Two things...
1. OSU was the most penalized team in the country last weekend, with 15 penalties for 105 yards. Georgia was flagged 6 times. OSU had a touchdown called back on a hold and ended up settling for a field goal. You can call holding on nearly any play.
2. Four refs threw flags on that hit. Four flags. All four of them didn't get it wrong. They discussed it on the field. Here is the rule:
9-1-3 (FR-120) (Replaces 9-1-2-l, m, n)
Initiating Contact/Targeting an Opponent
a. No player shall initiate contact and target an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question, it is a foul.
b. No player shall initiate contact and target a defenseless opponent above the shoulders. When in question, it is a foul. (Refer to Points of Emphasis for a description of “Defenseless Player.”)
PENALTY (a-b)—Personal Foul. 15 yards basic spot, or 15 yards from the succeeding spot for dead-ball fouls. Also, automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. (Exception: Penalties for offensive team personal fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line) [S7, S24, S34, S38, S39, S40, S41, S45 or S46]. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].
For Team A foul during free or scrimmage kick plays: Enforcement may be at the previous spot or the spot where the subsequent dead ball belongs to Team B (field goal plays exempted) (Rules 6-1-8, 6-3-13).
Here is
the play on Youtube.
It was a foul. Shoulder pads to the helmet is a foul if the player is defenseless. OSU was flagged for the same thing later in the game. But, finally, let me ask... if the Pokes had settled for a field goal on that possession you have a 4 point swing, making it 20-10, or even if they hadn't scored anything that makes it 17-10. How would that have changed the outcome of the game?
