NCAA’s Protocol Failures and the Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh Game Controversy

Craig Carton criticizes the NCAA after they admitted major protocol failures during the controversial Michigan vs. Western Michigan game. He questions the governing body’s purpose if they cannot reverse questionable calls.

In another game, the Virginia Tech Hokies faced their first defeat of the season, narrowly losing to Pittsburgh 35-33. The game was a thriller. Virginia Tech led early, but Pittsburgh caught up. Both teams exchanged scores in the second half. The Hokies missed a last-second field goal wide to the left, which could have given them a win. Virginia Tech’s kicker, John Love, felt confident he made the kick.

“THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW – UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC, AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!”

The ball seemed to narrowly slip inside the left upright. Fans and Love himself believed it was good, thinking Virginia Tech had achieved its first 5-0 start in years. However, the referees deemed it a miss, dampening the celebration.

Angles and Impressions

Different angles from social media tell conflicting stories. One angle from a fan behind the goal posts suggests it was a good kick. The reaction from fans around confirms this view. However, another angle from behind the kicker suggests the refs were correct. It shows the ball going wide left.

The social media era has given rise to multiple perspectives. One angle from the opposite end of the field seems to argue that the kick was good. These visual discrepancies make the situation more complicated.

NCAA Rulebook Context

The NCAA rulebook states a field goal attempt is not reviewable if the ball crosses above the uprights. This rule applies even if there’s controversy over whether it went between them. Virginia Tech’s attempt went above the uprights, making it non-reviewable.

The NFL and NCAA differ in their rules regarding field goals. The NCAA requires the ball to cross “over the crossbar between the uprights of the receiving team’s goal.” The NFL rules mention the entire ball must pass “through the vertical plane of the goal.” The college rulebook’s lack of detail regarding balls above the uprights leaves room for interpretation.

For further thoughts, Zach Dean from OutKick invites readers to share their opinions. He encourages feedback on the situation and the NCAA’s current procedures.