On 4th-and-1 in the first half of Ohio State’s B1G matchup with Illinois, the Buckeyes were punting. Their Australian punter rolled right for rugby-style punt and knocked the ball downfield.
Ohio State’s punter booted the ball on 4th-and-1 despite Illinois’ entire defense sprinting away from him
Which is fine. He’s a punter, and he punted. But let’s take a closer look.
Oh, dude. Cameron Johnston, the punter, had all kinds of room. The entire Illinois punt coverage team was sprinting away from him, and he needed exactly one yard.
Typically on plays like this, there is a built-in read for the punter to make. If certain defenders do certain things, the punter is given the green light to go ahead and try to pick up the first down. Unfortunately for Ohio State, it doesn’t look like their punter was paying close enough attention. Either that or he just didn’t want to take the risk of getting blown up by a D1 college athlete. Can’t say I blame him if that’s the case.
(via ABC)
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