad call. Of course, there are going to be questionable calls. All games have at least a few plays that are questionable and for the most part the officials get a handle on the situation. With regards to the Nebraska/Michigan game, however, the officials ( or head official, at least) seemed to never have a handle on the close or questionable calls. If video replay is being used to aid officials and clear the air of any doubt on questionable plays, then I think the Sunbelt officials in the Alamo Bowl could have been better prepared. I personally feel that the officiating had nothing to do with the final outcome, however the did leave themselves open to be scrutinized over theor lack of preparation and management of the game. As far as becoming an official, I think I'll pass on that career move. Just the same, I'm not a policeman but I think we should expect all of out uniformed officers to protect and serve. I'm not a gourmet cook, but I do expect a good meal to be prepared when I go to a nice restaruant. Me not being an official doesn't mean I shouldn't hold officials to at least some standard. Again, I appreciate the fact that there are those who chose to be officials and make college football enjoyable and fair for the teams competing and the fans watching the game.
Tom said:
posted on January 3, 2006 8:28 PM — 66.57.67.170 — link — abuse?
What frustrates me about the Nebraska/Michigan game was that except for the pass interference call, every problem with the officiating crew was procedural.
With all due respect, okcgary, not reviewing plays has nothing to do with the official's view of the field. Not being able to distinguish a fumble from an interception on a replay has nothing to do with the view on the field. Letting precious seconds count away before starting the play clock has nothing to do with the view. And not explaining the final play is AWFUL.
I have a good friend who is a high school football ref, and it has really opened my eyes about how difficult calling a game can be. I just felt that the majority of the errors made in this game had nothing to do with how fast the game was played, or by the officials vantage point. They just didn't know how to manage a game. That is simply intolerable.
PSUfannnn said:
posted on January 4, 2006 5:48 PM — 24.53.132.12 — link — abuse?
I agree with earlier comments about Lloyd Carr lobbying officials. When u play at Michigan the stripes should be wearing Michigan colors because opponents have no chance in close games. PSU has been screwed there so many times in recent years that its unbelievable. Receivers catching balls with their feet out of bounds and called in...plays run quickly so there is no replay....seconds added to the clock. Joepa had a legitmate reason to chase the refs down in the tunnel a few years back at Michigan. Maybe some day we can "steal" a game from Michigan, but it sure won't be in the big house.
Michigan Student said:
posted on January 23, 2006 12:39 AM — 67.149.68.178 — link — abuse?
Ok, lemme start by agreeing that Michigan was having a horrible season, and if they had lost this game based on something other than the last play, they deserve it. Lloyd Carr's entire approach this season was to rush three downs into the mass of defenders, maybe occasionally try a third down conversion pass, and pray. And they pulled alot of em out of the fire (Penn State) that, by all rights, they were not playing well enough to win.
But this game is ridiculous. Let's all stop being biased for or against Michigan for a second, stop complaining that refs at the Big House give Michigan favors. The officials, legally bound by the administration for the NCAA AND the Alamo Bowl, did NOT correctly use the replay system. They did NOT tell the Michigan coach that they would give him his time-out back, and after the game said "We would have if he had asked, but we did not tell him he could have it, and that was a mistake."
The last play was questionable, yes, as indeed both teams had players on the field, but it DID affect the result of the play. Number 21, Titus Brothers, tackled the Michigan player. "Seeing as no one from either side made apparent contact with any of the ball carriers or tacklers prior to the play ending..." Sorry, guys, look at the replays, look at the roster, cause Titus Brothers, number 21, was NOT on the field when the play started. The point is not that Nebraska players rushed the field from the sidelines, that isn't the problem. The problem is that a Nebraska player that was on the sidelines rushed onto the field and then tackled the person running the game-winning point. And YES, this was a bad job on the official's part, because they had already LEFT the field!! Since when do you leave the field while the last play is going, even if you think the game is over?Sorry, maybe Michigan wasn't a better team, and they did squander the lead they had, but THEY SHOULD HAVE scored the last touchdown. It's true that the best team doesn't always win, it's true that stuff happens in a game, but when an unacceptable number of plays in the game with important ramifications are botched by the officials WHILE using a replay system...you have to wonder, how any pro-Nebraska person can honestly say that the last play didn't matter. Nebraska played better, even though Michigan was projected to win (though I don't know why, they had wins that were last-second-lets-pray-to-God-we-can-pull-this-off and no doubt affected how they are favored), but that should've been Michigan's game.
Imagine this: what if situations had been reversed, if Nebraska hadn't scored that last touchdown when they did, and they had the last play of the game to decide it, and then they almost pulled it off but the Michigan benchwarmers tackled him at the 13, but the refs were gone and counted it as a Michigan win, you wouldn't be happy, and hell no, it wouldn't have been a fair game.
Too much of football comments by fans is all crap flung around with extreme bias. Sure, Michigan made a lot of miracle come-backs this season against better teams, and had their share of losses, but at least those other games were legal...Gord M said:
posted on April 15, 2006 12:28 PM — 69.193.156.232 — link — abuse?
I want someone to tell me why Eckert allowed himself to be tackled. He had just seen about seven laterals to keep the play alive. He must have been aware that time had expired and that if his team did not score the game would be over and Michigan would lose. What was going on in his head? Had he looked, he would have seen that Breaston was open and had a clear path to the goal. I would love to hear his comments on this. To me, had he lateralled the ball Michigan would have scored and he would have had a key role in what would come to be known as the greatest touchdown in the history of the game. Had it not been allowed it would be known as the greatest controversy in the history of the game.
joe said:
posted on April 15, 2006 5:05 PM — 67.173.133.212 — link — abuse?
Tyler ecker made the worst decision of his career by keeping the ball instead of lateralling the ball to the fastest player on the field right next to him(Steve Breaston). That could have been one of the best plays in histroy next to Cal/stan. Thanks tyler
RestoreTheOrder said:
posted on May 26, 2006 3:16 AM — 68.113.156.93 — link — abuse?
Just to add to the '97 Husker team they beat the Peyton Manning team 42-17 who also had Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, Peerless Price, Al Wilson...Think again Nebraska would've rolled Michigan.
And please stop crying Michigan we beat you and whether we had the whole team on the field or a few in your case, it is still a penalty that offsets itself game over Nebraska won...Next time condition better, cause it is 4 quarters of 15 min ball Nebraska knew that.
mich fan said:
posted on August 11, 2006 12:09 PM — 71.149.168.134 — link — abuse?
hey restoretheorder...how about you read all the posts before you open your mouth again, or take that dick out of your mouth and try saying that again...:P...too many men on the field is a live ball penalty, which means if they did offset, mich would've gotten one more down from the original line of scrimmage.
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Sparty said:
posted on December 30, 2005 10:45 AM — 24.247.208.114 — link — abuse?The Alamo bowl had a fitting ending. All year long Lloyd Carr lobbying officials, then the most pivotal play of the season, and there are NO refs to cry to. I am convinced LC is still sputtering, to himself. This game was a classic!