Florida State won the Orange Bowl over Michigan with a touchdown in the final minute. On the extra point attempt, Michigan was able to block it and return it for a safety. Michigan got the ball back and had 30 seconds left to make a miracle play.
Was FSU offside? Another Michigan game ends with controversial play
DeMarcus Walker might’ve slightly crossed the neutral zone early at the end of the Orange Bowl. He might not have.
Florida State’s defense managed to force a fourth-and-10 for Michigan and quarterback Wilton Speight, and he would throw an interception to seal Florida State’s victory.
On that last play though, it appeared as if Nole defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker may have jumped offside prior to Michigan’s center snapping the ball:
The angle makes it a little tricky to tell exactly where he is when the ball starts moving. Walker does jump, without question. But he starts to do so juuuust as Michigan’s center snaps the ball.
And another look: the moment right when the ball starts moving. Remember, the black line isn’t official and was only placed there by ESPN. Officials are watching the ball:
ESPN
A slightly different frame:
It’s easy to see how Michigan fans are upset and feel there should’ve been another play. We’ll have to wait and see if they will be talking about this officiating call for ages, like they have been with the J.T. Barrett first-down spot in the previous game.
Here’s an excerpt from the NCAA rulebook regarding what constitutes offside:
After the ball is ready for play, offside occurs (Rule 7-1-5) when a defensive player:
a. Is in or beyond the neutral zone when the ball is legally snapped;
Does that happen? It’s not easy to find a frame where he’s unquestionably too far before the ball starts moving, once you account for the angle, so it’s hard to say. It could’ve just been a very lucky jump.
The rest of these are all obviously “nope.”
b. Contacts an opponent beyond the neutral zone before the ball is snapped;
c. Contacts the ball before it is snapped;
d. Threatens an offensive lineman, causing an immediate reaction, before the ball is snapped (A.R. 7-1-3-V Note); Rule 2 / Definitions FR-35
e. Crosses the neutral zone and charges toward a Team A back (A.R. 7-1- 5-III);
An offside would’ve made it fourth-and-5 with 21 seconds to go and Michigan needing about 40 yards to get into long field-goal range, all without star tight end Jake Butt. The Wolverines offense had been ineffective most of the game but decent in parts of the second half, so it would’ve had a shot.
Still, on a play like this where there really isn’t a definitive offside call to be made, let’s not hammer the officials too hard.
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